Over 150 years ago, innovation drove Sylvester Marsh to employ cutting-edge nineteenth-century transportation technology – the steam locomotive – for his unique railway. Today, that spirit of innovation continues at the modern Cog Railway, echoing Marsh’s forward-thinking approach by embracing contemporary solutions.
The introduction of M1 in 2008 from our engine shop marked a significant milestone for Mount Washington. This locomotive, the first operational diesel-powered engine in our history, was primarily conceived by mechanical engineer Al Laprade and General Manager Charley Kenison. Built entirely on-site by the Cog’s dedicated shop crew, the M1 represented a $750,000 investment in sustainable technology.
Senior Engineer Phil Beroney had the distinct honor of piloting M1 on its inaugural passenger journey to the summit. Proudly adorned with its temporary Abenaki livery, Wajo Nanatasis (Mountain Hummingbird), M1 performed exceptionally, proving its reliability and efficiency. It remains a crucial biodiesel workhorse in our fleet today.
Building upon the resounding success of M1, we accelerated our production efforts, introducing a new biodiesel locomotive roughly every 18 months. By 2019, we celebrated the completion of M7, our seventh biodiesel locomotive, further solidifying our commitment to this green technology.
Each of these robust machines is powered by a potent 600hp John Deere marine engine, managed by a sophisticated computerized operating system. This system ensures optimal performance and efficiency. Hydraulic pressure delivers a substantial 30,000 ft-lbs of torque to each of the two drive cogs situated beneath the locomotive. This immense power is essential for hauling the train up the steep mountain inclines. For safety and control, a redundant air brake system is in place to provide reliable braking and parking capabilities. However, during regular descent, hydraulic pressure is also employed to smoothly guide the train back down to Marshfield Base Station, showcasing the advanced engineering of these biodiesel locomotives.
Compared to traditional steam engines, our biodiesel locomotives offer significant advantages. They are more economical to operate, simpler to maintain, and notably more environmentally friendly. A round trip of nearly 7 miles consumes only 18-22 gallons of biodiesel fuel. In stark contrast, our steam locomotives require a staggering 1000 gallons of water and a ton of coal to complete the same journey. This substantial difference highlights the efficiency and sustainability of biodiesel as a fuel source in heavy-duty applications like railway transport.
With the addition of M7 and the continued operation of two meticulously refurbished steam locomotives, we now boast the largest locomotive fleet in the railway’s history. Looking ahead, innovation remains at the forefront as M8 is already under development, promising further advancements in our biodiesel technology.
We take immense pride in our fleet of biodiesel locomotives. These powerful and eco-conscious machines are paving the way for the Cog Railway to continue delivering one of the world’s most remarkable rail experiences well into the 21st century and beyond. By embracing biodiesel, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship in the transportation industry.
