Re: West Side Shays Can Have Red Painted Gear Covers!

If I have my facts correct (I did not exist yet when 9 was restored in Iowa), we restored it to look just as it did the day it was parked. All of the photos that we have of it as-found in 1966 show red gear covers that have clearly been painted red for quite some time; therefore, when we repainted it, it was repainted with red gear covers. Red or black gear covers on #9 is simply the difference between a July, 1955 restoration and a 1962-ish restoration. Also note several other differences between the two dates: different fender toolbox, different fender toolbox color, different whistle, etc.

Now, looking at your 1955 photos and our 1966 photos, I do see one paint inaccuracy on No. 9—the front pilot foot board should not be painted at all!

Perhaps we will forget to paint it next time it needs a replacement.

Thanks for the thoughts! Rest well knowing that there are a large handful of West Side fanatics here in Iowa keeping No. 9 and Ford Model A #11 (can't forget about it!) in good condition and historically accurate to our chosen period to represent (I will admit to preferring the S.S.&S. and rod engines...).

Kendall Osier





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2019 07:00PM by steamsix.