Mostly about my backyard chickens. (Boring, I know), but there are a lot of us out here. Mine are only kept as pampered pets. I could eat a neighbor's chicken, but not MINE. There may be a comment on current events only if I get riled up enough. And there will always be a cartoon or a joke to cheer us. I promise to try my very best to respond to comments. Now I have to figure out how this blogger thingy works....
Friday, November 3, 2017
Friday Night Steam
More Shays! Enjoy this wonderful video filled with my favorite engine! Lots of gears, steam, whistles, mountains and a darn good history lesson to boot.....
Cass, West Virginia is a minuscule town with a massive history. Founded in the first year of the 20th century, it was two primary operations that fed the town: the lumber industry and the railroad. The Mower Lumber Company thrived as one of the most pristine logging corporations in the country, running one of the most rugged railroads. By the 21st century the town is nothing more than an historical monument. The lumber mill, which sold to such innovators as the Wright Brothers, is lying abandoned and derelict, a mere carcass of what once was.
The railroad, however, still stands, but not for its intent. When the logging operations shut down in the summer of 1960, plans were quickly drawn up to use what little resources the town retained to craft a tourist site, including an authentic steam-powered scenic train ride. Deemed the “Cass Scenic Railroad”, many thought that it would be the only way possible to keep the town alive. To this day, passenger train rides are still in operation among the many rail-routes and excursions Cass has to offer. The most popular of which being the route to the top of Cheat Mountain: "Bald Knob Summit", nearly 5,000 feet in elevation. In this piece, we’ll observe the town and the current railroad operations as well. Four geared “Shay”-type steam engines handle the trains, Numbers 2, 4, 5, and 6. We’ll see all of these locomotives in operation as well as riding behind a special VIP excursion train powered by engine No. 2, a 1928 Pacific Coast engine. We’ll see the train photographed along some of the most scenic locations on the Cheat Mountain route, as well as a look inside the engine-house and workshop, and even get an up-close look at some of the unused equipment.
It’s a spectacular showcase of antique steam-powered transportation among a canvas of historic and scenic backdrops. We hope that everyone finds something to enjoy about this living piece of history in Diamond in the Rough.
That was a very well done video. In addition to the usual scenery, Shays, gears and whistles I liked the history of the town and how they turned a failed lumber town into a tourist destination. Very detailed roster of Cass locomotives with extensive history of each is here: http://www.msrlha.org/roster-locos.html
I was there once 41 years ago. Enjoyed it then. Sure I would now, too, but I don't get around much.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gorges! That must have been wonderful to see! Lucky, lucky you!
Delete(I am sooo jealous!)
That was a very well done video. In addition to the usual scenery, Shays, gears and whistles I liked the history of the town and how they turned a failed lumber town into a tourist destination.
ReplyDeleteVery detailed roster of Cass locomotives with extensive history of each is here: http://www.msrlha.org/roster-locos.html
Thanks for the link, Terry! Good one! :o)
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