"Heisler" Steam Locomotives: Drawing, History, Survivors

Last revised: November 5, 2024

A late entrant in the field of geared steam locomotives, the Heisler faced stiff competition from the already established Shay and Climax designs.

Though it didn’t initially capture a sizable market share, the Heisler eventually made a significant impact, selling several hundred examples and continued production until approximately World War II—notably longer than its Climax rival.

The Heisler boasted a variety of configurations that catered to specific industrial needs, available in both two and three-truck designs. It was also built in nearly a dozen variations, showcasing a versatility that allowed it to adapt to the many demands of its industrial clientele. Today, five Heislers are still in operation with twenty-one others preserved around the U.S. There are 35 Heislers in all preserved worldwide.

Photos

West Side Lumber Company's little two-truck, narrow-gauge Heisler, #3 (a 1900 product of the Stearns Manufacturing Company of Erie, Pennsylvania), weighing just 37 tons is seen here cleaning out the yard in Tuolumne, California on May 25, 1963 after operations had ceased. Today, the geared steamer is operational on the Roaring Camp Railroads. Glen Beier photo.

Background

The concept of the Heisler arose from the need for powerful, yet versatile locomotives that could handle both the demanding terrain of mountain logging operations and the heavy loads associated with these ventures.

Charles Heisler, an engineer, developed a locomotive that featured a V-twin steam engine—the cylinders arranged at a V-angle—mounted in the center of the boiler.

This design drove a longitudinal drive shaft, which in turn powered the wheels through beveled gears. This arrangement distributed power more evenly and allowed for smoother operation over rough tracks.

Unlike its contemporaries, the Shay and Climax, the Heisler's design offered a more balanced distribution of weight and simpler maintenance due to fewer moving parts exposed to the elements.

The central position of the engine also contributed to better stability and tractive effort, making the Heisler particularly effective on steep grades.

Development

Charles L. Heisler patented his locomotive design in 1892, later refined in subsequent patents. At the time Heisler worked as an engineer at the Dunkirk Engineering Company, a small firm located in Dunkirk, New York.

The company was founded in 1865 as the Dunkirk Iron Works to manufacture small geared steam locomotives for industrial applications.

Heisler's idea was to place the locomotive's two cylinders at a downward, 45-degree angle on each side of the boiler where they met underneath. The cylinders then connected to - and powered - a center drive-shaft that drove each axle via gear casings located between each truck.

The Heisler , while somewhat resembling the Shay, operated in a fashion nearly identical to the Climax, with a notable distinction in the orientation of its cylinders at forty-five degrees—compared to the twenty-five degrees typical of the Climax.

The journey of this locomotive began in 1891 when the first prototype was constructed at Dunkirk. Heisler had initially planned to sell his patent to the company for which he worked.

Diagram

A typical mechanical schematic of a Heisler locomotive. This particular variant was a 3-truck type.

However, facing unforeseen disinterest from Dunkirk, Heisler was compelled to leave and seek other opportunities to market his revolutionary locomotive.

In August of 1894, the Stearns Manufacturing Company of Erie, Pennsylvania, recognized the potential of Heisler's concept and decided to begin production. However, the journey was not without its challenges. By 1904, facing sluggish sales, Stearns ceased production.

The economic downturn caused by the panic of 1907 further complicated matters, plunging the company into a necessary reorganization. Remarkably, it resurfaced within the same year as the Heisler Locomotive Works.

This reinvigorated entity, with a renewed focus and identity, subsequently resumed production of Heisler's design, demonstrating resilience and a steadfast commitment to the locomotive that had initially carried so much promise.

Through 1897 Heisler built his locomotives with only two-trucks. However, during that year he received a patent for a three-truck variant allowing for a heavier locomotive with better adhesion and tractive effort.

While many logging companies and railroads began ordering the three-truck design after this date the company continued to offer it as a two-truck design as well.

Interestingly, unlike the Shay and Climax, Heislers were never given specific classes although they were listed by codes and names in the Heisler catalog.

The locomotive was offered in 11 different versions (ranging in size from 14 to 95 tons) and by the time production had ended roughly 625 had been manufactured.

