Railroading Train Watching Heisler geared steam locomotives in operation today (2020)

Heisler geared steam locomotives in operation today (2020)

By Angela Cotey | January 18, 2021

| Last updated on November 7, 2022


Profile of the logging steam locomotive built in Erie, Pa.

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One of the big three of geared steam power, the Heisler was a favorite of loggers and miners from the late 1800s through the 1940s. Propelled by two cylinders powering a crankshaft running under the locomotive, the Heisler provided power and more speed than its competitors, the Shay and the Climax. We’ll look at these locomotives through survivors still running today.