The Mount Washington Cog Railway is sometimes described as traveling from New Hampshire to the Arctic Circle in one hour. Despite the railroad’s relatively short length of three miles, this impressively steep line travels through four distinctive climate zones as it scales the western slope of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. With an average grade of 25% and a maximum grade of 36.6%, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is the steepest railway in the United States and the second steepest railway in the world. To navigate the steep grades, the line utilizes a “rack and pinion” system, where toothy wheels at the center of the train, referred to as pinions or cogs, grab onto a special rack rail to pull the train up the grade.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway was completed in 1869 and is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and is one of the oldest railroads built exclusively as a tourist line. The founder, Sylvester Marsh, wanted to provide an easier way for visitors to reach the top of Mount Washington. For much of its existence, the railroad was almost an exclusively steam operation, first burning wood and later coal. However, in 2008, the railroad began a transition to clean biodiesel as its primary motive power. Still, two coal-fired steam locomotives remain in operation and two to three steam departures are offered daily during the summer and early fall.
Steam Locomotive MW2 derives from a locomotive built in 1875 by the Manchester Locomotive Works in New Hampshire. The original locomotive had a vertical boiler. Following a shop fire in 1895, the 2 was rebuilt and now has a horizontal boiler.
Steam Locomotive MW9 was originally built in 1908 by Alco-Manchester Locomotive Works with the current horizontal boiler configuration. This was the first locomotive to enter the fleet as a coal burner. The 9 also burned biodiesel for a short period of time before reverting back to coal.
Both steam locomotives have their boilers tilted forward to compensate for the steep grade. Their only driving wheels are the center cog wheels with the wheels on the outer rails simply functioning as “skis.” These locomotives have been extensively rebuilt and modified over the years to improve safety and performance and few, if any, of their original parts remain. Although the designs have been updated, they still pay full respect to the vision Sylvester Marsh had over 150 years ago.
The Cog’s fleet of seven biodiesel locomotives was designed and built in-house between 2008 and 2019. This video features the very first test run of the latest biodiesel locomotive, M7, which was a success.
Although Mt. Washington is only 6,288 feet in height, its geographical location places it at the intersection of three major storm fronts. As a result, the summit has a Tundra climate and a reputation for being home to “the world’s worst weather.” However, when not in the clouds, the summit provides stunning panoramic views. On clear days, visitors can see as far away as the Atlantic Ocean, the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, and even Canada.
In this video, New Hampshire native Daniel Day captures images along the entire length of the line, illustrating the natural beauty of Mt. Washington and 150+ years of the Cog’s history, engineering, and innovation.
Disclaimer: This video was produced under special arrangements with the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mt. Washington State Part, and White Mountain National Forest. The entire right of way lies on private property and is abutted by State and Federal land. Commercial videographers and photographers are requested to obtain permission from the respective property managers prior to filming.
Railfans are also advised that many locations featured in this video are only accessible via a strenuous hike. Mt. Washington is known for its unpredictable weather, even below the summit. All hikers are urged to use caution and carry the ten essentials for hiking.
00:00 Intro
01:00 Base Station
03:14 Departure to Summit
07:02 Cold Spring Hill
07:54 Waumbek Tank
08:18 Upper Waumbek Switch
10:14 Half-Way House
10:56 Jacob's Ladder (The Steepest Section!)
11:43 Short Trestle
11:50 Long Trestle
12:27 Skyline - Westside Trail
13:33 In the Clouds - Gulfside Trail/ Appalachian Trail
14:15 Approaching the Summit
17:49 Summit
18:47 Departure to Base Station
22:35 Gulfside Trail/ Appalachian Trail
23:54 Descending Long Trestle
24:30 Descending Short Trestle
24:49 Descending Jacob's and Half-Way House
25:43 Upper Waumbek Switch Inspection
27:32 Waumbek Siding
29:00 Base Station Arrival
30:41 Work Train
31:00 M7's First Test Run
33:56 Biodiesels
34:51 Credits
36:02 Dumping Ash
