The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the first and oldest cog or rack railway in the world. Started in 1866, it was completed to the summit in 1869. The 2.8 miles of track are built entirely on wooden trestle. On top of this wooden trestle two light steel rails are laid in a method similar to standard railroad construction. The rails are raised to allow clearance for the spur gears which drive the locomotive. Located in the center of the steel rails is a cog rack. These three components make up the track work. This track is designed specifically for the unique cog engines of Mount Washington. The locomotives and cars are equipped with cogs that engage into the rack. The cog is driven by the steam pistons of the locomotive through a system of gears. This is a simplified explanation of the system.

Below  is  link to the video clip we (Ola & Jan) made after we took a ride :o)

to learn more abut  ------------> The Mount Washington Cog Railway