GC E No.1 Greenbrier, Cheat Elk Railroad Three Cylinder Shay Editorial Photo

Prior to 1880, lumber companies used mules to haul logs to the saw mills. In 1879, Lima Locomotive Works built the first light version of the standard freight engine design in order to haul logs. This logging locomotive design was perfected by Michigan inventor, Ephramin Shay. His gear-driven locomotive with flexible wheel base had three side-mount cylinders, which powered a long crankshaft fitted with beveled gears. The wheelbase allowed the locomotive to handle the curves and the grades of logging country, but limited the speed of the locomotive. The Shay locomotive was an immediate success and nicknamed the Iron Mule. Around 2,700 Shay locomotives were built in a 65 year period.