Yes, it's really that steep. The Madison Incline is the steepest 'mainline' grade in the US, at just under 6%, it's steeper than Saluda and Raton pass. The grade wasn't on a true mainline, that is, it ended at the river at the bottom of the hill, however it was still ran on by 'regular adhesion' engines. That is, no cog, no shays, only specialized SD-7s that were a bit heavier than normal, and had rail cleaning equipment on them. The line, which features rail rolled in 1905, hasn't seen a train in over 30 years, but is not officially abandoned. For roughly 20 more pictures, visit www.cincypics.com, click on View Gallery under Greg Marck, and then the album entitled Madison Railroad.
