Western Maryland Shay #6 releases a large plume of smoke as she backs up before making another runbys for the photographer.

Western Maryland Shay #6 passes Heisler #6 during the three engine race at Cass Railfan Weekend. The race was conducted down towards the Water Tower due to bridge and grade crossing construction o... (more)

A machine room on wheels. That's my first impression every time I see a Shay Locomotive. The vertical cylinders, the massive drive shaft, the open gearing and the steam wafting out everyw... (more)

Engineer Danny Seldomridge keeps an eye on the tracks ahead and a hand on the breaks as we coast down grade just past the first switchback.

Fireman Chris Lambert works hard to maintain boiler pressure on the steep grade to Bald Knob.

Fireman Chris Lambert rakes the coals in the firebox of Big Six on the way back to the Depot

Big Six is running in reverse, shoving the log train up the hill toward the second switchback. Carl Franz Photo Special

Carl Franz Photo Special

My favorite shot from Cass this year is this simple wedge of Western Maryland Big 6 pushing a log train up the 6% grade at Gum Field. The weather on Cheat Mountain in the spring is often cloudy a... (more)

Almost there... Western Maryland Shay #6 storms past a little-used emergency water stop as she hauls her log train up the last half mile to the summit of Bald Knob. This is probably Carl... (more)

A Shay in its element. Deep woods, steep grades and sharp curves are the hallmarks of the kingdom of the Shay locomotive. With freight car-like articulating trucks and gearing for maximu... (more)

Big Six pulls the log train toward the Back Mountain Road grade crossing on a Carl Franz Photo Charter.

Inspired by a photo taken by Walter Scriptunas back in 2007, I thought I'd try a slow shutter speed to add some motion to the shot.

Big Six approaches the Upper Water Tank on the way to Bald Knob

Big Six is shoving a flat car up the grade at the 1st Switchback. Carl Franz Photo Special.