Switchbacks, Steep Grades, and Skilled Railroading: Vermont's AMAZING Granite Railroad!

Vermont Rail System's Washington County Railroad operates one of the most incredible, amazing, and downright challenging rail operations in the northeast. The "M&B" or Montpelier & Barre Division operates granite trains between the quarry in Websterville (Barre) and Montpelier Junction, VT. With overall grades exceeding 5% and a mind-blowing 8.9% grade on the railroad's mainline switchback, the M&B is railroading at its finest. In August 2023, I spent the day on the Granite Line, watching the crew (symbol BESW) pull empties from the upper switchback, swap them for loads, and bring them to the interchange, stalling on the switchback (accessed with permission) in the process. We also take a look at the impact of the July flooding, thanks to photos from ‪@Island_Line_Rail_Productions‬. Thanks for watching! If you haven't already, please subscribe and hit the bell to stay up to date on my new adventures. My blog: https://northcountrytrains.wordpress.com