Trains

Trains are great!

Shay locomotives

Some of our favorite locomotives are those produced by Lima Iron Works, based on the patents of Ephraim Shay (1839–1916).

Closeup of the three pistons
which drive a Shay locomotive — Shay locomotives feature a side-mounted driveshaft which is turned by three pistons and cranks. The driveshaft then turns a bevel gear which powers the driven axles.
Photo sources: Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons

The bevel gears which connect the drivetrain to the drive axles — Shay locomotives feature a side-mounted driveshaft which is turned by three pistons and cranks. The driveshaft then turns a bevel gear which powers the driven axles.
Photo sources: Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons

The drivetrain was modified from the original patent designs by Lima Iron Works, mainly to feature shorter gearing. This increased torque at the wheels, making Shays especially useful for logging and other fields which required steep ascents.