Re: curve and grading rules on the D&RGW and other Colorado NG

Here is what I am using and the reasons: Minimum radius 21" in the Black Canyon, 24" radius on the "hill". Couple of things at play here, I run brass and restrict my K-27 below Cimarron hence the 21" curves. The C-21's do fine on the smaller radius though. Blackstone C-19's do fine on either segment. Grades: tough here as I had a 4% planned for the "hill" to Cerro Summit. Not going to happen. I had to reduce it to 3% as neither the C-21 or C-19's would pull the 4%. Go figure the "oldest" locomotives work and the "modern" stuff dies. I do use Bullfrog Snot on the rear set of drivers on the C-19's, now they get four passenger cars up the 'hill". Paul