Cass Scienic Railroad State Park 2008

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life.

The park preserved geared engines which Unlike standard steam locomotives, Shays and the similarly designed Climax and Heisler engines are driven by direct gearing to each and every wheel. The smooth, even flow of power enables the engines to negotiate twisting mountain grades.

All three types are represented in the Cass Collection, Shay #2 is an example of a "Pacific Coast" Shay, the only one ever to be used east of the Mississippi. A Pacific Coast is a souped-up 70-ton three truck Shay. They featured superheat, a bigger firebox, lower gear ratio, steel cab, and steel truck frames. Shay #2 is the only Pacific Coast Shay in the east. The collection also features Shay #5, the second oldest Shay still in operation.

Website: http://www.cassrailroad.com