Original Listing Description

Brass O-Scale Michigan – California Lumber Company No. 2 Two-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. An example of legendary Japanese quality, this beautifully crafted scale model of one of the most interesting and famous of all Shay locomotives ever made – it is the oldest surviving Tee-boiler Shay now existing. From Micro Cast/Mizuno of Japan for the highly prized Precision Scale Company, serial number 01026. A beautifully crafted in great condition, scale model of possibly the last surviving Tee boiler Shay locomotive. 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.This model is based upon the first engineering redesign from the original patents and were first introduced in 1883-1884 – this older design lasted 23 years until dropped from Lima’s catalogue when the whole line of Shay’s was recast. The Tee-boiler was used on smaller engines ranging from 10 to 20 tons. This engine was originally sold to a Michigan company but was subsequently sold and shipped to California for use on the “Mich-Cal” logging operations active there Michigan California Lumber of Company of Camino, California, formed in 1918 from the failed El Dorado Lumber which morphed into the C. D. Danaher Lumber Company in 1911 and then Mich-Cal, used this locomotive on the Georgetown Divide operations and ended up as a switcher at their mill operations during the 1950’s. It is still there behind their offices today.This compact Shay was made in 1884, construction number 122, for three-foot gauge track and converted to oil from wood in about 1905. This number 2 was used for switching needs after the larger No. 7 Shay arrived in 1904. In logging practice, these locomotives were sometimes, depending upon grades, 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. There were grades of 7% on this line.The three-foot gauge, two-truck, two-cylinder design provided a very compact power-plant with 26” drivers, 13,000 lbs. tractive power at 23 tons weight plus a smaller turning radius allowing for sharper curves in trackage and with reasonable fuel/water capacity for reasonable operating periods in the field. These small Shays were also used for switching and in industrial areas to move rail cars around – sometimes converted to standard gauge for industrial uses. 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 cab with fully detailed boiler backhead controls, fuel oil bunker with fill lid and vent line in place with the water tank beneath is complete including sand box at the rear with fill caps in place – love the off-set headlight.The original paperwork from Iron Horse Models is included which contains much detailed information about this locomotive including drawings and a photo of the actual locomotive with original warranty information. Over the years the brass finish has developed a beautiful patina which enhances the fine details on this model.I am a collector - not a dealer - and this amazing model, which was purchased through a dealer from another owner, has been in our collection for over five years. It was brought home about 1 month ago and has not left its box except for photography purposes. It 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 opportunity to acquire a rare and beautiful Mich-Cal Shay No. 2. 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 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.