Since the early 19th century, when the first steam locomotives rolled into small towns all over America, they have been a constant fascination. These days high speed rail, jet airplanes, freeways and even electric cars will get us there faster — but a whole lot of something is missing. That slow journey mixed with the sounds of the steam, bells, whistles and mechanical noises of a thousand greased up antique pieces of moving metal, will always take you back to the good old days. So across America, teams of volunteers are rebuilding these old masterpieces of the early days of the rails. Young kids and old timers are piling on for a ride with much excitement.

And right near the top of the rail bucket list is The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, in Cass, West Virginia. This tiny old rail town deep in the Appalachian Mountains is a long way from a lot of places, but by the thousands people are finding the drive there is worth every mile. It was once a logging railroad founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. The tracks eventually climbed to the top of Bald Knob — the third highest peak in West Virginia. It was the mountains that made this tiny rail line special — and worth every dollar it took to preserve it. Because the line used “Shay” steam locomotives.

They are a geared locomotive developed by Ephraim Shay in the 1880’s and have a very unique look. They are used primary in logging and mining — any industry that needed to operate on steep track. They were built at the Lima Locomotive works in Lima Ohio.

The logging operation in Cass was shut down in 1960 but in 1961 the state parks system took it over and now the old company town has been restored — you can even rent one of the houses once used by the workers, and eat in the old Shay Restaurant — where the crews once ate. Most important, the old Shay locomotives have been restored and you can still take the dramatic ride up to the top of Bald Knob. The views are fantastic, and for rail lovers, the unique sounds and movements of the Shay’s are a wonder to watch. The trains are operated by the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Each year in summer, the park hosts the “Parade of Steam,” where all the towns locomotives run up and down the track in front of thousands of rail fans. For your eyes and ears, it is pure sensory overload. The trains take some winter trips in the snow and are really popular with the fall colors.