I guess the trains aren't really that heavy over here but the track speed i suspect is slow as well.
The gradients really make those trains work hard going up them, [ makes life interesting when the rails are slippery ] but they get a chance to rattle on the way back.:)

For all train lovers.

I found this extremely watchable.

The full version of the Michael Palin Episode of 'Great Railway Journeys of the World' from a good few years ago (BBC TV).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_sBMI2rVFo