Re: Geared Locomotive ride question

My father worked with Norm Elsner in Tacoma Washington at Camp 6 on the Klickitat Log and Lumber #7, a PC Shay when it was first brought to Tacoma. Norm was the last engineer on the #7 in Klickitat and was there when they had a three truck Willamette, their number 6. That locomotive was sold to Rayonier and renumbered #2 and is now the operational Willamette at the Mr. Rainer Scenic. Norm told my dad that the Willamette had more power and rode smoother then the PC Shay #7. Specifically, the Willamette could pull two more cars then the PC shay. Norm said he wished they had sold one of the Shays, not the Willamette. Their other shay was also a three truck locomotive and is at the Illinois Railroad Museum.

Obviously this was only one person’s opinion, but an informed one.

Brandon



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2010 05:06PM by bmt4449.