David Russell said:
Kevin Strong said:
My “Absolutely, positively, turn it on and watch it run” locomotive:
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/eastbroadtop/openhouse08/open23.jpg)
Tuscarora Timber Co. #4, a Bachmann Heisler.
Can someone tell me more about this locomotive? Is it still available and in a price range that one could justify cutting it up for a kitbash? What would the prototype build date be and where was it used? Is this like a Shay in certain aspects? Suppose I could look this up on my own but more fun asking here. 
Hmmm, not quite sure why you would want to bash a Heisler, it already looks like it was made from left-ofter parts anyhow. As for the history of this type of loco, it was the brainchild of Charles Heisler, and incorporated a whole raft of innovations in engineering design, including - 1. Worm gear drive to the one axle with drive rods transmitting the torque to the other axles - MUCH cheaper than the Shay with its multiplicity of crown wheels and bevels… 2. Unitary gearbox assemblies in oil baths that could be inspected, filled or even changed out completely without having to part-dismantle the loco. 3. Commonality and interchangeability of parts throughout the range of locos, regardless of size [within reason]. 4. Power AND speed - the Heislers were somewhat faster than any other design of geared loco. As for the history, well, I have to say that I really have little or no knowledge of any value, being a furriner, but what little I have I’m happy to share - The Heisler locomotive was the last variant of the three major types of geared steam locomotive, Charles L. Heisler receiving a patent for the design in 1892 following the construction of a prototype in 1891. Somewhat similar to a Climax locomotive, Heisler’s design featured two cylinders canted inwards at a 45 degree angle to form a ‘vee-twin’ arrangement. Power then went to a longitudinal driveshaft that drove the outboard axle on each powered truck. The inboard axle on each truck was then driven from the outboard one by external side (connecting) rods. The Heisler was the fastest of the geared steam locomotive designs, and yet was still claimed by its manufacturer to have the same low speed hauling ability. The first Heislers were built by the Dunkirk Engineering Company of Dunkirk, New York, at the time producer of their own design of geared locomotive (called the Dunkirk - no surprise there, eh), of which the Heisler could be considered an improvement. They did not adopt the Heisler design, but in 1894 the Stearns Manufacturing Company of Erie, Pennsylvania started to produce Heislers, and did so until 1904. It was reorganised as the Heisler Locomotive Works in 1907, and went on to produce locomotives of the Heisler design until 1941. Heislers were produced in both two and three truck variants in sizes ranging from 17 tons to 95 tons. Approximately 625 were produced, and approximately 35 still exist. About eight or ten are currently operational. If you live in the next state down from Oregon, then you’ll find a 75 ton 1918 Heisler locomotive is on static display at the Traveltown open air museum in Los Angeles. In service they have a peculiar ‘knocking’ sound, unlike any other loco - due to the play in the big ends - the engine part looks like a giant steam-driven Moto-Guzzi motorcycle [google it if you don’t know what I’m talking about]. The one I know best is the 60 ton loco number 2 - formerly of Curtiss Lumber Co - that runs on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, between Garibaldi and Wheeler, on the former Port of Tillamook Bay trackage - it’s a great and scenic ride - even cab-rides are possible and a great day out. The loco is one beautiful runner as well, as I can personally vouchsafe. They have a good website with lots of links to other Heislers, too, but I’ll let you look for it yourself - I’m off to bed as it’s gone midnight here in yUK. Best tac www.ovgrs.org. PS - if any smartypants thinks my comment looks like the wiki entry, well, I wrote that too.
Apologies all round. tac 
