Re: Heisler versus Shay

Shays had two advantages: They had a lower center of gravity, which meant they were less likely to tip over in an accident, and they rode somewhat smoother. Also the three cylinder design meant at least one cylinder was on the power stroke. But both the Heisler and Climax would handle rough track better, because the Shay trucks were stiffer. English Logging Co., up in Washington, had a difficult stretch of track high on a mountain, and the camp boss told the dispatcher to keep the Shays down below and only send the Heisler of Climax up there. And, up on Vancouver Island, the Hilcrest Lumber Co. reduced their operations down to where they only needed one locomotive. The owner asked which locomotive they wanted to keep, the Pacific Coast Shay or three truck Climax. The crews chose the Climax. That is the one now residing at Mt. Rainier.