[4K] Mount Washington Cog Railway

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

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Learn more at www.thecog.com/ Follow us for more content at: facebook.com/DYProd instagram.com/dynamo.productions.trains www.dynamo-productions.com/ Interesting facts about this video: Dynamo Productions' Daniel Day spent over 3 years filming this video. In the shot at the Waumbek water tank the engine's tender has no lettering on it - the road name that you see on the tender was added in post production.

[@ellennewth6305]

My Dad took me on the cog railway when I was a little girl in 1962. We took photos at the summit of Mount Washington. It was a trip I will never forget!

[@e-train765]

Still BLOWS my mind how strong you have to be to be a fireman on one of these locomotives. No stoker, no automated firebox door; scoop coal, open firebox door, shovel in coal, close the firebox door, repeat process; the workout you get just from one trip up the mountain alone 💪

[@dalelittlefield57]

I had the good fortune of working with Eggy for 6 years, what a wonderful man. RIP

[@BDrotar3]

Fantastic stuff! Joe Eggleston, or Eggy, was the engineer on the 9 when you were there. He just passed away a few weeks ago from a hiking accident, and seeing him made me tear up a bit. He was a great guy, and will be missed by a lot of people.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Eggy was a good friend to our crew and played an instrumental role in the making of this video. If you look closely, he was also the fireman on the 2 later on in the video. He will surely be missed!

[@kevinmadore1794]

I first met Joe back in 2008 and have talked with him many times over the years. He was a fine ambassador for the railroad and just an incredibly nice human being. I will miss him and will think of him every time I hear that one, long whistle on the hill.

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

@@kevinmadore1794 I worked in the shop when he started. Hearing impairment didn't hold him back at all. Nice kid.

[@HunterLohseRRVideos]

This is the one all end all video on The Cog. The dedication and photography put into this video as well as the low cloud sequences is simply breathtaking. Love the sound of the teeth on the rack still very prominent even from aways away, I imagine that is the main reason for ear protection for the crew.

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

That is the sound of the ratchet hitting the rack gears. There are ratchet lifters that can be used. If you hear the teeth making that much noise, JUMP!

[@Octopat]

My spirit Home. I had the once in a lifetime chance to stand in the cab of #9 ‘Waumbek’… the railway to the moon will always be my home at heart.

[@cogger]

Fantastic job. You did a great job of capturing the essence of our belove, hard working cog steam engines. Thanks for a great job! Paul

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thank you for watching and contributing, Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jessejames586]

Great video and beautiful photography.

[@pinchy08]

I have a lot of fond memories of the white mountains of New Hampshire. And I’ve never been up Mt Washington yet. New Hampshires highest mountain. Can’t wait to do it on the Cog. Yes the old steam engines are slow, but it’s more my speed. No rush to get to the summit.

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

Plan ahead for a steam engine. They are being phased out.

[@pinchy08]

What? No! They can’t do that. Steam is the attraction. They only have 2 in operation. I’m sure they can keep going for the next 5 years or so.

[@trailwayt9H337]

I am really enjoyed is the view of beautifull mountain railway. Thankyou for your good efforts. Very appreciable work

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Glad you enjoyed

[@chrisbarkerthefirst1776]

I've never seen a railroad like this. This is awesome

[@kevinmadore1794]

This is perhaps the best video I have ever seen of this railroad, as it covers nearly all of the line, including places few people ever go, except on board the train. Nice work Daniel and team!

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thank you, Kevin, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Your photographs of this line definitely inspired some of my shots! - Daniel

[@AhmearClayIombo-dj6di]

Cool Video I Like Mount Washington Cog Railway

[@martinD122]

Steam whistle @ 6min. Is phenomenal

[@kevinpoffenbarger228]

We were out there several years ago, but because of the weather, the train was not operating. The weather at ground level was 78 degrees, sunny and blue skies. On the way up the weather changed drastically. By the time we got to the top through all the cloud cover , the temperature was 36 degrees, total cloud cover and very windy, raining and cold. Nonetheless it was a fantastic vacation to the eastern part of this great country.

[@aceoftrainsproductions745]

Best coverage of this line on KZbin! Fantastic work, Daniel!

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thank you

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

Fantastic video from the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Magnificent railway construction, with phenomenal views. a video of superlatives. Thanks for showing and Happy New Year. kind regards

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks

[@georgeworthington4239]

In the early seventies I went to the Stony Brook School on Long Island with Charley Teague. It was said that his family owned a railroad. He was sometimes called cho cho Charley. He was/is a fine person. While there, he was on the wrestling team. He was a very good wrestler! I recall the team was going to wrestle a school which had county or state champion in a lower weight class than Charley. The coached asked him to loose lots of weight in a hurry to try beat this guy. So Charley started starving and exercising night and day to make weight. He became the school hero for his courage and dedication in this quest. When the match came, sadly Charley was to weak to win. I just read that Charley did run the railroad for a while until his mother sold it. She said Charley wanted to pursue other interests. My little contribution to the history of the Cog Railroad.

