Re: NNG: Long backing distances

It was normal practice for Pickering Lbr. Corp. geared engines to back all the way from Schoettgen (Shotgun) Pass Camp At Mile 28 down to Ralph
and then over the Sierra RR to the mill at Standard,a distance of almost 33 miles.
Reason for this is that there were no turning facilities at the mill. Crews actually felt some advantages as the Heisler's roofs funneled cooler air into the cabs
in what could be an oppressively hot locale. Also, they would not have to head down the 4.7% of Sugar Pine Mtn. from Long Siding.
Backing made it easier to manage the water level over the entire trip.