Over a century and a half ago, Sylvester Marsh, a visionary of his time, embraced cutting-edge transportation technology – the steam locomotive – for his groundbreaking railway. Inspired by this legacy of innovation, the modern Cog Railway continues to lead the way, now with a focus on sustainable solutions. Just as Marsh revolutionized mountain transportation with steam, the Cog Railway is pioneering the use of Bio Diesel to power its fleet into the 21st century.
In 2008, the introduction of M1 marked a pivotal moment. This first operational diesel-powered locomotive was a testament to in-house engineering and ingenuity. Designed by mechanical engineer Al Laprade and General Manager Charley Kenison, and built entirely by the Cog’s dedicated shop crew, M1 represented a $750,000 investment in the future of sustainable rail travel.
Alt text: Mechanical engineer Al Laprade in green shirt and General Manager Charley Kenison in blue inspecting the M1 biodiesel locomotive engine at Cog Railway engine shop.
Senior Engineer Phil Beroney had the honor of piloting M1 on its inaugural passenger journey to the summit. Proudly adorned with its temporary Abenaki name Wajo Nanatasis, meaning Mountain Hummingbird, M1 performed flawlessly, quickly establishing itself as a reliable workhorse within the diesel fleet.
The success of M1 paved the way for further advancements. Production was ramped up, with a new locomotive rolling out approximately every 18 months. By 2019, the Cog Railway celebrated the completion of M7, their seventh bio diesel locomotive, showcasing a strong commitment to environmentally conscious operation.
Each of these robust locomotives is driven by a powerful 600hp John Deere marine engine, managed by a sophisticated computerized operating system. This system delivers an impressive 30,000 ft-lbs of torque to each of the two drive cogs, ensuring reliable ascent up steep inclines. Safety is paramount, with a redundant air brake system guaranteeing secure braking and parking. Furthermore, hydraulic pressure is intelligently utilized for descent, enhancing operational efficiency.
The economic and environmental advantages of bio diesel are significant. Completing the nearly 7-mile round trip consumes just 18-22 gallons of bio diesel fuel. This stands in stark contrast to the steam locomotives, which require a staggering 1000 gallons of water and a ton of coal for the same journey. Bio diesel locomotives also offer ease of maintenance and a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with modern sustainability goals.
Alt text: Cog Railway’s M7 biodiesel locomotive, the seventh in their fleet, showcasing sustainable transportation innovation.
With the addition of M7 and the continued service of two meticulously refurbished steam locomotives, the Cog Railway now operates its largest locomotive fleet in history. Looking ahead, innovation continues with M8 already under development.
The Cog Railway’s fleet of bio diesel locomotives represents a proud step towards a more sustainable future. These powerful and efficient machines ensure that the Cog Railway will continue to offer a world-class rail adventure, responsibly navigating the challenges of the 21st century and beyond with bio diesel technology.
