Shay expected to get face-lift

The Shay engine at the north end of Nucleus Avenue has come into disrepair this year after several incidents of vandalism, but a fix should be underway soon.

The City has surveyed the damage and plans to create a contract for work on the engine in the next few weeks. It's been a topic of discussion at City Council meetings for some time now and the council set aside $10,000 in this year's budget for repairs.

Council member Mike Shepard has spoken about his desire to get the engine repaired.

"I would like to see that worked on ASAP," he said at a council meeting earlier this month.

City Manager Bill Shaw said much of the wood on the engine was destroyed by a fire in May or has rotted over the years. Brass knobs and the bell were also stolen off the engine.

"The fire caused extensive damage to the roof and the side walls. Most of the wood will have to be removed and rebuilt," he said last week. "I don't know how we'll replace the brass that's been removed."

The public works department has already completed temporary repairs to the steps leading up to the cab. Fencing is also being considered as a way to protect the engine from vandalism. Installing Plexiglas on areas of the engine to prevent theft might also be an option.

"The intent is to make it much more vandal-proof," said Shaw. "The council will have to decide if they want it fully accessible or partially accessible to the public."

F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company owns the train, but has loaned it to the city. Volunteers moved the engine to its current location at Depot Park in 1963.

The engine is a Shay model, invented for logging use in 1877 by Emphraim Shay. The Columbia Falls engine was built in 1914 and was used by a number of lumber companies before being used at Stoltze from 1923 to 1941.