15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Steam Engine in Action

A historic Shay locomotive pushes a train up a steep grade on the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia. Logging railroads were a common sight in the US in the late 19th and early 20th century. The unique design of the Shay locomotives like this one enabled their construction in the most challenging terrain.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Cass, West Virginia, United States of America
Copyright: © Michael Sirotin