The 2-6-6-2T Mallet, exemplified by Weyerhauser No. 9, was perhaps the ultimate development of the logging locomotive. Compact, powerful, and flexible, the type was ideally suited to pulling heavy loads over rough, sharply curved track. Geared locomotives like the Shay also possessed these traits, but could not make the speed of a rod engine. Baldwin Locomotive Works photo
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The 2-6-6-2T Mallets tuned out to be just what a lot of loggers needed, though without a tender. These locos didn’t travel far, just into the forest or to the sawmill, so it didn’t need to carry much fuel. They did carry water in on-board tanks.