[@HM2SGT]

My toddler grand-nephew is fascinated by trains- this distracted him from his terrible twos, & *_I_* loved the visit home. 🫶

[@amtrakharry]

That was and amazing video !!! I will be there riding this in a few day's , can't wait...:):):)

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Have fun!

[@gregkent8955]

Excellent as always. One interesting fact is that the engine and coach are never coupled for safety reasons. Especially when going down the mountain. If the engine looses breaking and starts to free fall down; the coach can apply it's brakes so no one in the coach gets killed. The attendant in the coach uses his brake wheel to stay no more than a foot away from the engine. I know, 'cause I was there in 2007 and stood next to him doing that safety trick. I'll never forget it.

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

So the engine just pushed the car up the incline ?

[@mattsyson3980]

Nice detail. I went up in 2016 and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Sadly my Tee shirt has decomposed and I don't have many pictures of my visit.

[@BMMEC6000]

Insane! Great job as always guys!

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks

[@brianrigsby7900]

@@DynamoProductions-trainshow does she move with pistons pushing in opposite directions?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

It moves forward or backward

[@BMMEC6000]

@@brianrigsby7900 they move in opposite directions I believe.

[@calebness7774]

Rip grandpa loxley this was his pride and joy

[@nathancorcoran5347]

This reminds me of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Yeah, isn’t it funny how a cog railway is like another cog railway

[@nathancorcoran5347]

@@DynamoProductions-trains I know. Both are quite cool.

[@BMMEC6000]

@@DynamoProductions-trains 😂

[@Octopat]

@@DynamoProductions-trains savage.😂

[@scottfreeman3748]

Very nice video 😊 catching all the great angles 😊

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks

[@funtechxtream8753]

Woah! Was not expecting that!

[@BMMEC6000]

Expecting what?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

The Spanish Inquisition

[@funtechxtream8753]

@@BMMEC6000 this railroad

[@BMMEC6000]

@@funtechxtream8753 oh yeah me neither

[@Octopat]

@@funtechxtream8753 the first cog railway in the world Nicknamed “the railway to the moon”

[@danielboone3770]

I love it!

[@SimonTog]

Wow very cool, nice video :)

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Glad you enjoyed

[@mariothomas102]

I had the privilege to take a ride down on one of these , but luck and chance, me and some friends a few years ago hiked and climbed some parts of Washington absolutely beautiful day it was ... till we reached the hut in clouds everything changed and it got bad 80+ winds and monsoon rains little did we know the hut was closed they were working on it so we couldn't seek shelter at all and there were others up there as well we were screwed lol so we decided there was no way to head down the way we came it would've been dangerous so we went for it and it was like we were on the moon when we were up there we brought all the right gear it didn't matter and let me add the temp was 72 when we started drop to the 40z it was a experience. We got to the top got dry had some soup and tea and fruit everyone was so nice and we got a ride down extremely grateful for it don't remember the # of the train tho but if anyone from there read this tk you for everything. Great video

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks for the story

[@mikesenginesandadventures]

This video is superb!

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

One of the most intimidating sights I have seen is when in the engine coming onto Long Trestle going down. Been there, done that. It's like jumping out of a plane with no parachute.

[@victorpaul904]

🇮🇳💐🍁🌹❤️🥰🥰👌 I love you Mount Washington cog railways 🍁🌹♥️💐🇮🇳

[@mumumaaaah]

Dynamo productions I love all steam side rodded geared or cog

[@lihatjalanan1979]

Love your video !

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thanks

[@Bushkid11]

I have something similar here in Tasmania! It's called the west coast wilderness railway and it uses a similar system called the abt system

[@kindredhawk]

What a grade!… and gear ratio lol. Bucket list.

[@yogeshkumar-xy1pc]

Super

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

Very cool I know number 10 is retired but at this point which of the other steam locomotives are still operational

[@Octopat]

Sadly only #2 and #9 are operated, all others have been retired to display or scrapped, i believe that #’s 3,4,and 6 I’d like to say are still around (excluding #1 ‘peppersass’)

[@kevinmadore1794]

As others have noted, #2 and #9 are maintained as operational locomotives. There are 3 other intact engines on the property. These include the #3 and #6, which could potentially be rebuilt, if the railway so chose. The #1 (“Mt Washington”, not the old Peppersass) is intact, but badly deteriorated as it was retired probably 20 years ago. The boiler and frame for #8 was around until a couple of years ago. I have not seen it lately. The #4 is displayed at Twin Mountain and the #10 is displayed at Fabyan’s Station, at the entrance to the base road. That should account for all 8 locomotives.

