[redacted]

Shay 6 looked fine in September, pulling the Whitaker train. Both Shay 6 and Shay 2 had a miss that drove me crazy, but ran well otherwise. Shay 4 has needed a staybolt repair, rather than Crown sheet work. It's not been a priority due to the fact that they have plenty of operable power otherwise right now. Shay 11, Shay 5 and Heisler 6 were hot as well.

Mike Stillwell

[redacted]

When I went to work for the MSR&LHA as a tour guide at Cass in 2002, Shay 4 was due out of the shop that fall. Work was fast being done to weld in a new rear flue sheet and a crown sheet, and other work to comply with the part 230 rules. Work suddenly stalled when they were unable to find a supplier for staybolt taps long enough (It's 36" from the wrapper to the crown.....). At that time Shay 6 was down waiting for a flue extension that was being held up by red tape, and Hesiler 6 was down for instillation of the new boiler. Between keeping the regular power running (2,5, 11) and 6 &6 they had all they wanted until 2004 when all five were available. 11 was due for it's Form 4 work this fall some time, and I think 5 is due some time soon..... Not to mention they at one time had started on the Brimestone engine for a cosmetic display. I haven't by the Cass shop since this summer, but it sure looks like their going to be busy for a long time!

When I attendeded one of the Mountain State work weekends back in July, I seem to recall hearing that Cass finally got a full set of staybolt taps made. So, they should be able to complete 4's staybolt work.

Dave Crow