Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 4, 2007

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Dave Caplinger, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (304) 456-4300 parks@westvirginia.com

85-Year-Old Locomotive Steams Again

Shay No.4, a steam locomotive at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, is steamed up again after a 9-year restoration project.  The engine is now ready to take park visitors for an historic journey back in time as they travel through some of West Virginia’s most beautiful scenery to the top of Cheat Mountain.

  Shay No.4 was built in 1922 by the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio, at a cost of $17,534.  It was purchased new by the Birch Valley Lumber Company of Tioga, West Virginia, and worked for that operation for 21 years.  In 1943, the locomotive was purchased by the Mower Lumber Company for use on their logging railroad at Cass, WV.  On June 30, 1960, Shay No. 4 had the distinction of pulling the last log train down Cheat Mountain before Mower shut down its operation.  In 1962, Shay 4 was saved from the cutting torch by the State of West Virginia, and the locomotive became part of the world famous Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. 

Antique steam locomotives like Shay No.4 must be maintained to exacting government standards.  Occasionally, a locomotive will require a major rebuilding to ensure compliance with those standards.  Over a period of 9 years, the skilled craftsmen at the Cass Locomotive Shop disassembled the engine and repaired or replaced many components.  Upon completion of the restoration project, Shay 4 was given a thorough inspection and returned to service this spring.

“The rebuilding of Shay No. 4 is an example of the numerous preservation and restoration projects that are being undertaken at Cass, including both railroad equipment and historic structures in the Town of Cass,” said Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Superintendent Dave Caplinger.  “We are making certain that this part of West Virginia’s industrial heritage is preserved for future generations and are proud to say that Shay No. 4 is back in service.”

**DNR**