Help Restore Meadow River Lumber Company No. 1 to Steam

For more than a century, Meadow River Lumber Company No. 1 has told the story of American industry, ingenuity, and determination.

Built in May 1910 by the Lima Locomotive Works, this two-truck Shay locomotive spent its working life hauling timber through the rugged mountains of West Virginia. Operating for the Meadow River Lumber Company—the largest hardwood lumber producer in the world at the time—No. 1 helped move the raw materials that built homes, businesses, and communities across America.

Today, it is the only geared steam locomotive in the Steamtown National Historic Site collection.

After decades of silence, the locomotive is being restored to operating condition. With your support, Meadow River Lumber Company No. 1 can once again steam through Scranton and demonstrate the unique technology that helped power America's industrial growth.

Our goal is simple: Return Shay No. 1 to operation by 2027.

Why This Restoration Matters

At Steamtown National Historic Site, live steam is the heart of the visitor experience. For many guests, seeing a steam locomotive in operation is their first encounter with living railroad history.

To ensure steam remains an active part of that experience, Steamtown is focused on returning additional locomotives to service. Meadow River Lumber Company No. 1 plays a critical role in that effort.

Baldwin No. 26, Steamtown's primary operating steam locomotive, is expected to require its federally mandated 1,472-service-day inspection at the end of 2027. The goal is to have Shay No. 1 operating before then, helping to ensure visitors continue to experience live steam while No. 26 undergoes overhaul.

By supporting the restoration of Shay No. 1, you are helping preserve a rare piece of railroad history while keeping steam alive at Steamtown for future generations.

Fill the Tank

Cistern Restoration

Goal: $20,000

A steam locomotive cannot operate without water. The Shay's cistern, which carries the locomotive's water supply, must be rebuilt before the locomotive can return to service.

Thanks to a generous grant of $11,610 from the Scranton Area Community Foundation's Steamtown Museum Association Fund, this project is already more than halfway funded.

Help us finish the job and complete the first major milestone on the road back to steam.

Light the Fire

Firetube Replacement

Goal: $20,000

Firetubes are at the heart of steam production.

These tubes carry hot gases through the boiler, transferring heat to the surrounding water and generating the steam that powers the locomotive.

Replacing the firetubes is a critical step in preparing Shay No. 1 for operation.

Every contribution helps bring steam one step closer.

Turn the Gears

Drive Gear Restoration

Goal: $52,000

The gears are what make a Shay a Shay.

Unlike conventional steam locomotives, Shay locomotives used a system of exposed gears and drive shafts to deliver power to all wheels.

These distinctive gears allowed Shay locomotives to tackle steep grades and rough track while hauling heavy loads through logging camps and industrial operations.

Restoring these gears means restoring the locomotive's most iconic feature.

Rebuild the Cab

Cab Restoration and Woodwork

Estimated Goal: $10,000+

In 1982, a roof collapse at Steamtown U.S.A. in Vermont severely damaged Shay No. 1 and destroyed its wooden cab.

Today, we have the opportunity to rebuild what was lost and return the locomotive to its historic appearance.

This work will help restore both the locomotive's function and its character.

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Follow the Restoration

The restoration of Shay No. 1 is already underway.

Steamtown's skilled craftsmen and volunteers have begun disassembly, inspections, truck rebuilding, boiler evaluation, and component fabrication as part of the effort to return this locomotive to service.

As work progresses, we will share restoration updates, photographs, and milestone achievements so supporters can follow the journey from shop floor to steam.

Join the Journey

When Shay No. 1 steams again, it will be because people like you chose to be part of its story.

Your donation helps preserve railroad history, support educational programs, and ensure future generations can experience living steam railroading.

Together, we can bring the Shay back to life.

Donate Today

Help return Meadow River Lumber Company No. 1 to operation by 2027

Bring the Shay Back to Life