The men working to keep the Cog Railway running smoothly.
Behind the Scenes: The Men Who Keep the Mount Washington Cog Railway Running
High in New Hampshire's White Mountains, the Mount Washington Cog Railway has climbed to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak since 1869. But behind every historic journey up the steep mountain grades stands a dedicated crew of maintenance workers whose skill and determination keep this engineering marvel operational through harsh alpine conditions. This photo essay documents the men who maintain the Mount Washington Cog Railway—mechanics, engineers, and technicians who work tirelessly to preserve America's first mountain-climbing cog railway. From the base station in Bretton Woods to the 6,288-foot summit, these railway workers face unique challenges that most maintenance crews never encounter: extreme weather, vintage equipment, and grades reaching 37.4 percent. Through intimate portraits and candid documentation, we reveal the hands-on expertise required to maintain the Cog Railway's locomotives, track infrastructure, and mechanical systems. Whether servicing biodiesel engines, inspecting century-old cog mechanisms, or performing critical safety checks, these skilled craftsmen embody the spirit of railway heritage preservation. Their work ensures that thousands of visitors each year can safely experience one of New Hampshire's most iconic attractions and witness the breathtaking Presidential Range from atop Mount Washington.