Cog Railway

CanisLupusArctos · 07-13-2007, 06:32 PM

The accident on the Cog back in the 60s was caused by poor policy. A train derailed while passing over a switch, and no one was at the brakes to stop the resulting runaway car. Ever since then, they have had the switchman outside the train watching as the train passes, and at the same time the brakeman is at the brake wheel and ready.

Last year I was surprised to see they are now using motorized switches. Right up until recently they'd been using a multi-piece, manual switch setup.

Their safety record is great compared to the safety record of any given highway in the country.

As for weather, it's most often cool and damp on the summit in summertime. If you have some leeway in when you can go, watch the weather reports (or ask a meteorologist) to find out when high pressure (big blue H) will be parked over New England. That weather scenario is one of the few that results in clear, calm conditions on the summit. If it's Canadian high pressure (air mass originating in the arctic) it'll be incredibly dry with no humidity and you'll get treated to the 90-mile visibility that most visitors only see pictures of.

07-13-2007, 06:32 PM	#4
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	Changes in Policy The accident on the Cog back in the 60s was caused by poor policy. A train derailed while passing over a switch, and no one was at the brakes to stop the resulting runaway car. Ever since then, they have had the switchman outside the train watching as the train passes, and at the same time the brakeman is at the brake wheel and ready. Last year I was surprised to see they are now using motorized switches. Right up until recently they'd been using a multi-piece, manual switch setup. Their safety record is great compared to the safety record of any given highway in the country. As for weather, it's most often cool and damp on the summit in summertime. If you have some leeway in when you can go, watch the weather reports (or ask a meteorologist) to find out when high pressure (big blue H) will be parked over New England. That weather scenario is one of the few that results in clear, calm conditions on the summit. If it's Canadian high pressure (air mass originating in the arctic) it'll be incredibly dry with no humidity and you'll get treated to the 90-mile visibility that most visitors only see pictures of.