Classic Steam and Modern Biodiesel Locomotives
From the day our original locomotive #1 Hero (nicknamed Peppersass) first reached the summit in 1869 up until 2008, the Cog was a steam railroad. While it was primarily designed to build the railway, Peppersass saw passenger service until it was retired in 1878.
As more locomotives were added over time, the wood fired engines gave way to coal, and the odd looking vertical boilers took on the more traditional horizontal orientation (although tilted to compensate for the steep mountain grades).
Today, two coal-fired steam locomotives (both manufactured in New Hampshire at the Manchester Locomotive Works) continue to work the rails on Mount Washington: MW2 (Ammonoosuc), built in 1875, and MW9 (Waumbek), built in 1908. Of course both of these machines have been rebuilt many times over the years to meet modern safety and performance standards, and there is little left of the original mechanical components. But in essence, these treasures of 19th century technological wizardry look and feel every bit as authentic as the day they were first fired.
But the inevitably of time eventually takes its toll. The steamers were spending more time in the shop than they were on the mountain, and were becoming more and more difficult to maintain. One by one, locomotives would be retired from passenger service, and parts from one would be scavenged and used to rebuild another. While we are committed to maintaining MW2 and MW9 in tip top operating condition as long as possible, the steamers needed some help.
Finally, in 2008, help arrived.