The Past
This page is dedicated to Diamond & Caldor Shay #4. This page will grow and be divided, half will be a history of this engine, till its "retirement" from active service, the other half will document the restoration project.
Boiler Repair
We have put a few images of parts of the boiler on this page to call attention that one of the last hurdles to overcome before we can return the #4 to operation is bringing the 100 year old boiler to current Federal Railroad Adminstration (FRA) standards. We have had the boiler evaluated by an engineering firm, fully documenting the condition of the boiler, and repairs that need to be accomplished before we can "finish" this project. Despite its age and 50 years of hard use, we do have a lot to work with. We have a plan to use volunteer labor, where possible and sublet work that must be done by certified or licensed firms. However, we now need to raise at least $50,000 to finish the boiler. Please contribute so others can experience a living, breathing locomotive.
You don't often get a chance to look inside a locomotive boiler. We are looking "up" within the firebox, at the crown sheet of the boiler.
Another view that is seen even less often than the crown sheet, is viewind the "top" of the crown sheet, its girder stays. This view is looking "down" through the steam dome.
We will be adding more pictures of sights not usually seen, as well as a lot more pictures and information on the restoration process and progress.
The Present
In case you didn't know, we are working to restore the #4 to operation. One might ask why ? Many things drive us, and this is one of those questions that has answers that vary with who is being asked. One big reason, is that there are lots of locomotives on static display. They just sit there, a big hunk of iron and steel, but do little to communicate the personality they used to have. By bringing #4 back to life, this is both literal and figurative, lets people see and feel ... experience a living, breathing mechanical beast. Much like a fantasy dragon, a locomotive with a fire in its fire box, operating with steam created in its boiler takes on very lifelike traits. This is an experience, seeing, hearing, smelling even riding behind a locomotive that must be experienced. We hope to give the citizens of El Dorado County and their guests, this experience.
When viewed from the front, shays always look a bit "off center", which is very true .... the boilers are mounted to one side of center, with the engines hanging off the side of the boiler bringing the locomotive, as a whole into balance.
Looking forward, from the rear, without the water and oil tanks,
or the cab. A somewhat vacant feeling ?
Obviously, we had to be there to take this picture, but it looks like nobody is working, today.
Back on the job.
Must be tea time. Check back soon for more images, a real story or two and .... you. Please support EDWRF and #4s restoration and operation.