I thought I had a large layout until I started doing the math for risers. Mine go up the bare minimum for clearance at 3% and they still run the length of my baseboard (64"). But I was determined to have my folded figure-eight so that I can have a really long run, and also disguise a little bit the whole "going around in circles" feeling.Woodland Scenics makes incline risers in different grades. I limit my layout to the 2%. Oh and make sure you use easements on elevation changes.