Western Maryland #6

I guess I’m just a glutton for punishment. After completing Shay #213 and an electric Plymouth Switcher, I found myself wandering aimlessly around the house and shop wondering what to do with myself. Everyone kept asking me what I was going to build next. At first, I wanted to just enjoy running the locos that I had but eventually the bug to build something bit me. I happened to see an ad in Live Steam for a full set of drawings for the Western Maryland #6 Shay (Richard Killen). I also knew of a place to get the castings (LocoGear). So….I decided to build one.

Now, some of you will ask: Why another Shay? Well, why not? I really enjoy the Pacific Coast Shay I already have and am already familiar with it’s construction. In any case, it’s going to be another Shay. But, this one will be a tad bit bigger. My PC Shay is a 70-ton Class C (3-truck) that weighs in at around 400 pounds. The WM #6 is a 150-ton Class C (3-truck) and will be a bit too big for some of my equipment. My 8′ trailer will end up being 3 inches too short to hold it. My 7′ long rolling work stand will be too short too. Oh well…it was time to upgrade anyway!!

The prototype WM #6 is a resident of Cass Scenic Railway like my other Shay. I have been there and have had the privilege of a cab ride aournd the yard as we built the consist for the day. I also got to ride in the consist up to the top of the mountain at Cass. It was a wonderful day.

Work on her is a continuing effort. Check back often as I will try to keep a running log of milestones in her construction.

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