The Shay engine is an engineering marvel to behold. These origin of these engines date prior to 1895.  This concept of the Shay was actually developed by a logger named Ephriam Shay who is created with invented a flat car with a donkey engine hung over the side of the car, geared to the wheels.  This design was further enhanced and developed by Lima, making the Shay engine very popular in the lumbering industry.   Where the climate was rough with sharp inclines and dangerous curves, the Shay was king.   Although not the fastest on the block, the Shay got the job done, time after time.

Shays made a very load noise due to the gearing reduction.   The went at the speed of someone walking, but up almost any steep incline that was offered.   Actual speed may have been 12 miles per hour.