There has been quite a bit of discussion here lately on train handling technology and techniques. Here is a video showing the extremely advanced train handling techniques used by the Southern to safely operate heavy coal trains down the steep Saluda grade. The video shows how the Southern's highly professional railroaders used air brakes, dynamic brakes and distributed power to tackle Saluda. Discussion includes composition brake shoes, retainers, brake tests, angle cocks, dynamic brake amperage, speed detectors, runaway tracks, dynamics brake operation with an emergency air brake application, coupler forces, lateral forces and differing operation of lead and remote units as the train crests the grade.
This is graduate level train handling beautifully explained.
