MOVING LIMA STONE CO.

SHAY NUMBER 10

December 14, 2009

Lima Stone Company Shay Number 10 a narrow gauge 24 Ton three-cylinder Shay c/n 3288, was delivered by Lima Locomotive Works in August 1925, to cross-town Lima Stone Co. at Lima, Ohio for use in moving stone from the quarry face to the crusher. It served in that capacity until the early 1950s, when it was retired.  Nationally noted railroad historian and preservationist, John H. Keller Sr. of Lima heard the engine might be available for restoration.  He went to the quarry to find, to his horror, scrapping had begun.  The smoke box was already gone.  The stone company was willing to donate it for restoration.  Lima Locomotive Works sent a truck and crane, hauling it out to the plant of its birth for a full restoration.  After several months in the shop it was taken to the new Allen County Historical Society Museum in 1956, for display.  A display building was built around it and so it sat there until 2007, when a museum addition needed the space the Shay sat on.  It was moved into a temporary display building until December 14, 2009, when it was moved one last time into the new display hall presently under construction at the museum. 

Below you will find photos of the lift and move starting with lifting the roof off of the temporary display building.

It took quite a fleet of semi-tractors and trailers with equipment to effect the lift.  They carried things like crane boom, outriggers,

counter-weights,  leveling pads, spreader bars, cables and so on.  Here they are along Metcalf Street. -- Scott Trostel photo

The roof of the temporary roof is lifted to reveal a vintage Shay.  -- Scott Trostel Photo

The roof of the temporary roof is off and lowered onto steel as plans go forth to lift Lima Stone Shay.  -- Scott Trostel Photo

The spreader bar with lifting cables is lowered into the building to begin the lift of Lima Stone Shay.  -- Scott Trostel Photo

The shielded lifting cables are fastened around the trucks as the lift is made ready.  The track was also chained to the Shay and it all

came up at one time.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Up she comes.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Free from her temporary shelter is Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10 in mid-flight.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10 nearing its new indoor display platform.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10 suspended just above its new indoor display platform.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10 resting on its new indoor display platform.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

Lima Stone Co. Shay Number 10 resting on its new indoor display platform.   -- Scott Trostel Photo

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Allen County Historical Society link