Locomotive #2, Ammonoosuc, is descending off of Jacob's Ladder. The locomotive slows its descent by compressing air in its cylinders. The coach is independently controlled by the brakeman, seen standing at the downhill end of the coach. He keeps his foot on a pedal that lets him know how much the coach is pushing against the locomotive. The idea is to keep the coach just touching the locomotive without putting too much force on it.
Beautiful mountain scenery has made this small state a draw for rail buffs to ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Conway Scenic, among others.