TOLLIE THE “SHAY”

Tollie (1924), a Simpson Logging locomotive is displayed on Railroad Avenue in Shelton.

Designed by Ephraim Shay the locomotive negotiated heavy grades and curves. The design included a flat car built on two trucks for four wheels each, an upright boiler with two vertical engines was fastened to the center of the car, and power was extended to the trucks through a flexible shaft. A barrel of water was placed at one end with firewood at the other. Interlocking shafts allowed the tender twist the most awkward turns. A Shay operated on lighter tracks and outran rod engines on curves. The Shay was so simply built that a blacksmith could mend it.

Excerpt from David A. James article, Mason County Historical Museum

Mason County Historical Society Museum

5th Street & Railroad Ave, Shelton | 360) 426-1020

Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. FREE masoncountyhistoricalsociety.org

Peninsular Railway & Lumberman's Museum

Shelton, WA | simpsonrailroad.org

An interactive exhibit museum preserving the Simpson Railroad. simpsonrailroad.org

The Simpson locomotive, “Tollie,” was placed in Shelton May 1, 1959, (Shay Day). It was joined by Caboose No.700; and a 1920’s log car.Mason County Historical Museum

The Peninsular Railway & Lumberman’s Museum was established in 2017 to preserve the former Simpson Railroad, which ceased operations in 2015 and was the last logging railroad operating in the United States.