Mower Lumber Company Shay #4 pauses to take on water at the Cass Tank before dropping its string of log cars at the nearby saw mill. Of course, this is a recreation for photographers and one of several that are done each year at West Virginia's Cass Scenic Railroad. At 70 tons, the engine pictured here is the smallest of the Cass fleet and is one of two engines that actually has a history of running on these very rails when the railroad was operated by Mower Lumber Company in the 1940s and 50s. Because of her small size, #4 is typically pressed into service as a pusher engine on the Bald Knob Trains during peak tourist seasons. She is also a favorite with photographers and is often used on photo charters, such as this one.
For aficianados of geared steam engines, it's "almost heaven." Here are some scenes from the park's annual Railfan Weekends, as well as some private charters.
