As a lapsed modeler (30+ years, since HS grad/military svce.) I have recently begun to peruse model railroad websites, including MRH as well as Walthers and Bing Maps. I am finding viewing prototype ROW and facilities to be very informative. It has provided many ideas for features I might include on my (distant future) layout. Particularly useful is the birds eye view feature which I find interesting to follow abandoned rails, orphaned bridge piers and other neglected facilities in addition to interesting industries and real small towns.

Found this thru the Google:

http://books.google.com/books?id=i-5myZhNxksC&printsec=frontcover&dq=logging&source=bl&ots=HdlxpxKp2x&sig=C9lfeLt3r1k-kc9MeBCfG2eUaV8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sekHUJjnHtO20AHC4KDXAw&ved=0CF8Q6AEwCDgU#v=onepage&q=logging&f=false

I'm looking at various ideas for creating a view barrier for a track going into a staging area, and one idea I've got is to use a roadway overpass over the track, with the track curving behind the bridge structure after it passes below the bridge.

My question is, what are typical gradients used for road bridges?  A little more info: the bridge will be in an early 60s era layout, the road will be two lane concrete leading out of the business district of a small town, and I'd like the grade to be as steep as realistically possible.

I have a factory installed Tsunami (TSU-1000) in a Athearn Genesis MP15AC.

I have a question that has had me puzzled for some time now – and that’s the break squeal.  I can’t seem to get it to work on my engine?  Pressing various as-listed function keys gets me what I believe is the air break sound – but coming to a stop I hear nothing.

Pressing the Option button on the PowerCab (default for brake) it just stops completely.