Ephiram Shay designed this strange-looking locomotive for logging operations. It is designed with three vertical pistons connected to a crank shaft, much as you might an internal combustion engine. The crank shaft runs down the right (Engineer's) side of the locomotive and, by using slide splines and universal joints, provides power to bevel gears that interlock with similar gears mounted on the axle ends. Using this method, the locomotive and tender ride upon three (in this case) trucks, much like freight car trucks. Each truck can pivot independently and is equalized as a unit. Thus, the locomotive can negotiate rough trackage with tight curves. This design also provides for good adhesion as all the weight of loco, tender, and fuel is on the drivers.

This photo shows us a closeup of the cylinders, rods, and crankshaft.

Due to its fairly slow speed (top end is about 13 MPH), the locomotive is often used at the IRM for caboose trains. People just love to ride in those cabooses (cabeese?).

IRM Steam Engineer, Tim Jurek takes a moment to pose beside his charge before taking the train for another trip.

The cab of the shay is nice and roomy, neat, and clean...NOT!