NARRATOR: 6:30 AM,
while passengers sleep,
Edgar prepares the diesel
locomotive for day two
of our journey across Ecuador.
 This is the most critical part
of the journey for the train.
We're going up, and
we have an inclination
of about six grades.
NARRATOR: Typically, trains
on the steepest inclines
rely on a track
level rack and pinion
gripping system that
acts as a third rail
for propulsion and braking.
[INAUDIBLE] relies on sand.
 Our main engineer has
been working on the sand.
He's been checking
everything because we need
grip to go up the mountains.
NARRATOR: It's a
simple but effective
way to get a grip on steel.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
 It's very important
that the sand is dry.
It provides traction
on the way up.
And on the way down,
it's very helpful
with the electric braking
system that the engine has.
