Media Photos: The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Media Resources: Photos

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Cog Railway Diesel at Mt. Washington Summit

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Mount Washington Cog Railway Biodiesel train at Mt. Washington Summit

Cog Railway Diesel approaching Mt. Washington Summit

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Mount Washington Cog Railway biodiesel locomotive approaching Mt. Washington Summit

Cog Railway Diesel ascending Mt. Washington

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Mount Washington Cog Railway biodiesel train ascending Mt. Washington

Cog Railway Diesel embarking for Mt. Washington Summit

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Mount Washington Cog Railway biodiesel embarking for Mt. Washington Summit

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A 19th Century woodcut showing Peppersass, the locomotive that built the railway, on Jacob's ladder.

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Peppersass (so named because it looked like a pepper sauce bottle) between 1866 and 1869 transported all the timber used to build the nearly three miles of track, which was virtually all constructed on trestle work for the world's first mountain climbing cog railway. This powerful little engine is on display at the Marshfield Base Station Museum.

Three generations of Cog Railway Technology

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Twenty First Century meets Nineteenth Century - actually 1869, when the first mountain cog railway in the world was built in New Hampshire! "Peppersass", the wood fired locomotive that was the first to climb the mountain in 1869, looks on from its permanent display at the Marshfield Base Station Outdoor Museum while the new biodiesel locomotive and a coal fired steam train begin their climb to the 6,288 ft. peak of Mount Washington - the highest in the Northeastern USA!

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The number 9 leaves Marshfield Base station crossing the Ammonoosuc River on one of the steepest sections of the Cog Railway track.

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Autumn view of the Ammonoosuc Valley

Winners of the 'Name That Train' Contest

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Governor Dedicates the Mount Washington Cog Railway's First Biodiesel Locomotive

BRETTON WOODS, NH  - September 6, 2008 - Governor John Lynch dedicated the newest locomotive at the Mount Washington Cog Railway today and opened a new era in the 139-year history of the world's first, mountain-climbing cog railway. The traditional bottle of Ammonoosuc River water was broken on the engine's cab, and an American flag, draping the side of the cab was removed to reveal the name of the Cog Railway's first biodiesel locomotive, Wajo Nanatasis. The name, pronounced "Wadzo Nanna-tassis" is Abenaki for "Mountain Hummingbird" and was selected from many entries in a "Name That Train" Contest.

For the first forty years of Cog's operation, wood-fired boilers powered the train to the 6,288-foot summit. Around 1910, more efficient coal was introduced. Each six-mile round trip consumes a ton of coal and 1,000 gallons of water. The inauguration of Wajo Nanatasis signals the intention to supplement the coal-fueled locomotives with several biodiesel engines, which will diminish emissions and conserve the use of fossil fuels. Wajo Nanatasis was designed and built on site, at the base of Mount Washington, by Cog Railway personnel led by Chief Engineer, Al LaPrade.

The Saturday ceremonies, which drew approximately 300 people to Marshfield Station, opened at 11:00 a.m. with a greeting from Joel Bedor, who, with other local businessmen, purchased the railway in 1983. Mr. Bedor briefly reviewed their 25 years of stewardship of the Cog Railway, bringing it into the 21st century and introducing Multiple improvements such as more coaches; new automatic, solar-powered switches; bringing a commercial power source to the base station; miles of new track; the 1984 completion of the new Marshfield Station, the inauguration of winter operations and finally the new biodiesel locomotive, "The biggest innovation since 1869."

Mr. Bedor introduced William P. Veillette, executive director of the New Hampshire Historical Society. Mr. Veillette recounted the history of the Cog and the achievements of its inventor, Sylvester Marsh. He quoted from several contemporary accounts that reflected the public's initial skepticism then avid appreciation of Marsh's marvel. Concluding with the most recent improvements to the original operation, Mr. Viellette said:  "As New Hampshire residents, we should all feel very proud of these accomplishments. I want to personally thank Al LaPrade and his team for giving us the opportunity to witness history rather than read about it in books."

Mr. Bedor then introduced Wayne Presby, president of the Cog Railway, by recalling their relative youth when they assumed ownership of the venture, and cited Mr. Presby's "vision and persistence" as the force behind the quarter century of progress.

