Cass Shay #5: 109 years and still on home rails. As we get further and further into the 21st century, more and more of the steam era survivors are passing their 100th birthdays, with a fair number of those centenarians still on the active roster. Among the 100 year-old "runners" however, there are precious few that still ply the same rails that they ran when they were new. I can think of fewer than half a dozen, and a least half of those are narrow gauge. Delivered to the West Virginia Spruce Lumber Company at Cass in 1905, this Lima C-80 is now 109 years old and has essentially never left the place. Over the years, lots of parts have been replaced, including the wooden cab, but the big parts, including most of the boiler, are still original. Cass #5, which sees regular service during the summertime, is the oldest Shay at Cass, and the second oldest Shay left in existence.
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.
From a hint of "Bee" (NKP 765), colorful "Bees" (KCS), "Bees" w/ "attitude", to "Bees" that "sting" your eyes, in their own way they have "Bee" on display! Equipment that "Buzzes" with Yellow & Black colors! ("Bees" can still "Bee" entering this "hive"!)
