In 1877, Civil War veteran Ephraim Shay came up with an innovative design for a logging locomotive. It featured a normal boiler which
operated a side-mounted set of cylinders. These in turn drove longitudinal drive shafts, which
powered the wheels of both the locomotive and tender. This Ògeared locomotiveÓ offered a
distinct advantage, in that the entire weight of the engine developed tractive effort. The Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio, produced the first
Shay locomotive in 1880. Less than a decade later, the company was producing five different types of Shays, and shipping them throughout the world. The last Shay was built in 1945, and Lima produced its last steam engine in 1949. This spare parts catalog was produced by Lima Locomotive Works circa 1921. Featuring descriptive text and photos, itÕs a wonderful
resource for the model railroader, train spotter, and rail enthusiast.