The earliest utilized coal or wood for fuel although later variants could be ordered as oil burners. The vast majority of Heislers were built for domestic companies while a few were sent to other countries such as New Zealand.

The Heisler held notable advantages over the Shay albeit these did not translate into higher sales.

These included:

The ability to operate at higher speeds .

A cheaper price tag.

Lower maintenance costs thanks to a simplified transmission system.

Antelope & Western 2-truck Heisler #5 is seen here on display in Sacramento, California, circa 1981. The locomotive was built for the Lake County Box & Lumber Company in 1911 and later worked for Richardson Lumber and the Holmes Brothers. It then spent time in excursion service operating on the "Antelope & Western" in Roseville, California. It is currently privately owned by Leslie Wilmunder of Palermo, California. William Myers photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Legacy

As the 20th century progressed, the advent of diesel-electric technology led to the gradual phase-out of steam locomotives, including Heislers. Many logging companies by the 1950s had either switched to small diesel switchers or simply abandoned rail oeprations altogether in favor of trucks.

By the 1940s, production had dwindled, and the last Heisler locomotive was built in 1941. Despite the end of their production, many Heisler locomotives continue to be cherished by railroad historians and preservationists.

More than two dozen Heislers have been preserved across the United States, with five currently operational at tourist and heritage railroads.

These locomotives not only serve as a functional reminder of a bygone era but also offer invaluable insights into the technological advancements and challenges of historical rail transportation.

The Heisler represents a remarkable combination of innovation, durability, and adaptability, reflecting the unique demands and ingenuity of early 20th-century railroading.

Through ongoing preservation efforts, the legacy of the Heisler locomotives continues to enchant and educate future generations on the rich history of rail transportation.

Preservation

While the Heisler saw fewer sales than either the Shay or Climax it did have a few advantages against its more successful competition.

One of these is at the famous Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass, West Virginia. Cass Scenic is home to the largest collection of operating Shays in the country and is well worth the trip to ride this historic operation if you have the chance.

Other places to catch Heislers in action include the Sumpter Valley Railway, Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, and the Roots of Motive Power (in Willits, California).

Extant Examples

Included within the below list are also surviving fireless 0-4-0Fs which were constructed by Heisler.

