W.T. Smith Lumber Co. Heisler No. 10. This 2-Truck Heisler was built in 1918 by Heisler Locomotive Works in Erie, PA for the W.T. Smith Lumber Co. #10 at Chapman, AL. Later it saw service at the Angelina Hardwood Lumber Co. #6 at Ferriday, LA and the Chicago Mill & Lumber Co. #5 at Tallulah, LA until 1966 when it was sold to the Museum.
The Heisler was based on a design patented in 1891 by Charles L Heisler. The design was somewhat similar to a Climax locomotive but featured two cylinders canted inwards at a 45-degree angle to form a 'V-twin' arrangement vs the more standard side mounted cylinders. Unlike the Climax, the Heisler used side rods on it's trucks eliminating open gearing. It's claim to fame was that it was the fastest of the geared steam locomotive designs, and yet was still claimed by its manufacturer to have the same low speed hauling ability. Heisler produced locomotives until 1941.
