Thanks for a great video! I rode that train in 1957, when the railroad was 66 years old. Would love to return for a second trip in 2023, another 66 years after that first ride. Such a fun place!
11:35. Normal railroads can get up gradesabout 6% but that is on branch lines and logging lines. Here in Vermont on the WACR Granite Division, the Switchback grade is over 5%. The now OOS Saluda Grade was a mainline grade is 5%
I rode this train about 18yrs ago. I didn't have much fun because of the altitude sickness plus it was kinda boring. By the time my wife and I got back down to the cog station, I was very happy to get off.
Perchance I spoke with one of the engineers of this swiss train last night! (made by Stadler in Bussnang/Weinfelden, Kanton Thurgau🇨🇭) They had some interesting problems with tight turns, but mostly with the diesel motor: most Diesel engines have difficulties above 2000 meters… and this one has to go up to around 4000!) .. for myself as a former Coloradan a cute quirk of fate!
How long do we have to walk to visitor center at the top for the views? And did anyone get dizzy or any breathing issues because of altitude. What to do if we get it?
We stayed at the top around 50 minutes. The people sitting next to me had cans of oxygen that they were taking breaths from. If you are pretty healthy, you should have no trouble.
@@Luke_Starkenburg Penrose floated the idea of electrifying in the 30's (along with lots of other prospects that never turned up), it again was proposed by SLM in the 60's, and refloated again with the introduction of the 4/8's. Issue always comes down to both a cost, and practicality issue. The pikes peak region is known for immense electrical storms (hence why Tesla had his lab in town), above timberline there isn't really a practical way to protect the infrastructure from strikes that are guaranteed to be struck by lightning. All 3 switches located above timberline; Windy and the Summit, routinely fry electronic components during the summer from these storms.
I wish I had chosen two seats across from each other instead of next to each other. I awkwardly had to hold myself from falling into the lap of the strange gentleman across from me.. 😫
I would suggest the 3 seat side, which is the left side if you are facing forward. At Inspiration point and other places above the tree line, the 3 seat side gets the best sweeping views!
Did this late september...great day...would advise getting a seat that faces forward ( mine faced the back )...And prepare for cold wind..seriously...dont underestimate it..
Yes, I agree! I really wish trains like this could have reversible seating, where all people could face forwards at all times. To make this optimal, it would be nice is seats would tilt (recline) significantly for the downward journey.
Beautiful, but that never stopping blabber voice over the loudspeaker would have driven me nuts. Noise canceling headsets or ear plugs are a must. Or a look at Europe, to learn how to do it.
That's clearly stated in both the description and the video itself - even the Swiss funiculars aren't that fast, and they are a lot faster than this one! This vid has been sped up by 4 times.
I would arrive about 30-40 minutes before departure. Parking is plentiful and very close. They have it down to a science! I would arrive at that time so you can relax, visit the gift shop, use the restrooms, and have time to find your seats.
Just don’t be late, and account for any unforeseen delays! It’s an hour ride up and there are no bathrooms on the train. There are nice bathrooms at the summit though, as well as a restaurant.
On the website. it has 58.50 for general seating and 71 dollars for reserved seating. My wife and I rode it today it was very busy and crowded which I don't care for . it takes about an hour up and an hour and ten minutes down .about 40 minutes on top it seems like 20 minutes.if I had to do it again I wouldn't do it .although it may be great in some people's opinion. I wish I would not have done it .we had reserved seats and it just seemed a waste ...
The train left the station at 8:40 and arrived back at the lower station at 11:40, so 3 hours exactly. It's just over 1 hour to make the accented I think we had about 30-40 minutes at the top.
@@kathykha3549 I don't think that is possible. If you intend to do that, then you should drive up. Driving up is best done in an electric car so you don't use and heat up your brakes on the way down.
Did this today. It was nice but only get 40 minutes at top. By the time you get off the train and walk to restroom and buy a cup of coffee its about time to go. They definitely need to somehow work it out to where you spend more time at the top!
Especially considering that with dual tracks at both end stations, and three passing sidings, they could run more trains and you'd have the option to take a later train down if you want.
