The Shay

The Shay is one of the most interesting engines at the railroad. The three pistons' many moving parts provide a stunning visual, even when the locomotive isn't running. Once a year, the Shay pulls the E&A Express Deluxe with the Pennsylvania Mogul and the Stainz Engine for the Steam Live celebration. The rest of the time, it can be found pulling log or freight trains. A common consist for the Shay is the five Short Log Cars, the Long Log Car, and the Searchlight Car. The prototype Shay was designed to manage the steep grades found on mountains used for logging. They are not speed demons, but can haul a lot. The engine was named after the man who developed it, and is quite a sight to see. Some of the last remaining Shays in the world can be seen at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in West Virginia, which used to be a logging railway (the link to their site is on the Links page).