Re: WIllamettes hadf a great reputation

Here are some of the design improvements that the Willamettes have, that as a shay mechanic I like. For one Thing the entire engine set is forward of the cab. On a Shay the #1 cylinder is always tucked in behind the inner fender just inside the cab.This is a real pain to work on or around. Another nice feature is the valve chest, usually equiped with Piston valves, they are turned outward for the ease of maintanance, unlike a Shay where the valve chest (Usually balanced slide valves) are tuned to the sides. Of the many improvements the "Willys' had over the Shays, one of the best is the fender. It is hinged like a hood of a car. A Shay one has to unbolt and remove the fender just to work on the engine set. There are many other refinements the Willametts had such as the interlocking engine bed and not having the engine set mounted to the boiler.I could go on and on but One thing is for sure though. They are not the best looking locomotives ever built but they got the job done.
Phil Reader