Steam & Excursion > You Don't See Many Color Photos Of These Engines, But Here's One!

The 27 Pacific Coast Shays turned out by the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio. tended to be camera shy and especially for color film. These engines toiled their years away in remote logging camps that made them hard to find for most railfans.

An exception to this rule was Western Forest Industries Shay #5 shown here at rest at Mesachie Lake, British Columbia. This Pacific Coast Shay lasted in steam until the early 1960's at Mesachie Lake in the company of Hilchrist Lumber Company's famous pair of Climaz's, #9 and #10. This brought railfans to the region to film the last Climax locomotives in service and there the spotted eaually rare Pacific Coast Shay #5.

#5 would go on to even greater fame in the next few years when she was purchased and operated by the Railway Appliance Co. who ran her until 1970. After that she was purchased by Cass Scenic Railroad and renumbered as their #2 where she still steams to this day.

Today, unlike her earlier life, she is treated to countless color images taken of her on a daily basis.

Martin



Edited 7 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/17 05:12 by LoggerHogger.

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Thanks for keeping so much history alive. These photos and their background are fascinating.
Bob

She may be dirty and a bit weary. But that polished brass bell just shines!