[@TexasRailfan21-RailfanRyan]

@@kevinmadore1794 very interesting and cool it’s great that the Mount Washington cog railway still runs steam. It’s sad that the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway no longer runs steam and it looks like steam could never returned to the summit of pikes peak

[@carolveinote7033]

I would like to see some photos of how the men got down from the mountain at the end of the day while the cog was under construction.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

The Cog has an entire page about this on their website! www.thecog.com/the-devils-shingle

[@west_side_9]

Basically sleds

[@MultiCrusher2]

i wonder how they fill those fuel tanks at the top of the mountain?

[@peterwhyte317]

Lovely video, thank you. What is the braking system?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it. To answer your question, the locomotives use "Atmospheric Braking," a term that was actually patented by the railroad's founder, Sylvester Marsh. Air is drawn in through the side stack in the exhaust system, and compressed by the locomotive's four pistons. The engineer controls the braking by adjusting how much air is let out to "atmosphere." The coaches use traditional hand brakes. There are two break wheels in the coach, one for each axle.

[@SantaFe19484]

Awesome video! Did you have to hike or drive up the mountain to get any of those shots? What would be the best time of year to come as far as weather goes?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

You can drive to the top and bottom of the mountain, otherwise everything else shown requires walking up or down the mountain. The weather at Mount Washington is famously unpredictable, varying even by the minute. Generally you’re fine on the bottom, but the top simply requires luck that the weather stays stable.

[@inge9999]

Im Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten!

[@lintaskeretaapi]

Ini sangat luar biasa

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Terima kasih

[@jessejames586]

What did you use to shoot this video? The quality is excellent.

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

The video was filmed over the course of several years. At the onset of the project a Nikon D5100 was used, as the project went on the shooting switched to a Lumix S5.

[@Weeklydoseofrailways]

Nice capture... Can I use some part of this video in my train compilation video credit to you in video will be given

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

I'm afraid we have to say no, while the normal rule is, if asked, we say yes as long as it's not monetized, the Federal parks and State parks involved in this video also have restrictions on use of footage taken on their land.

[@Weeklydoseofrailways]

@@DynamoProductions-trains ok no problem... thanks for reply

[@Vortran]

Did this engine burn wood at one time? Asking because of the spark arrester I thought was mostly (only?) for wood burning steam engines?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Yes, the cog engines originally burned wood. They were converted to coal in 1910.

[@AR9952]

When usually the train runs to mountain ?

[@bastouneuroatypicmusic6885]

THIS is AMERICAAAAAAA !

[@inge9999]

Jawohl!

[@bastouneuroatypicmusic6885]

@@inge9999 yes because americans are 80% Germans !!!!!!

[@brianrigsby7900]

How does she move with one set of pistons going forward and another set going in reverse? Seems counterintuitive

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

And yet they both go forward

[@brianrigsby7900]

@@DynamoProductions-trains the counterweights looked like they were going in reverse

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Both counterweights move a cog wheel forward

[@SimplyTakuma]

Its sad to see they have only two steam locomotives.

[@Octopat]

At one point they had 10, only 2 operate but there are 5-6 total left ( I could be wrong so don’t nail me)

[@kevinmadore1794]

I don’t believe there were ever more than 8 steam locomotives in service on the railroad at any one time. Seven engines are still intact. The 8 is the only one that is not. That said, the railroad only plans to operate the 2 and the 9.

[@gregkent8955]

Another change since 2007; looks like they converted the one remaining manual switch where a man jumps out and tries to see how fast he can flip all the pieces to complete the switch. Oh well

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

That is true. All the old switches have been replaced.

[@Redwagon2012]

Btw I'm going here for my birthday in 2023

[@jacquesblaque7728]

Seems to me, if they insist on using bituminous coal in the steamers, they might look into providing secondary combustion air, and maybe do as some Brits, insisting on small shovelfuls often.

[@tomyrail7468]

oo u work there?

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

No we just documented, but one of our friends who fires the steam locomotives contributed GoPro footage in the cab.

[@patriciacarrilloruiz1296]

Dy

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

These coal burning engines are not used anymore

[@DynamoProductions-trains]

Yes, they are. They are not used for every trip on the Mt Washington Cog Railway, but they are still used for one trip a day for 4 months of the year.

[@JB-np5xi]

Just say no to diesel....

[@Pocketfarmer1]

The diesels are depressing.