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Three of the 13 Sepcat Jaguars launched by No. 6 Squadron, The Flying Canopeners, for the Big 6 Tour get airborne from RAF Coningsby 13 years ago today.
One of the few remaining RF&P signals and a YN2 Big six both on borrowed time made today's Q410 just a little sweeter.
Looking inland from Gairloch towards Torridon and Fisherfield, with the usual changeable west coast weather!
After spending hours on this special train, making its way down the West Virginia Central Railroad from Elkins, WV to Cass, the passengers on this 2008 excursion with Western Maryland Shay #6 were allowed off the train during a servicing stop at Cheat Bridge, and were then treated to a photo run-by before resuming their trip. The big Shay from the Cass Scenic Railroad had visited the city of Elkins for 4 days in July of 2008, to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's historic Western Maryland Railway Depot.
Deep woods, steep grades and sharp curves are the hallmarks of the kingdom of the Shay locomotive. With freight car-like articulating trucks and gearing for maximum power these engines could....and still can....go where no conventional steam or diesel engine can go. In this scene, we see Western Maryland Shay #6 (aka "Big Six"), the largest Shay ever designed from scratch and the largest one still in existence at 162 tons. She's drifting downhill in this shot, handling one of the tightest corners on the Cass Scenic Railroad: the tail of the Upper Switchback.
Posing on the platform at the Elkins, WV depot, Western Maryland Shay #6 shines in the lights for photographers on the first night of her 2008 visit to the city. Timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad station, the visit of "Big Six" from Cass Scenic Railroad not only provided some visibility for the tourist railroad, but also provided an opportunity for the locals to ride behind steam on a series of local excursions to places like Kelly Mountain Tunnel and Belington, WV. The journey up from Cass and back also provided lucky excursion participants with some serious rare mileage experience.
Sadly, this 2008 event has yet to be repeated, likely because of the cost and the logistics issues associated with running steam over long distances, when the railroad infrastructure to support it no longer exists.
Some three and a half miles north of Cheat Bridge, WV, Western Maryland Shay #6 runs along the east bank of the Shavers Fork of the Cheat, as she makes her long journey back to Cass, after a 4-day visit in Elkins in July of 2008. The locomotive and consist were in Elkins to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's historic Western Maryland Railway Station. Folks riding this train knew they were in for a long day, as it basically took the entire day to make the slow ride from Elkins to Cheat Bridge, to Spruce and then on to Cass.
Western Maryland Shay #6 crosses the Tygart River in Elkins for the last time as she begins her long journey back to the Cass Scenic Railroad, after her July, 2008 visit to Elkins, WV. The bridge she's crossing is old Western Maryland trackage and the remnants of the WM logo can be clearly seen on the side of the bridge beams. The tank car behind #6 is an auxiliary water car which was painted white to reflect sunlight and keep the water cool. The steam siphons on the Shay engines function less efficiently as the water supply gets warmer. She's going to need that extra water, as the run to Cass is well over 65 rail miles, nearly all of which is in wilderness areas, although much of it is along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River.
That's my first impression every time I see a Shay Locomotive. The vertical cylinders, the massive drive shaft, the open gearing and the steam wafting out everywhere all combine to form an image that just doesn't immediately say "railroad engine". The ultimate incarnation of that image is the brutish, 162 ton Western Maryland #6, seen here switching cars in the yard at Elkins, WV during a special excursion in 2008. Those who have never seen this monster can view her and even ride in front of her at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, in Cass, WV.
Just before sunset, Western Maryland Shay #6 pulls her special excursion train across the Tygart River and into the Elkins, WV Depot during her one-of-a-kind, 4-day visit in July of 2008. The visit was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city's old railroad station. The special excursion train was a cooperative effort between the Cass Scenic and West Virginia Central Railroads. Patrons rode the train from the depot at Cass Scenic Railroad, all the way to Old Spruce, where it interchanged with trackage now operated by the West Virginia Central Railroad. That connection enabled it to travel all the way to Elkins, via the same route used by the New Tygart Flyer. During her stay in Elkins, Shay #6 operated a number short excursions for the public, to nearby towns such as Belington. She was also posed for night photos on at least two nights, for local rail enthusiasts to enjoy. With no real infrastructure to support steam operations, this visit was logistically complicated, requiring coal deliveries to the Elkins Yard, as well as coordination with several local fire departments for water support. Although this event proved that long distance steam trips within the region are possible, the cost and complexity make it unlikely that it will ever become a regular occurrence.
