Oregon Lumber Co. Shay #7 At The Log Dump

Oregon Lumber Co. Shay #7 seen here has brought a log train up the Middle Fork to the log dump at Bates. The mill is off to the left of the image. Distant ahead of the engine is the jointly owned water tower and the connection to the Sumpter Valley Ry. mainline. #7 was built new for the New Mexico Lumber Co. in 1929, but soon after delivery, it was returned to Lima via the Shay west coast distributor Hofius Steel. Sales of narrow gauge Shays were bleak during the depression to say the least, but in 1937 Oregon Lumber Co. had a need and it was put into service in Aug. This photo was likely taken soon after. #7 is operational today at Hesston, Indiana. the scan is from the SVRR Archive.