Three seat side has better views IMO. It was just my son and I so we were assigned the 2 seat side. We had nice scenery too but other side had better views overall
nice! small wheels for slow speed i bet help with the high torque for steep slopes. if you had bigger wheels, that's more mass (work) for the engine/power.
dont waste your time or your money three forths of the ride is going through forest and there is nothing to look at until you get to the top then the ride is over
My son and I were just out there earlier this week. Lots of fun and great views. Just be sure to use the bathroom b4 boarding because there are no facilities on board. Also pack at least a jacket or sweater to throw on since it's chilly at the top even in a July heat wave. And of course stay plenty hydrated so you don't feel the effects of high altitude. My son and I both felt fine since we're both in good shape and we pushed the water and Gatorade. Have fun!!!
The engine and coach bodies look fantastic, but man those goofy wheels look so out of place! Or the fact that there is nothing under the middle of the coaches. They would benefit with some cosmetic skirts to at least hide them. :) That's a lot of people crammed in there with no masks - not great...
One of my bucket list things to do.
I'm slowly, buy surely, emptying that bucket as tomorrow is never promised.
Thanks for taking us along the ride!
I appreciate the comment! It was on my
Bucket list also!
Thanks for a great video! I rode that train in 1957, when the railroad was 66 years old. Would love to return for a second trip in 2023, another 66 years after that first ride. Such a fun place!
Excellent video! Going next year and we're so excited!
11:35. Normal railroads can get up gradesabout 6% but that is on branch lines and logging lines. Here in Vermont on the WACR Granite Division, the Switchback grade is over 5%. The now OOS Saluda Grade was a mainline grade is 5%
Thanks for yr video, well documented ride to the top!
I drove to the top and I loved it. But this looks like something I would do if info back again!
Great video!
Going tomorrow at noon. Can’t wait. Great video.
Cool, enjoy!
I rode this train about 18yrs ago. I didn't have much fun because of the altitude sickness plus it was kinda boring. By the time my wife and I got back down to the cog station, I was very happy to get off.
Cool video. It was nice seeing the new equipment and right-of-way. Gonna last a long, long time!
Very interesting video and well filmed as always! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much!
Thank you for this video. I will be taking a trip there soon from Nebraska. ❤
Fantastic video. Very small wheels indeed!
Perchance I spoke with one of the engineers of this swiss train last night! (made by Stadler in Bussnang/Weinfelden, Kanton Thurgau🇨🇭)
They had some interesting problems with tight turns, but mostly with the diesel motor: most Diesel engines have difficulties above 2000 meters… and this one has to go up to around 4000!) .. for myself as a former Coloradan a cute quirk of fate!
agood video,how ever I got sea sick ( almost the increased speed)screwed up my spelling overall all a great video
How long do we have to walk to visitor center at the top for the views? And did anyone get dizzy or any breathing issues because of altitude. What to do if we get it?
We stayed at the top around 50 minutes. The people sitting next to me had cans of oxygen that they were taking breaths from. If you are pretty healthy, you should have no trouble.
@@Luke_Starkenburg thanks a ton for your reply
. Going next week. Was little anxious.
And drink plenty of water 💧.
Too bad the line isn't electrified. The regenerative braking on the downhill car could provide power for the uphill car, like an indirect funicular.
I asked why it wasn't electrified and I got a BS answer. I agree with you!
@@Luke_Starkenburg Penrose floated the idea of electrifying in the 30's (along with lots of other prospects that never turned up), it again was proposed by SLM in the 60's, and refloated again with the introduction of the 4/8's. Issue always comes down to both a cost, and practicality issue. The pikes peak region is known for immense electrical storms (hence why Tesla had his lab in town), above timberline there isn't really a practical way to protect the infrastructure from strikes that are guaranteed to be struck by lightning. All 3 switches located above timberline; Windy and the Summit, routinely fry electronic components during the summer from these storms.
@@JamesPattersonGeepfan That is fascinating! Thanks for answering the question, I. really appreciate this answer.
@@JamesPattersonGeepfan Plus I imagine maintenance of the catenary above timberline might be a bit more difficult in snowstorms.
Third-rail electrification would be more practical and less intrusive on the scenery. I imagine they've already considered it.
I wish I had chosen two seats across from each other instead of next to each other. I awkwardly had to hold myself from falling into the lap of the strange gentleman across from me.. 😫
Good advice!
Bro why did you put the bust emoji
@@Bigboy_ramiro lol! Is that a common use for that emoji ? I thought it was just crying 🤣
So beautiful 😮
Well done. Love the audio you included
Thanks!
Been to Colorado Springs twice and the cog has been closed both times.
glad you speeded video up 😂😂
cog railroads are not made for speed
I also have a real time video. It’s over an hour long.
