Steamscape: Cass Hill. The spring vegetation is definitely in full bloom as a Cass Work Train hammers uphill toward Old Spruce with Shay #4 on the point. This locomotive is a 70-ton Lima Shay, built in 1922 for the Birch Valley Lumber Company in Tioga, WV as their #5. In 1943, she was acquired by the Mower Lumber Company and moved to Cass Hill, where she's been ever since. She was one of the original set of locomotives that was used to start the Cass Scenic Railroad. As a 70-tonner, she's a bit light for all but the shortest trains. Usually, she's used as a helper on the Bald Knob runs, but her unique arched cab windows and short body also make her a favorite with charter operators, looking to recreate authentic Mower log trains.
For aficianados of geared steam engines, it's "almost heaven." Here are some scenes from the park's annual Railfan Weekends, as well as some private charters.
