Eric, fear not ! The 2046 cog engine never gets out of 1st gear. It crawls up and down the incline at Shay-like speeds, so I'm not too worried about it. However, I would not operate the cog line in a high wind situation!
Here's some thoughts :
1. I like track cleaning ! Because, like a track walker, it gives me a chance to inspect every inch of the track work before sending a train out. Especially now on the elevated section, which is quite solid, but I can check that nothing has come loose....
2. DRAMA. On my previous garden line, which existed for 12 years, tree roots had grown under a couple of spots over the years, and created stiff grades, and operating drama, which did not originally exist. What I realized was that the LGB engines took on the challenge smoothly and reliably, almost to the point of being boring. Some of the others makes struggled with the grades, and it was fascinating to see if they would actually make it! DRAMA. It was riveting!
So, with the cog line, I feel DRAMA! It commands your attention, and you can't take your eyes off!
DRAMA is good!
Paul
Off to a great start ! I think I'll call this the " Swiss- Colorado Lines". Still like Colorado Narrow Gauge, and have a lot of trains. Gaining a Swiss flavor, and will continue to explore that end as well.
Up on the " nosebleed " level.
The new end of track.
It's a celebration!
The opening of the new extension!
Time for test runs !
2weeks work.
I think I'll finish up this segment and operate for a while, until I determine the next step...
This reminds me of " Ghost Rider", or any other great wooden coaster.
This plateau is 52 inches above the ground, and the grade is less than 1%. The rack will not be needed here. This is prototypical for many railways in Switzerland, with the cog on only the steepest segments.
The 100 degree temperatures are starting to kick in, which means work in the cool mornings only....
The plan is to bring it back out to terminate, about where the train is now, but above it !
And, we're not done yet!
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