Original Listing Description

Brass O-Scale Pickering Lumber No. 11 Three-Truck Shay Locomotive – This is a fine example of the model builder’s skills years ago when things were really carefully made and where attention to details counted; from the famous Samhongsa Company in Korea and imported by Sunset Models. A beautifully crafted non-working (requires a belt) scale model of the last major type of Shay locomotive, the Pacific Coast Shay. Many of these geared locomotives were made by Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio, after obtaining the original design and permission from Ephraim Shay himself. Shay came up with this idea after noticing that the wooden track used in the forested areas of Michigan was not damaged by the rail cars carrying logs even though they were much heavier than the locomotives pulling the cars. He surmised that smaller wheels (36” diameter) was the difference and his design employed the same size wheel as the flat cars used. This geared design was also introduced in The Transportation Exhibits in the World Columbian Exposition of 1893.Pickering Lumber dates to before 1902 when Standard Lumber Company was started which then morphed into Pickering in 1921 remaining in business until the depression of 1930. It was then reincarnated in 1937 and in 1941 purchased their only Pacific Coast Shay from Forest Lumber in Oregon which became the famous No. 11 Shay which was actually built by Lima in January 1929. In logging practice, the locomotive was run uphill facing forward with empty flat cars behind and then, once loaded, was backed down the hill which guaranteed adequate water over the crown sheet. The standard gauge, three-truck, three-cylinder design was very popular providing increased cylinder size (from older models) with greater pulling capacity (38,200 lbs. of tractive power on 12-36” diameter wheels or 25% more), greater weight (181,000 lbs.), smaller turning radius allowing for sharper curves in trackage and with more fuel/water capacity for longer operating periods in the field. These were also used for switching and in industrial areas to move rail cars around. This fine reproduction exhibits all of the careful detailing expected including accurate steel frame details with wooden bumpers, cylinder details including steam supply and exhaust distribution lines and fittings, connecting crank fittings, steam air compressor with related valves and lines, the steel all-weather cab with fully detailed boiler backhead controls, fuel oil bunker with fill lid and vent line in place and the water tank/tender is complete with water hose shown at the ready to put out any grass fires which the locomotive might have accidently set while operating in the field. This model has been beautifully weathered and thoughtfully detailed to enhance and show-off all of the aspects of this wonderful locomotive. Everything from the boiler finish with streaks of residue from rain, steam and grime, cast steel trucks with pinon gears coated in grease, brake shoes, hangers and air lines covered, accurate steel girder frame details with dirt and grime, boiler domes, steam whistle even with pull cord in place, steam generator, brass bell and boiler jacket are all weathered carefully – all of this major effort creates a model that really recreates what this locomotive might have looked like when in use. Engineer and fireman included for scale purposes.The hardcover book “Pacific Coast Shay – Strong Man of the Woods” by Dan Ranger, Jr., published in 1964 by Pacific Railroad Publications will also be included with this exceptional model. I am a collector - not a dealer - and this amazing model, which was purchased used, has been in our collection for over twenty years awaiting its turn to be painted, weathered and detailed by an artist much in demand. It was brought home about 18 months ago and put on display then and is now being offered for sale so that we might expand into other areas of brass locomotive collecting mainly different railway equipment from geared locomotives. Please review all details and photos carefully as no returns are possible - please ask any questions necessary to resolve any doubts or concerns that you may have regarding this rare and beautifully detailed and weathered Pacific Coast Shay No. 11. This fine model will be shipped in its original box with original packing materials, double boxed, at buyer's expense and we recommend shipping via UPS or USPS Priority Mail insured. (Condition: Brand New)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.