Cass WV Steam Train

Our Cass train was hauled by a Shay and a Heisler. Both are geared locomotives, designed for use with steep grades and sharp curves (which abound at Cass, a former lumber line). The Shays are the big attraction at Cass -- it has the largest collection of operating Shays in the world.
The locos are always on the downhill end of the train (for safety reasons), so they basically push the cars up Bald Mountain, then pull them down again. There are two locos going up (for speed and power), and just one coming down (when gravity helps!). The brakes on the cars are used during the descent to keep the train under careful control, especially on the switchbacks where the locomotive is at the uphill end.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Steam
• train
• Cass
• WV
• Shay
• Heisler

[david245611]

Are you an employe in Cass?

[tcomden]

No, I was just a visitor. Went there with a friend who is a true fan of steam trains, we stayed in one of the cottages for rent in Cass. I highly recommend it as a get-away weekend from Pittsburgh.

[leew900]

Everyone who likes steam should visit. They rent houses in town by the day or week, and there is alot to see and do. A nearby ski resort can top the trip also. I been several times and plan to keep going back! The whistle in the mountains is great, dont stop no matter what any moron says negative about it!

[tcomden]

Also worth visiting is the National Radio Astronomical Observatory in Green Bank, just down the road from Cass.

We stayed overnight in Cass, the house was basic, not deluxe, because our prime objective was the railroad.

[compoundgr]

fantastic locos! Which is the max gradient of the line?

[tcomden]

11%, which I'm told is really really steep for a steam train. Our friend Carl, who was with us on this trip, has a web site devoted to model railroading at http://www.carendt.us. He will be posting a new scrapbook on June 1 which will indluce stills of the switchback which show the grade much better than my video.

[wwrr98]

aww man, i love that whistle

[eltonjohnfan100]

@Strasburg1991 you know nothing about cass

[CassFan5150]

@Strasburg1991 C&O 3 Chimer :)

[CassFan5150]

Yes, Its very nice!

[REGROY1913]

Thanks for posting this. I've been there twice and the trains are awesome!! The brakeman on our car even let me work the brakes.

[lostinthegame77]

Naiiiice

[Strasburg1991]

what about t1 3 chimes?