The historic Mount Emily Shay #1, a geared steam locomotive, was built in 1923 by Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. She was one of the nearly 3,000 Shays built from the 1890s through the 1940s for logging and mining. Oregon was the nation’s leading wood producer by 1938. Shay models could operate on steep and rough track and were able to access timber in remote areas. These locomotives were key to transporting logs to lumber mills and developing Oregon’s logging economy.

Each company that ordered a Shay model got a customized locomotive fit for their needs. Mount Emily Shay #1, however, stands out as a “standard” model, belonging to the 80-ton class with three cylinders and three trucks. Despite this classification, this locomotive weighs 90 tons. The weight increase is due to alterations such as an all-weather cab, girder frame, and cast trucks—essential upgrades to withstand the dynamic Pacific Northwest climate.

She was promptly put to work. In September of 1923, the Shay was purchased by the Independence Logging Company in Aberdeen, Washington, and logged timber for 4.5 years.

A Brief History

In LaGrande, Oregon, the Mount Emily Lumber Company was forming. Independence seized this opportunity, since they were downsizing, and sold the Shay to the lumber company in 1928. It was at that moment that she received the name she still carries today— Mount Emily Shay #1. The lumber company transported logs down the mountainside with their four Shay locomotives for years. In 1955, the Mount Emily logging railroad shut down its operation.

The locomotive made her way to Portland in 1958 as a donation to OMSI. In 1971, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS), which had taken over ownership of the Shay, leased her to the Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass, West Virginia.

After decades of operation in West Virginia, the railroad’s lease ended in 1993, and OHS returned the Shay home to Oregon.

Seventy-one years after the locomotive was manufactured, the Shay was restored to its historic look by the City of Prineville Railway in 1994. Shortly after, in 1999, she traveled down to Sacramento, California, to participate in the “Shay races” for Railfair ‘99.

Finally, in 2018, the City of Prineville Railway stopped operating the Shay. OHS then looked to find a new permanent home for her, and in 2022 they determined that ORHC was the best choice. The Shay arrived at ORHC in 2024. Now, at its final home, we will continue to preserve and operate her.

Steaming Forward at ORHC

This unique historical artifact is a piece of Oregon history. ORHC is forming a passionate and experienced crew to begin a boiler retrofit and get her ready to steam up in 2025. The Mount Emily Shay #1 will pull passengers again and showcase the importance of Oregon’s logging history.