Here's a view of Western Maryland Shay #6, the largest Shay Locomotive ever designed from scratch, as she approaches the summit of Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, at 4,843 ft above sea level, with a short log train. Bald Knob, the terminus of today's Cass Scenic Railroad, is also the highest point east of the Mississippi River, that is served by a standard gauge railroad. Although the grade right here, just a few hundred yards from end-of-track, appears relatively mild, the grade just below this point is one of the steepest on the entire 11 mile railroad.
Interestingly, although Shay #6 was designed for steep grades, she's one of the few Shays that was not built for the logging industry. The "Big Six", as she is sometimes called, was built for the Western Maryland Railway, to drag heavy coal trains from the mines on its Chaffee Branch, near Elkins, WV, where the grades were as much as 9%.
It is not often that steam enthusiasts get to photograph these historic machines in truly remote wilderness settings. Having waited patiently on the shores of the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River for over an hour, about 3.5 miles north of Cheat Bridge, WV, I was rewarded with this scene of Western Maryland Shay #6 pulling her excursion train on the day-long trek to her home base at Cass Scenic Railroad. Although I was totally alone at this peaceful site, there were dozens of chasers waiting for her just a few miles down the river at Cheat Bridge.
This image was captured as Western Maryland Shay #6 was making her journey back to Cass after a successful, 4-day visit to Elkins, WV, in July, 2008.
On a warm, summer afternoon, Western Maryland Shay #6 makes some light engine moves on the tracks in the yard near the old Western Maryland Depot in downtown Elkins, WV. Until this July, 2008 visit by the "Big Six" from her home at Cass Scenic Railroad, this city had not seen a live steam locomotive in many decades. The visit was arranged by the city, the Cass Scenic Railroad and the West Virginia Central Railroad to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic railroad depot.
This view is a relatively unusual one because it depicts the "clean" side of a Shay Locomotive. Most photographers tend to photograph the other side, because that is where all of the cylinders, rods and driveshaft are located. Looking at this side, the viewer is unable to see any means of locomotion. This side does give you a sense of just how big the wheels are on this, the largest Shay ever designed from the ground up. It also shows the size of her massive firebox, which can be seen just below and ahead of the cab. Amazingly, despite the bowling alley size of the combustion chamber, this engine does not have a mechanical stoker and is still hand-fired. It's no wonder why most of her firemen are relative youngsters.
Even for a seasoned rail enthusiast like myself, the sight of a massive, 162-ton Shay Locomotive running in the wilderness of West Virginia, away from any established tourist railroad, is a pretty rare sight. In July of 2008, the Western Maryland Shay #6 made a special visit to Elkins, WV from its home at the Cass Scenic Railroad, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of that city's historic railroad depot. This image was captured during the return trip, as the train made its way down the West Virginia Central Railroad, toward Spruce and eventually Cass. I intercepted the train as it made its southbound journey, about 3.5 miles north of Cheat Bridge, WV and chased it to a servicing stop at Cheat Bridge Station, photographing it numerous times from across the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. As far as I know, images like this one are pretty unique, as I did not observe any other photographers shooting from this riverside trail.
Running along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, Western Maryland Shay #6 takes her special excursion train south toward her home at Cass. This image was captured in the wilderness, a couple of miles north of Cheat Bridge, WV, as the big Shay made her way home after her 4-day visit to Elkins in July of 2008. In this view, you can't see the heavy steel coaches or the open tourist cars, but you can see the white auxiliary water car as well as the box car containing electrical generators and various support equipment that was used during operations at Elkins. Needless to say, with no extant railroad infrastructure to support steam locomotives, the logistics associated with this operation were pretty complex, and the train crew needed to bring a lot of things with them.
Western Maryland Shay #6 crosses the Tygart River in downtown Elkins, WV, as she departs with her excursion train on the last of her local trips to Kelly Mountain Tunnel at 6PM on July 12, 2008. Note the young boy and his father fishing below the bridge, apparently oblivious to the history being made above them! Thanks to Chris Blaszczyk for suggesting that I go after this shot...and to Mother Nature for parting the passing cumulus just long enough to make it possible.
This image was captured during the July, 2008 visit to Elkins by Western Maryland Shay #6 from the Cass Scenic Railroad. The visit was timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad depot. It was the first appearance in Elkins by a live steam locomotive in many decades.
