Work on the governor issue (although it apparently is not internal to the governor) is precisely why 26 has not been pulling yard shuttles the last few weeks, although they tell me needed parts are on the way, and 26 will still be serviceable for Railfest. We're trying to make this the era of "do it right" instead of just getting it back out there with spit and bailing wire, and that's why the downtime is being tolerated to pursue a correct and lasting repair.

We're still working on the exhaust thing, although it was the opposite of drafting issues: apparently when the exhaust was plumbed into the steam chest as would be normal for this design, the exhaust caused TOO MUCH draft, making it difficult to control the fire during the copious time spent sitting still between shuttles. The exhaust was routed into its current configuration to provide LESS draft. Obviously, it has caused some unintended consequences (like the pump exhaust being louder than the locomotive exhaust in most conditions) but it's on the list of things to be reconsidered either over the off season, or during the next 1472 (I can't remember which off the top of my head.)

Actually, the exhaust from the compressor is routed exactly how BLW routed the exhaust. (see the attached photo with the blower pipe and compressor pipe entering at the lower portion of the smoke box), through a pipe aimed up the stack per the BLW drawings and common practice. When the locomotive had an 11" pump, the exhaust from the pump was deafening. Once the correct size compressor was applied, the exhaust was a little quieter, however, once the pipe was lengthened, the noise level became more tolerable. The fact the compressor runs continuously is from a faulty governor or an air leak (like the one on the reverser valve). The noticeable sound of the compressor running on any steam locomotive is normal. Running continuously is the sign of a problem.

A bit behind on my reading, but I would like to add a bit of support to Richard's comment.

I would tend to agree "Nah, not that one!" What do I base that on? Several factors.

I'm in the rather unique position of having operated a Shay, a Heisler, a Climax and a Willamette for many, many miles. I'm not the only person around who can say that, but we're a very select few.

Mt Rainier Scenic RR restored both a Shay and a Willamette. What's a Willamette you ask? Most people not only have never seen one, but if they did, they'd say "That's a Shay!" It nearly is a Pacific Coast Shay, built after the patents expired. So essentially we've restored two Shays. (I know, it's a Willamette, Damn it!)

So, I have decades of experience with logging locomotives and I love geared locos. So why do I think it's not a great choice?
1) They have a top speed of under 20 mph.
2) They're complicated and require extra maintenance.
3) They're not a typical steam locomotive. I'm of the opinion that Steamtown should be displaying a locomotive similar to what your grandparents may have seen. That's why the 0-6-0 is a great option, small, easy to care for, and they were everywhere. Maybe a nice low drivered Mikado or Mogul or something like that. I'm a huge fan of the T-hogs, but I agree, there's no reason to put another one back in steam unless they're suddenly planning a RBM&N passenger train excursion style program. Speaking of them, something comparable to that lovely 4-6-2 they have would be just about perfect for Steamtown.

My point is this, if even the Mt Rainier Scenic RR, which is 100% a logging railroad museum, finds it challenging to justify spending all of the time and money to keep a Shay/Willamette on the roster, where it can be operated in it's native habitat, I'm in agreement that it may not be the best option for Steamtown. Have one on display since it's so unique? Of course! But spend millions on it? Not so sure.

Some good thoughts. A shay doesn't seem ideal for Steamtown no matter how I look at it, so I'm a bit baffled why it was chosen and who chose it?

If there is a good reason, I'm all ears, but it honestly seems like Bob's post above put more thought in it than the organizaion itself did.

The nearest other operating shays are (I think) in West Virginia and New Hampshire, so I think there is a uniqueness case to be made for picking the shay.

I agree with Chris.

With multiple examples of conventional rod engines running in some level of proximity to Steamtown NHS, I think the Shay offers the casual, non-railfan visitor a different perspective on steam locomotive design. Personally I am always amused by the exhaust that sounds like a Shay is making some level of mainline speed as if it were a rod engine.

Wesley

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure they put a lot of thought into it too. There's some factor I'm overlooking I'm sure, I just don't know what it is. My points aren't rocket surgery, I'm sure they were considered already.

Cass isn't that far away and I'm certain they have friends there. A quick phone call of "Hey, we're considering doing a Shay, what's your thoughts on that?" would have given them all the info they needed.

