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Clover Valley Lumber 2-6-6-2T No. 4 makes first public runs
Great to see Mallet stream restored to service!
The Shay running on compressed air was a simple but very effective solution to various problems surrounding operating steam locos in fire restricted areas. There is no question that the real thing is better but a big diesel compressor mounted on a flatcar could be the answer under some circumstances. Is this possible. Could the compressor provide sufficient air on a continuous basis to move a small consist along??
Great News! I have been a fan of the now extinct Feather River Lumber Co. for several years. Glad to hear that the #4 is again operational.
It might be tempting to run a locomotive on compressed air but it’s not good for the cylinder walls. Under steam special oil is added which atomizes under the influence of heat and pressure and coats the inside of the cylinders with lubricant. Without this “steam oil” the engine will go lame in a hurry. I’d hate to see that happen. I grew up watching this engine as it paddled across Sierra Valley with it’s train of log jimmies.
A mallet, how awesome is that.