Mr Presby began his remarks by noting that this occasion was the first dedication of a new locomotive since 1983. Presby also reflected on Sylvester Marsh's motivation to proceed despite sharp public ridicule adding, "Marsh adhered to that inventive spirit which is today embodied by our General Manager Charlie Kenison and Chief Engineer, Al LaPrade." Laughter greeted Presby's mention that most of LaPrade's career was devoted to working at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on nuclear submarines � a career spanning several epochs of engineering science.

"Al LaPrade is one of the most talented engineers I have ever met. He has immersed himself in the operations of the Cog Railway to get a full understanding of its intricacies. He routinely works as a brakeman on the passenger coaches when he is not doing engineering work or when passenger demand necessitates it. Most engineers do not have the opportunity to do this or are not allowed to take the time to do this. As a result his designs have been flawless and have worked without compromise right out of the blocks. Without his assistance and skills we would not be able to accomplish the goals we have set for the operation."

Presby emphasized that the biodiesel project was a New Hampshire initiative that drew on local companies for expertise, assistance and even fabrication. Presby briefly discussed a company that he has formed to manufacture biodiesel fuel at a plant in nearby Haverhill, NH. White Mountain Biodiesel, LLC will be capable of producing 3-5 million gallons of biodiesel per year.

Mr. Presby concluded his remarks by highlighting some distinctive features of the new locomotive. The 617 horse-power engine is governed by a custom-designed computer system that will shorten the round trip to the summit from three hours to two while monitoring every detail of the vehicle and track.

Mr. Bedor next introduced former NH Governor and candidate for U.S. Senate, Jeanne Shaheen. He recalled her dedication to supporting tourism in the state and mentioned several initiatives that particularly benefited the North Country.

Governor Shaheen spoke briefly of the importance of tourism, "an industry that brings  $4.3 billon into our state every year and supports 67,000 full and part-time jobs." She singled out the Cog Railway's heritage of overcoming skepticism to become a leading attraction. "And today we see a new energy initiative at the Cog Railway, part of what is happening across the country, moving our nation toward energy independence. It is a testimony to the Bedors and Presbys, " she concluded, adding to the crowd's laughter: "You know, Mr, Marsh was a lot like the Bedors and Presbys."

To introduce incumbent Governor John Lynch and his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch, Mr Bedor spoke of the Governor's support of tourism and attention to North Country concerns.

Governor Lynch began by thanking the Cog owners for their commitment to New Hampshire. "And today, we recognize their contribution to the environment, and environment that we pass on to our children. The Governor noted that the biodiesel project fit into the state's "25 by 25" initiative to move New Hampshire toward increased energy independence. His concluding remarks were met with laughter: "Wayne told me that I'm going to drive the locomotive. Wayne, I've never driven a locomotive! I hope it is Governor-friendly."

As the ceremonies approached the unveiling of the locomotives new name, Joel invited Ruth and Larry Kirkman of Brookville Pennsylvania, the winners of the contest to name the locomotive, onto the dais. Mr. Bedor explained that they had driven 700 miles to attend the ceremony. He then invited Mr. Presby to take the microphone to announce the new name. "He can't pronounce it," Mr Presby joked. "It is Wajo Nanatasis."

Bedor resumed by explaining how the name was selected. He mentioned Cathy Belcher of Jackson, NH who had suggested the name "Abenaki Hummingbird." Belcher had wanted a name that honored the Native American heritage of Mount Washington, while describing "little workhorses with tiny environmental footprints."

All on the platform were invited to gather at the track where Charlie Kenison and Al LaPrade  undraped the American flag that had covered the name of the locomotive. The Governor then broke the bottle of Ammonoosuc Water on the chassis of the engine and mounted the cab. Waving from the window of the cab, Lynch cried "Everybody clear out!" and pushed the joystick that controls the motion of the locomotive.  Wajo Nanatasis had entered into history.

    The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a National Historic Engineering Landmark. Its first locomotive, Old Peppersass, reached the summit of Mount Washington on July 3, 1869, making it the world's first mountain climbing railroad using a toothed cogwheel to engage the rack between the rails.

    Old Peppersass is on display at the Marshfield Station, and the Cog Railway Museum, which is full of memorabilia and the rich history of this pioneering railroad, is free and open to the public.