Western Maryland Shay #6 storms past a little-used emergency water stop as she hauls her log train up the last half mile to the summit of Bald Knob, WV, during a 2009 photo shoot on the Cass Scenic Railroad, organized by Carl Franz. This is probably Carl's favorite photo spot on the entire railroad and there is not much question as to why. The terrain offers a commanding view of the trains climbing the hill and the southeast bearing of this stretch means it is one of the few spots where there is any nose-light on the locomotives. Unfortunately, maintaining this excellent view requires frequent brush cutting, which is done mostly by charter operators such as Mr. Franz. The results of the most recent round of cutting are clearly visible in the foreground and on the left side of the frame.
Just prior to departing on a day-long excursion to Belington, WV, Western Maryland Shay #6 completes a series of switching moves designed to assemble the consist for the upcoming run. Here, she's framed by the Tygart River Bridge, just south of the passenger depot in Elkins, bringing the completed train to the platform for boarding.
This image was captured during a July, 2008 visit to Elkins, but Western Maryland Shay #6 from the Cass Scenic Railroad. The visit was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the city's Western Maryland Railway Station. During the visit, #6 ran a series of local excursions to Kelly Mountain Tunnel and nearby Belington. It was the first time in decades that Elkins had seen a live steam locomotive. The visit was facilitated by the folks at the West Virginia Central Railroad, which operates all of the trackage from Cass to Elkins and Belington.
Running clean stack, Western Maryland Shay #6 brings her excursion consist back toward Elkins, WV, after a day-long trip to nearby Belington. This view was captured off a bridge on the Buckhannon Pike, just north of the little town of Norton. The big Shay is running tank first as there are no turning facilities in the Belington Yard, which just happens to be the home of the West Virginia Central Railroad. The consist this day is an eclectic mix of heavy steel coaches from the West Virginia Central, open tourist cars from the Cass Scenic Railroad, a box car carrying electrical generators, and a caboose.
This image was captured during a 4-day visit to Elkins, by Western Maryland Shay #6 from the Cass Scenic Railroad in July of 2008. The visit was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city's Western Maryland Railway Station.
After a short, local excursion to nearby Kelly Mountain Tunnel, Western Maryland Shay #6 brings her excursion train back across the Tygart River and into the platform at the depot in Elkins, WV. This image was captured in July of 2008, during a 4-day visit by Shay #6 from the Cass Scenic Railroad. The visit was timed to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's Western Maryland Passenger Depot.
On a warm morning in July of 2008, Western Maryland Shay #6 backs her excursion train away from the depot in downtown Elkins, WV, as she sets off on a local passenger excursion to Kelly Mountain Tunnel. The train is backing toward the Tygart River Bridge and a wye located beyond it in the city center, where it will switch onto the West Virginia Central main line. All excursions out of Elkins depart this way as the depot track basically dead-ends at the station itself.
This image was captured during a special visit by Western Maryland Shay #6 to Elkins from the Cass Scenic Railroad, to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad depot. During the 4-day visit, Shay #6 made numerous local excursions around Elkins, to destinations like Kelly Mountain Tunnel, and the nearby City of Belington.
Just moments after leaving the yard in Cass, West Virginia, the 162-ton Western Maryland Shay #6 charges across Back Mountain Road, headed up Cass Hill with a log train. Back Mountain Road is one of the few paved roads that are crossed by the Cass Scenic Railroad, and it actually crosses this one twice in the first couple of miles on the Hill. Back Mountain Road runs along the east face of Cheat Mountain from Cass to just east of Durbin. It's not a road for the faint of heart however, because it is only really one lane wide....for the better part of 15 or 20 miles.
This image was captured during a May, 2009 photo shoot on the Cass Scenic Railroad, organized by Carl Franz.
The Western Maryland "Big Six" returns to the Elkins, WV Depot after an evening excursion to Kelly Mountain Tunnel. Every arrival during her 4-day visit in 2008 brought out the local townsfolk, many of whom had probably never seen a steam engine, let alone one as impressive as this one.
The 2008 visit of Western Maryland Shay #6 to Elkins was a cooperative effort between the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and the West Virginia Central Railroad and was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad depot, which appears in this image.
Rampart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.
Diana 151, Kodacolor film, vintage Type-C print, 16x16 inches.
