Re: CSRM shay races - Re: NNG: Geared Locomotive Speeds

dougvv Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi,
>
> A tangent.
>
> I recall that in the early 1990s (I think) the
> CSRM had shay races a few times. Impressive as
> heck with all the sound and motion but going very
> slow (12-16 MPH IIRC).
>
> Doug vV

That may be true Doug, but I don't consider those activities to reveal actual sustained speeds. I interpreted the posters question to be realistic speeds.

I had heard a few years back from no less than 3 different folks who I respected, that a benefactor of their railroad had operated their Heisler at over 20 mph on more than one occasion.

After firing for this gentleman once, I can believe the stories. He had no idea whatsoever what he was doing around a piece of machinery. In fact, the regular engineer for the day had to reach around the guy and make all the sets and releases for him. Embarrassing.

What I'm trying to say here is just because somebody could get a locomotive up to a particular speed, does not make make that the top speed in my book. I think we should be looking at top
sustained speeds. Just my opinion.