Which side should i sit on? two seat or three seat side?
I would suggest the 3 seat side, which is the left side if you are facing forward. At Inspiration point and other places above the tree line, the 3 seat side gets the best sweeping views!
Did this late september...great day...would advise getting a seat that faces forward ( mine faced the back )...And prepare for cold wind..seriously...dont underestimate it..
Yes, I agree! I really wish trains like this could have reversible seating, where all people could face forwards at all times. To make this optimal, it would be nice is seats would tilt (recline) significantly for the downward journey.
@@Luke_Starkenburg Thats a good idea,,..reversible seats,,,I did have a great view going back down..
Beautiful, but that never stopping blabber voice over the loudspeaker would have driven me nuts. Noise canceling headsets or ear plugs are a must. Or a look at Europe, to learn how to do it.
It seems like the video is going faster than the actual ride was as I remember it..
That's clearly stated in both the description and the video itself - even the Swiss funiculars aren't that fast, and they are a lot faster than this one! This vid has been sped up by 4 times.
This looks like snowdon railway or culdee railway
where does the train start? im planning on doing this next year.
Thank you for the comment, but you should check the website and find out. Schedules change seasonally.
I rember going to the summit of pikes peak it qas beautiful
We have a 12 reservation to go, what time should we get there for parking, etc?
I would arrive about 30-40 minutes before departure. Parking is plentiful and very close. They have it down to a science! I would arrive at that time so you can relax, visit the gift shop, use the restrooms, and have time to find your seats.
Just don’t be late, and account for any unforeseen delays! It’s an hour ride up and there are no bathrooms on the train. There are nice bathrooms at the summit though, as well as a restaurant.
How much are tickets, and how long do they let you stay at the summit?
On the website. it has 58.50 for general seating and 71 dollars for reserved seating. My wife and I rode it today it was very busy and crowded which I don't care for . it takes about an hour up and an hour and ten minutes down .about 40 minutes on top it seems like 20 minutes.if I had to do it again I wouldn't do it .although it may be great in some people's opinion. I wish I would not have done it .we had reserved seats and it just seemed a waste ...
i love that ride !
Thanks Jeff! Watch the video in 2x speed, its quicker!
How long is the ride overall? Thanks for the video!
The train left the station at 8:40 and arrived back at the lower station at 11:40, so 3 hours exactly. It's just over 1 hour to make the accented I think we had about 30-40 minutes at the top.
@@Luke_Starkenburg If we want to stay longer at the top, are we allowed to?
@@kathykha3549 I don't think that is possible. If you intend to do that, then you should drive up. Driving up is best done in an electric car so you don't use and heat up your brakes on the way down.
A man who found the peak was in 1806 he was not a first person to succeed, He attempt to climb, But he never reach the summit.
Very nice!
Thanks!
Did this today. It was nice but only get 40 minutes at top. By the time you get off the train and walk to restroom and buy a cup of coffee its about time to go. They definitely need to somehow work it out to where you spend more time at the top!
Especially considering that with dual tracks at both end stations, and three passing sidings, they could run more trains and you'd have the option to take a later train down if you want.
Do you recommend any specific seats or side of the train? Left or right side, in reference to views?
Left side is my recommendation. It’s the 3 seat side.
Three seat side has better views IMO. It was just my son and I so we were assigned the 2 seat side. We had nice scenery too but other side had better views overall
Very nice! 👍🏻😊
nice! small wheels for slow speed i bet help with the high torque for steep slopes. if you had bigger wheels, that's more mass (work) for the engine/power.
Cool.
Wow
dont waste your time or your money three forths of the ride is going through forest and there is nothing to look at until you get to the top then the ride is over
that emcee _must be_ the owners daughter.
My son and I were just out there earlier this week. Lots of fun and great views. Just be sure to use the bathroom b4 boarding because there are no facilities on board. Also pack at least a jacket or sweater to throw on since it's chilly at the top even in a July heat wave. And of course stay plenty hydrated so you don't feel the effects of high altitude. My son and I both felt fine since we're both in good shape and we pushed the water and Gatorade. Have fun!!!
👍💐💐🇩🇪🇩🇪🙏🙏🙏
The engine and coach bodies look fantastic, but man those goofy wheels look so out of place! Or the fact that there is nothing under the middle of the coaches. They would benefit with some cosmetic skirts to at least hide them. :)
That's a lot of people crammed in there with no masks - not great...