For more information about The Cog Railway, please call 800-922-8825, 603-278-5404 in New Hampshire

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BRETTON WOODS, N.H. - From Old Peppersass to Kro-Flight, the names of the steam locomotives that have plied the slopes of the Northeast's highest peak for nearly 140 years are a part of the history of the Mount Washington Cog Railway. 
With the debut this summer of the Cog's newest engine, which runs on biodiesel fuel, a new chapter in the 139-year railroad history is about to be written. 
But first, that engine needs a name and for that, a contest is underway to find the perfect moniker. 
"Our seven other locomotives have Native American names from around the area," said Charlie Kenison, the general manager of the Cog. The names of the steam engines include Agiocochook, Ammonoosuc,  Chocorua, Moosilauke, Kancamagus, Kro-Flight and Waumbek. 
When Old Peppersass climbed the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, it became the first mountain-climbing cog-driven train in the world. It was built in 1866 and originally called Hero, although the name was quickly changed because the unique construction of the engine, with its oddly-titled boiler, made it resemble pepper sauce bottles of the day. 
Throughout its history, the Mount Washington Cog Railway has had wood and coal fired engines making their way up the three mile track to the summit. Each trip requires over one ton of coal and 1,000 gallons of water to move the 18-ton engine. 
For the past several years, Cog crews have been working to develop a more environmentally friendly locomotive. Led by Al Laprade, a retired mechanical engineer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the shop crew balanced the unique character of the Cog with 21st century technology. The new biodiesel locomotive will burn much cleaner than its forebears. 
Names for the new locomotive can be entered at the Cog's website - www.thecog.com. All entries must be received by Aug. 29 and the winner will be invited to ride the new biodesisel train and join Governor and Dr. Lynch at the dedication of the locomotive on Sept. 6. 
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a National Historic Engineering Landmark
Old Peppersass is on display at the Marshfield Base Station, and the Cog Railway Museum, which is full of memorabilia and the rich history of this pioneering railroad, is open. Admission is free to the museum.

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Cog Railway Owners Celebrate 25 Years

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The Cog Railway, the world's first mountain climbing railroad utilizing toothed cog gears, rack rails and tilted boilers, has been bringing visitors to the top of Mount Washington for nearly 140 years. Spectacular scenery unfolds during the 3-mile journey as the Cog climbs skyward.

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The Cog Railway's Marshfield Station, located in Bretton Woods, NH, may be reminiscent of stations from the era of train travel, but it offers modern amenities, including restroom facilities, a restaurant, gift shop and museum. The Cog Railway, built in 1869, is the world's first mountain climbing cog railway, utilizing toothed cog gears, rack rails and tilted boilers for its 3-mile ascent of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

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For a truly unique winter experience, the Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, NH can't be beat. Long a summer attraction, the world's first mountain climbing cog railroad utilizing toothed cog gears, rack rails and tilted boilers, chugs nearly halfway up the snowy slopes of Mount Washington, offering spectacular views of the Presidential Range covered in snow. The passenger cars are heated.

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The Cog Railway's Marshfield Station opened in 1994, replacing the old log structure that was built in the 1930s. The new station, while built in the grand tradition of bygone railroad stations, features a wrap-around deck that has commanding views of the Presidential Range and Bretton Woods. The Cog Railway, built in 1869, is the world's first mountain climbing cog railway, utilizing toothed cog gears, rack rails and tilted boilers for its 3-mile ascent of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

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New Hampshire's Cog Railway, the world's first mountain climbing railroad utilizing toothed cog gears, rack rails and tilted boilers, was a feat of engineering built in 1869 to bring visitors to the top of Mount Washington. To navigate the slopes of the Northeast's highest peak, the track is also an engineering feat. The most famous section is called Jacob's Ladder, the steepest grade on the entire railway. With a grade of over 37 percent, it is the steepest such track in the country. 
Just how steep is a 37 percent grade? At that incline, the heads of the passengers in the front of the coach are 13 feet higher than the heads of the passengers seated in the back.

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For more information, contact The Cog at 1-800-922-8825 or in New Hampshire at 603-278-5404. Email: media@thecog.com

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Ride the steepest mountain climbing train in America to the top of Mount Washington - the highest peak in New England!

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Media Resources: Photos

Ride the steepest mountain climbing train in America
to the top of Mount Washington - the highest peak in New England!

Mount Washington
Cog Railway