Contemporary pigmented ink print on rag paper.
As the sunset approaches, Western Maryland Shay #6 returns to downtown Elkins, WV after a special excursion to Kelly Mountain Tunnel. In this frame, she's just coming off the east leg of the wye in downtown Elkins and is crossing 11th Street, headed north toward the old Western Maryland Depot, where the excursion will terminate. Needless to say, drivers on this road are getting a look at something this city hasn't seen in many decades.
In July of 2008, Shay 6 and a mixed consist of cars from the Cass Scenic Railroad and the West Virginia Central operated numerous passenger excursions out of Elkins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's historic railroad depot. This image is a bit unique because it features the "lazy" side of the Shay, something many photographers avoid. The cylinders, rods and drive shaft are all on the other side of the locomotive. From this angle, the engine looks like nothing more than a boiler on a heavy flat car. Interestingly, the boilers on these locomotives are offset on the left side of the chassis to counter balance the weight of all of the machinery on the right side. Another point of interest is that the size of the firebox on this 162-ton monster is more clearly visible through the frame rails on this side. Amazingly, even with this large firebox to feed, the "Big Six" does not have a mechanical stoker and is just a regular "hand-bomber!"
Under a clear July sky, Western Maryland Shay #6 hauls an eclectic mix of cars along US Route 250 near the Town of Junior Spring, on an afternoon excursion from Elkins, WV to the nearby City of Belington. This odd-looking consist included a box car containing generators for electrical power as well as supplies, followed by three West Virginia Central steel coaches, a couple of open tourist cars from the Cass Scenic Railroad and a caboose. The train certainly garnered a lot of attention as the West Virginia Central tracks leading to the yards at Belington run along public highways for some of the journey, and this region hadn't seen a steam locomotive in many decades.
This image was captured during a special visit by Western Maryland Shay #6 to Elkins from the Cass Scenic Railroad, to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad depot. During the 4-day visit, Shay #6 made numerous local excursions around Elkins, to destinations like Kelly Mountain Tunnel, and the nearby City of Belington, as depicted in this photo.
The behemoth Western Maryland Shay #6 runs the last 100 yards to the depot in Elkins, WV, as she returns from a morning local excursion to Kelly Mountain Tunnel, on the West Virginia Central Railroad. This image was captured during July of 2008, when the "Big Six" made a special visit to Elkins from her home at the Cass Scenic Railroad, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad station. During her 4-day stay, the Six ran several local excursions to Kelly Mountain Tunnel and to the West Virginia Central's base of operations in nearby Belington. Needless to say, this visit was a huge hit with the locals. It had been many decades since Elkins had seen a live steam engine at the depot.
With a few locals and chasers pausing to take photos, the massive Western Maryland Shay #6 hauls her special excursion train into the town of Belington, WV, which is the home of the West Virginia Central Railroad. This image was captured during a July, 2008 event in which the big Shay visited nearby Elkins, WV for 4 days, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city's railroad station. During this visit, the "Big Six" made several local passenger excursions to places like Kelly Mountain Tunnel, and as was the case here, to Belington. Although it was great publicity for the locomotive's owner, the Cass Scenic Railroad, and the host railroad, the West Virginia Central, the visit was expensive and logistically complicated, as the railroad infrastructure to support steam operations no longer exists away from Cass. Fueling and watering a big locomotive like this required a lot of coordination, often with local fire departments. Just moments after this image was captured, the fine folks from the Belington FD were tasked with filling the big Shay's tanks for the return trip to Elkins.
Riding a log train is definitely an experience that excites the senses. It shakes and rattles and makes it difficult to stay on one's feet. The Shay locomotives sound like they're doing 60 mph and your eyes can't help but marvel at the volcanic exhaust of the pusher....as you inhale the coal smoke from the leader and are liberally dusted by its plume of cinders. Earplugs, goggles and old clothes are standard attire.
In this image, we're riding up Cass Hill in front of the 162-ton Western Maryland Shay #6, often referred to as just "Big Six." She's pushing a string of log flats on the lower reaches of the hill, with Leatherbark Creek visible on the left side of the image. This frame was captured during a May, 2009 photo shoot on the Cass Scenic Railroad, organized by Carl Franz.
Double Patties , Double cheese and Double Eggs with lettuce , tomatoes , onions and french fries . At the Family Big 6 Restaurant in Burnaby