We have ignition.....and LIFTOFF!
From end-of-track, in a position directly below the Devil's Gate High Bridge, the Engineer on Georgetown Loop Locomotive #111 opens the throttle on his engine to begin the 3.1 mile, 630 ft. vertical climb to Silver Plume. Starting a 9-car train on a significant grade, this is a hard start for sure. Steam oozes from the cylinder cocks and the fire flashes to life in the oil pan as the Fireman follows the Engineer's throttle movements with his firing lever. In seconds, with virtually no wheel-slip, the train is moving, beginning the the run through the loop that gives this railroad its name. This is difficult, mountain railroading, but these folks know what they are doing. I have seen them make this start cleanly, even during rain storms. In just a few minutes, the train will be high overhead.
We have ignition.....and LIFTOFF!
From end-of-track, in a position directly below the Devil's Gate High Bridge, the Engineer on Georgetown Loop Locomotive #111 opens the throttle on his engine to begin the 3.1 mile, 630 ft. vertical climb to Silver Plume. Starting a 9-car train on a significant grade, this is a hard start for sure. Steam oozes from the cylinder cocks and the fire flashes to life in the oil pan as the Fireman follows the Engineer's throttle movements with his firing lever. In seconds, with virtually no wheel-slip, the train is moving, beginning the the run through the loop that gives this railroad its name. This is difficult, mountain railroading, but these folks know what they are doing. I have seen them make this start cleanly, even during rain storms. In just a few minutes, the train will be high overhead.