Re: Westside Lumber Shay top speeds

In looking at the ratios and other data that were supplied in the previous sheet, I disagree
with that relating to the PC (Pacific Coast) type. The standard gearing on those was 17:41, 3 teeth less
on the pinion than standard on the 80-3 and 90-3 types.

I've ran both and there is a distinct difference, The PC was not as good a road engine as the others.
It got its power from that lower gearing, not from cylinders that were 1/2" smaller in diameter than an 80-3.

It was because of this mismatch that Pickering Lbr. Corp. did not ever acquire another PC type for their railroad
even though the PC type were available used for purchase when they then acquired Shays 33 (90-3), 7 (80-3) and lastly 8 (90-3).

Interviews with former Pickering employees and others around when they were still operating showed that when
PC type 11 was being used in helper service, she was frequently written up or deliberately broken so that the crew could
get one of the other Shays for awhile.

No way was a Pacific Coast type going to exceed an 80 or 90 ton model in speed over the road with the gearing that they had.