A few weeks ago, a coal hopper lettered for the Spiral Hill railroad was spotted on Roy Hoffman's S scale Pennsylvania based layout.  Seems as though the hopper has made it South of the Chicago area to the coal fields in Illinois.  Here it is in a Milwaukee Road yard.

A week later it's empty and being moved via the Chicago Northwestern Road near Aberdeen, South Dakota.  Photo #2

I'm drafting some ideas for my first layout (n scale) and in a part of the layout i may need a 3% grade.

I know it's depend on the engine but how bad is? and what can i do to lessen the problem?

I was viewing this interesting Cleveland area roundhouse on Google Maps (found at 41.474953,-81.675571) and wonder about two things - perhaps someone can assist. Who operates it? It appears to be the remnant of a much larger one. History? Would seem to be tailor made for inclusion on several era layouts. Second, what is the neighboring industry that interconnects several large buildings with a long pipe system. Again, more to consider as a basis for a proto-based freelance operation.

Problem truck has to be replaced - Do present trucks just pull out or how should they be removed safely.

Thanks

Tom -Australia