Appears that the Southern Oregon Railway Historical Society is making progress on the Medco #4. September 2014 photos show the trucks, boiler, engine, cab and tanks back on the frame. Looks like plenty of work to be done, but at least she's going back together. It would be great to see the Medco #4 and the Rayonier #2 operate together some day!

I'm sure a lot of us have had that thought, but the logistics would be very expensive. A slightly more realistic hope is to have the #2 and Pickering Shay 11 run together.

Always wondered how to properly pronounce that name.... Is it Will-A-Met (phoenetically) or Will-Lam-Et, or another pronunciation?

wi-LA-met, with a short 'i' and short 'a'
At least that's how the locals I know say it in Portland, where the river of the same name passes through...

You make this second sentence rhyme:

"Hey, that's a really nice Shay."

"It's a Willamette, Dammit!"

Any update on the #11? Thought I read somewhere that work might start on the 11 after the 17 was finished. Would love to see all 4 types of geared locomotives in operation at the same place!

I'm not privy to any official plan or timetable for the #11 repairs. I think she's in good shape, mostly needing boiler work.

Obviously, having all four running would be great bragging rights for the MRSR. It's been talked about often.

The downside is that the Shay has trouble maintaining the schedule on our line, and while we have lots of grades and curves, our 2-8-2's handle them just fine. The Heisler, Climax and even the Willamette are faster than the #11.

So it's a tough call.