Today was a beautiful day to climb Bald Knob on a Shay Steam Locomotive.

Cass Railroad Ole #5 made the trip today just as it has since 1905 except today the passengers were not wood ”hicks” or the logs they felled for lumber.  The climb to Bald Knob averages 6% but in a couple of places goes up to 9%.  It takes a special locomotive to handle the steep rail as today’s railroads run from 1-2% and never exceed 3%.

Glow of the firebox

The Shay locomotive is specially built for the challenge with short wheelbase and 12 geared wheels.  It’s not very fast, we averaged around 5mph.  On the ride up we spotted a couple of fawns blasting from their hiding places.  I am sure mom’s “stay right here” gave out when they heard the thundering roar of the locomotive under full pull.  The view from the top was marvelous; overlooking the Greenbrier and a couple of valleys beyond and into Virginia.  The mountains are recovering nicely from those heavy logging days.  Red Spruce are even returning…slowly.