Maybe the uniqueness angle is it. I'm in Seattle and things are different around here. There are two operating steam locomotives in the entire state right now. Well, technically only one right now, as the MRSR's #70 just went down for her 1472 and #5 will be done soon, but she's not certified right now. NP 1364 is getting closer to the finish line too. There's a few more operational in Oregon, I can't be bothered to check which are currently operational, but maybe 5 or 6 all told. In any case, they're few and far between in the Pacific NW, so ANY steam is rather unusual. (We're also a Roller Coaster desert too...)

I'd overlooked Strasburg, Everett, EBT, etc etc, all within an easy drive. So, yeah, maybe having something nobody else has is reason enough to do it. I think Chris may have noted the factor that I overlooked.

I personally don't agree with the novelty idea - but who knows.

It's why I brought up the idea of market research in another thread - do guests visiting Steamtown want to see a "different kind of steam locomotive" then they can see elsewhere in the state? Do they care?

Perhaps they do. I'd bet they don't.

OK, so let's go with that...

Average tourist:
Honey, let's take the kids to go see some old choo-choos today. What they find when they get there doesn't matter. A Shay is fine, it's got interesting design, and hey, it sounds impressive at 8 mph, really chugs up a storm.
So, for them, any working steam loco is fine.

Railfan:
Should I go to Steamtown? There's a nice ride at Strasburg, and there's a museum nearby too. EBT is totally authentic, and they're doing great stuff. Everett is really top notch too, with a classic matching train. So why go to Steamtown and take the short ride? They have a Shay! Hey, that's something different, let's go!

The fact they have plenty of nearby competition changes things dramatically.

Adding to this, the Reading and Northern also offers fairly expansive "mainline excursions" that most people in some manner envision (or envisioned at one point) Steamtown doing too.

I don't know if an operating shay will be a big enough draw for more casual people to visit steamtown, but at the very least this will turn a locomotive that was for many decades not even remotely presentable and an example of some of the more negative parts of steamtown, into a positive contribution.

No, of course it won't. Railfans know that Cass is where to go to indulge in Shays. The average family doesn't know a Shay fro a Diesel, but they do expect rod motion, puffing, and larger steel wheels turning.
As far as thought was concerned, I think expedience went into it. Worst part is the delay in restoring 3713 and consuming the budgeted restoration funds to push that project forward. Nothing with regard to steam railroading went into this decision. This was about how little to invest to get another old locomotive running and shut up the complainers.

I believe that is correct. It saddens me that the Pine Creek at Allaire in NJ let their steam program die, as they have a narrow gauge shay hidden away in the shops waiting for better days. I rode behind it as a kid, along with the Irish Lady Edith and Surry, Sussex & Southampton 2-6-2 #26.

But I'd love to see a Shay in action at Steamtown, though it baffles me as to why B&M 3713 can't get higher on the priority list.

Of course they do, but have you ever been to Cass? It's 6-1/2 hours from Scranton and much of the heavily populated Northeastern US.

You can do a day trip to Steamtown from much of the reason. It's also easy and affordable to get a motel nearby and make a weekend of it.

For most folks, Cass would require at least one night in a hotel, and maybe two. Lodging is harder to find and can be expensive. Yes, its worth it, but it's more planning, time and expense for many, vs a day trip to Scranton.

Hard Core railfans will make the trip, but most places need the general public to survive.

Agreed, but still not a structural reason to restore a Shay over a classic rod locomotive. Let me say, there are lots of restoration disappointments against my personal choices, but I'm one person in a crowd. It's steam and it's better than sitting exposed in the outdoors, unprotected and inoperative. I think it's not the best possible choice, but it certainly is better than exclusively running Diesels at STEAMtown.

Steamtown is a National Historic Site, not a mainline excursion operating company. Shays have exceptionally high tractive effort at low speeds, which is exactly what is needed for low speed yard shuttles around a historic site. My understanding is that Graham County #1925 worked great in similar service at Spencer.

As for a classic rod/road locomotive, where would it run? The first possibility is the north-south mainline next to Steamtown, but that is going to become Union Pacific and UP doesn't allow third-party excursions on their tracks (as far as I know.)

The second possibility is the eastbound mainline but that is going to become an Amtrak line. The analysis of that posted on Amtrak.com shows Steamtown excursions ending at Nay Aug.

Third possibility is the Reading & Blue Mountain's line (out of Taylor Yard) but why would the R&BM open up their track to competing excursions?