The Abt rack and pinion system was cutting edge technology in its day, used on the steep railway grades between Halls Creek and Dubbil Barril. Without it the original trains would have been unable to haul large loads or maintain their traction in wet weather.

The incline from Halls Creek to the summit at Rinadeena is 1 in 16, becoming 1 in 20 for the section to Dubbil Barril. Construction of the Abt section occurred when railway grades beyond 1 in 40 had never been attempted in Australia.

These steep sections have a third rail with overlapping teeth that are gripped by a pinion wheel under the locomotive - providing a form of 4WD power!

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