1921 Shay Geared Locomotive Engine and Parts Catalog

Book excerpt: This books consists of a replica of two vintage catalogs from the Lima Locomotive Works. The first shows Lima's line of Shay locomotives circa 1921. The second is a spare parts catalog with maintenance information. Featuring descriptive text and photos, this book is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the age of steam. In 1877, Ephraim Shay came up with a radical design for a logging locomotive that featured a side- mounted set of cylinders. These drove drive shafts, which powered the wheels of both the locomotive and tender. This ¿geared locomotive¿ 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 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. Lima produced its last steam engine in 1949, and merged with Baldwin in 1951.