M&PP Route Map (Abrams 1972)
The line would start at a depot in the town of Manitou Springs, located at an elevation of 6,320 feet (1,930 m), and climb 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the summit of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 m). The average grade of the line would be 12% but would top out at 25%.
Normal trains can not retain traction on the rails at grades steeper than 10%, so the railway would need to use a cog and rack system to help pull trains up the mountain and control the speed of the descent.
M&PP Route Map (Abrams 1972)
The line would start at a depot in the town of Manitou Springs, located at an elevation of 6,320 feet (1,930 m), and climb 8.9 miles (14.3 km) to the summit of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 feet (4,302 m). The average grade of the line would be 12% but would top out at 25%.
Normal trains can not retain traction on the rails at grades steeper than 10%, so the railway would need to use a cog and rack system to help pull trains up the mountain and control the speed of the descent.