When was the Swiss system built? The Mt Washington Cog was the first in the World, opening in 1869. I assume technology advanced as each newer system was built. For instance Darren's photos show the Swiss track and bed to be very different from the Mt Washington Cog. The Pikes Peak Cog also looks different from photos I've seen.
When the Pikes Peak Cog retired their Steam Engines [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] They purchased these Gasoline / Diesel powered locomotives from the Swiss [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] Then upgraded again with more Swiss equipment [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] What's different in the ones on this Chapter of RR Adventures is these are Electric so they tend to run quieter; not silent but lack of diesel noise [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT][/FONT] [/FONT] [/FONT]
Aha, so now you tell us. I'd be happy to have a house next to an electric cog line...except for gawking tourists with cameras, D&H folks from CO excepted. :uhoh: BTW, the latest Pikes Peak equipment is B O R I N G .
2004 : European Vacation - Switzerland Approaching Spycher Tunnel on a 48 Degree Grade!!!!!!! [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT]
What amazes me is thinking about when this project was just an idea, and how they decided it would be worth taking on.
You should see the Hotel that's up top! Part of what I learned about the Swiss while visiting is they do everything in the most direct / little waste method as possible. When you go to your hotel the soap is this little nothing of a bar as they have calcualted exactly how much soap a person should use in a day and give you nothing more than that. They have master the art of making the most of the little they have and it's absolutely beautiful in every direction you look...
2004 : European Vacation - Switzerland Ämsigen - Passing / Siding [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT]
2004 : European Vacation - Switzerland Another Passing / Siding shot... [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT]
Fascinating switch mechanism. It looks elaborate, but I assume that with only one moving part it's more reliable than having the points and cog rail move independently.
Very much different, and I think Hank's right, you probably have to do something like that. On a second look, kind of like a cross between a turnout and a transfer table?
2004 : European Vacation - Switzerland Yes, you are seeing a grade change coming up... [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT]
I thought I could, I thought I could, but what the heck is that ahead...You Gotta Be Kidding. :wideeyes:
