Re: Red McMillion speed run

The fastest trip I have ever made in a Shay was with Red McMillion back in the 1980's. Red was running the Cass #3, (Mt. Emily #1) on the Whittaker trip near the end of the season in October. At Whittaker a woman fell on ice by the restrooms and broke her hip. After they loaded her onto the train, Red took us back to Cass in record time. We never actually stopped rolling in the switchbacks. Red had the Johnson bar over and the throttle open before we actually stopped. The brakeman had to be fast at the switch. Probably one of the Cassell's. I have no idea how fast we were going, but down grade with the exhaust blasting sure seemed fast!

BTW, Red was a real whistle artist. I'm not sure if he originated that characteristic Cass "whoop" or not, but he sure could play a whistle.

Michael Allen



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/10/2016 04:57PM by trainrider47.