The base of my layout is all

The base of my layout is all foam.  On the grades I laid my base layer at the lowest point and used Woodland Scenics foam incline pieces.  http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/INCLDECLSET/page/1

Another option that I tried in the past but decided not to use again was to actually lay the base sheets at an angle and sand transitions into the area where it met the level parts of the layout.  It was a lot more work than using the WS inclines.

Ditto on the WS inclines

I also used the Woodland Scenics foam inclines (for my doodlebug track) and found out they worked very well.

WS Foam Risers

My layout is plywood sub roadbed, however I use WS Foam Risers (2% grade) for inclines.

I had to create a grade I

I had to create a grade I hadn't planed on when I expanded my shelf layout:

I used  this tool (SURFORM SHAVER 21-115) to make a cut in the new foam :

It wasn't that hard to make a smooth grade and make transitions. It is, however, messy.

woodland Scenics Foam Risers

I would stagger the level of your bench work to keep your foam base around 2".  In your case I would have one bench at zero, one at 2 inches, one at 5 inches, and one at 8 inches.  Then, I would transition from each level using WS foam risers. 

Keep in mind that turnouts do not need to be level.  They only need to be on the same plane as the track leading into and out of them.

Art

Risers Under Foam

The WS risers produce a constant grade, but need to be covered with plaster or glueshell before laying track: otherwise there are huge gaps between the zig-zags.
Plus the styrefoam is brittle--the thin end especially-- and takes paint horribly

One method that produces a smooth grade and transition is to place the WS risers UNDER the pink foam:

That created a grade from base to 2", though the technique works using even 1/2" foam (you can see in next-to-last photo, upper right corner).

The trick is to have the piece of pink foam long enough to extend past the WS riser to caulk/anchor on the base & elevated sections.
This helps create a smooth gradual transition from flat to grade and back.

Hope this helps.

WS risers?

  Do they come in 3.5 percent? That looks about like the grade from the "town" turnout up to the "up 2 inch " turnout. I never use foam roadbed but if I had to I'd probably use some kind of cookie cutter technique to slope the foam ramps and skip the WS parts...DaveB

Woodland Scenic is good but...

I could use the WS 2% for a section of my Coast Line but all other sections are at grades not standard for WS.  I could make my own ramps or carve the grade out of the subroadbed.  Has anybody tried these methods?

Grade

   On mine I laid the foam where I needed th grade and used a long Surform rasp to form the grade. This kept my grade smooth and in line for it's entire length. Plastered over it and ready to put on road bed and track. Made for smooth transitions on both top and bottom.

Forming the grade

Bing,

How did you measure the grade to rasp it to the correct form?

Measuring the grade

   What I use is a short level from Sears that can be set to show a percent grade. I roughed in the grade according to the level, then cut the foam to a close 2% grade with a knife. After checking it I simply used a Surform rasp to get it even closer. Once I was down to the fine tune stage I applied some sheetrock mud, one quick touch with the rasp and then a sanding block to smooth it all out. A final check with the level, on the money at 2% and that was it.

   I was surprised as to how easy it turned out to be. Used the same method on a couple of other spots on the layout and were just as easy to do. One spot required a straight edge as it is spanning a low marshy are for a distance but both ends are now at the same % grade. Just have to put in the pilings and stringers before track crew shows up.

   Hope this helps.

Make your own..

It's pretty easy to make your own inclines, and save some money over the WS stuff 

diezmon- Beautiful.  How'd

diezmon-

Beautiful.  How'd you cut all that?  Hot wire cutter?

Jeff

I think Diez has a good idea.

I think Diez has a good idea.  If your grades are straight, just cut a blank out of 2-in think foam (or laminate 2 or more layers or 1-in together).  Turn it on its side and sand/plane it down to grade.  If you happen to use an electric palm sander (really quick method), make sure you wear a dust mask.  Do not ask me how I know this.  Duh.

If you have a "smart phone"

Hey,

If you have a smart phone you can download an app that will show you inclines.

I'm on android and have an app called "Clinometer" which is terrifyingly clever.

There are apps like this for iPhone and Windows phones as well, I think?

"Clinometer" was the best of prices, as well; free.