SLM Diesel Electric #14

Location: Pikes Peak Summit, Colorado
Operator of Vehicle: Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Date of Photo: July 22, 2014

Considering the extreme heat waves being experienced throughout much of the United States right now, it seemed appropriate that the Photo of the Month for August 2022 should try finding a cooler climate to feature.  So naturally, we find ourselves over 14,000 feet above sea level at the Summit of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, CO.  The temperature at the mountain’s summit is usually about 30 degrees colder than in Manitou Springs, near the base of the mountain.  

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway opened in 1890 and has been in operation continuously since that time with the exception of a refurbishment from October 2017 through May 2021.  It was decided to build the line in order to have what inventor Zalmon Simmons called a more “civilized” way to reach the peak of the mountain after a difficult two day trip on his mule.  The railroad was built as a cog railway because standard trains would not be able to ascend or descend grades greater than 10 percent successfully and safely.  When the line first opened, it was operated by steam engines.  Diesel locomotives were introduced in the late 1930s.  The current rolling stock consists of diesel-electric hybrids built by Stadler Rail of Switzerland.

For more photos of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, please click here.