Hello, I'm no Shay expert, but I have been collecting loco builders plates for a while now. I know that size is important to determining whether a plate is original or not. Castings off original plates are smaller . My question is this: Does anyone know the size dimensions of these original Shay builders plates I've posted photos of? I have an opportunity to possibly trade for one. I own a non Lima Shay Builders plate that is also a "diamond shape and measures:16 inches in length by 9 + 1/4 inches in height. I know that the Lima Shay "diamond" plates with the patent numbers on the bottom are smaller than the more common larger Lima diamond plates. (photos included below) I would absolutely love to have a Shay plate in my collection but I am not comfortable trading unless someone out there that is an EXPERT on Shay plates and could provide me with the true /actual original dimensions. This way I can be sure that the plate is the "Real McCoy"! If it turns out to be the correct size I will then proceed with the trade and be sure to share some photos with the forum!

-Lucas



Examples of the smaller Lima Shay Plate's of which I am trying to confirm dimensions:

I can tell you this much...Lima plates were originally round. I cannot easily get to mine right now or I'd measure it for you. It's #788.

After the round plates, they went to rectangular for a short time, then the more known diamond plate.

Do you know the builders number of the one in question? Would be curious to know just what it came off of?

Hi Tom,
Thanks for your reply, I am aware that the Lima builders plates are: round, rectangular, and diamond shaped. However the diamond shaped versions seem to be two different sizes. Of which, the diamond shaped version I am trying to figure out is pictured below in the photographs. Notice it has the "PATENT" dates under the month in the photo, this is unique to this style. Thus the style with the Patent dates is the smaller of the two diamond shaped versions. I want to make sure the plate in question does indeed measure up correctly before the trade, any help in regards to the correct dimensions would be greatly appreciated. Hope this clears up any further confusion.


Two examples of the diamond style Lima of which I am trying to confirm its dimensions:

If the first plate (3233) is an original it should glow in the dark from being so hot. The locomotive belongs to the Oregon Historical Society. The second plate is off of a Shay scrapped in 1948.

My expert on #3233 tells me that what you have there is a reproduction plate cast at Cass when they operated the locomotive. It is the wrong style for the locomotive.

Lucas,

I have been running Shay c/n 3233 for over 25 years now and am very familiar with her history and plates.

As John passed on to you, what you have there is a plate made by the Cass Shops back in the 1970's when they began running Mount Emily #1. The pattern for the plate is wrong as 1923 Lima plates did not have patent numbers on them.

The plates we have on the engine today are exactly like the one you have there. I have the original plates for her at my home in safe keeping.

Martin