Engine Number	Class	Wheel Arrangement	Track Gauge	Original Owner/Preserved As	Current Location	Current Status	Builder Information	Notes
1	35 Ton	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Potomac Electric Power Company	B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore)	Display	Heisler #43 (1938)	-
3	22 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Holly Ridge Lumber Company	Dr. Marvin Kendell Estate (Barnet, Vermont)	Display	Heisler #1415, 1920	-
1	42 Ton	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Sweetline Railroad	Depot Restaurant (Caro, Michigan)	Display	Heisler #38 (1936)	Built as Continental Can #1.
2	42 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Forest Products Chemical Company	Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Cass, West Virginia)	Stored	Heisler #1589 (1929)	-
6	90 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Cass Scenic Railroad (Meadow River Lumber Company)	Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Cass, West Virginia)	Overhaul	Heisler #1591 (1929)	-
5	62 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Buffelen Lumber & Manufacturing Company	Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Centralia, Washington)	Stored	Heisler #1462 (1922)	-
9	55 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Campbell Limestone	Southeastern Railway Museum (Duluth, Georgia)	Cosmetically Restored (Display)	Heisler #1479 (1923)	Donated by Cambell Limestone successor Vulcan Materials in 1979.
7	80-ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Moore-Keppel & Company/Middle Fork Railroad	Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (Durbin, West Virginia)	Stored	Heisler #1607 (1939)	-
10	78-Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Pickering Lumber Company	Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe, Washington)	Display	Heisler #1252 (1912)	-
3	42 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Fisher Lumber Company	JM Jones Lumber (Ferriday, Louisiana)	Stored	Heisler #1513 (1925)	-
2	36 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Silver Creek & Stephenson	Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad (Freeport, Illinois)	Operational	Heisler #1260 (1912)	Built as Louise Lumber Company (#2) of Hawkes, Mississippi. Renamed the Poplarville Saw Mill Company (Poplarville, Mississippi) in 1916. Later sold to the Lamb-Fish Lumber Company (Charleston, Mississippi), then to the Turner-Farber-Love Company (1923), and was finally acquired by the Santee River Hardwood Company (#7) of St. Stephen, South Carolina in 1928. Between 1962-1974 it hoste excursions on the Maggie Valley Railroad (Maggie Valley, South Carolina) before it was sold to the Whitewater Valley Railroad. It was purchased by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club in 1982.
2	60 ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Curtiss Lumber Company (Vancouver Plywood)	Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Garibaldi, Oregon)	Overhaul	Heisler #1198 (3/1910)	-
3	63 ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Craig Mountain Lumber Company	Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Garibaldi, Oregon)	Operational	Heisler #1364 (1917)	-
1	86 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Pickering Lumber Company	Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Garibaldi, Oregon)	Display	Heisler #1272 (1913)	-
21	-	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Hercules Powder Company	Southern Railway Depot (Hattiesburg, Mississippi)	Display	Heisler #34 (1935)	-
92	90 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Potlatch Forests, Inc.	Lewiston, Idaho	Display	Heisler #1502, 1924	-
4	32 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	International Shoe Company	White Mountain Central Railroad/Clark's Trading Post (Lincoln, New Hampshire)	Display	Heisler #1594 (1929)	-
3	22 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Santee River Hardwood Company	Southern Forest Heritage Museum (Long Leaf, Louisiana)	Restoration	Heisler #1081 (1906)	-
2	75 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Pickering Lumber Company	Travel Town Museum (Los Angeles)	Display	Heisler #1369 (1918)	Built as Hetch Hetchy Railroad #6.
3	40 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	36"	Sumpter Valley Railway	Sumpter Valley Railway (McEwen, Oregon)	Operational	Heisler #1306 (1915)	Built as W.H. Eccles Lumber Company #3. Only surviving wood-burning Heisler.
91	90 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Condon, Kinzua & Southern Railroad (Kinzua Pine Mills)	Mineral Shops/Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Mineral, Washington)	Stored	Heisler #1595 (12/1929)	Built as Condon, Kinzua & Southern #102.
6	65 Ton	0-6-0F	4' 8 ½"	Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company	Lake Shore Railway Museum (North East, Pennsylvania)	Display	Heisler #39 (1937)	-
1	18 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	36"	Richardson Lumber Company	Palermo, California	Privately Owned	Heisler #1225 (1911)	-
1	22 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Phenix Marble Company	Passumpsic Railroad (Passumpsic, Vermont)	Operational	Heisler #1468 (1922)	-
33	-	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	T. R. Miller Company	Pensacola, Florida	Display	Heisler #33 (1934)	-
2	-	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Connecticut Power Company	Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum (Rush, New York)	Display	Heisler #60 (5/1941)	-
9	36 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Mt. Tamalpais & Muir Woods Railway	Pacific Lumber Company (Scotia, California)	Restoration	Heisler #1446 (1920)	Operated on the MT&MW from 1921 to 1924.
4	50 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Ohio Match Company	Northwest Railway Museum (Snoqualmie, Washington)	Display	Heisler #1488 (1923)	Built as Ohio Match Company #4. Later sold to National Pole & Treating Company, later renamed Minnesota & Ontario Paper Company. Acquired by Charles Morrow of Snoqualmie, WA in 1958, and then sold to the Northwest Railway Museum in 1967.
2	70 Ton	0-6-0F	4' 8 ½"	Union Electric Company	Museum of Transportation (St. Louis)	Stored	Heisler #56 (1940)
111	-	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Bethlehem Steel	Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Strasburg)	Display	Heisler #58 (1941)	Named 'III Aces'.
4094	-	0-8-0F	4' 8 ½"	Pennsylvania Power & Light Company (Hammermill Paper)	Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (Strasburg)	Display	Heisler #47 (1940)	Built for display at the 1940 New York World's Fair. Largest fireless design ever built.
4	53 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Chicago Mill & Lumber Company	Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA	Display	Heisler #1375 (1918)	Built as W.T. Smith Lumber Company #10. It was later sold to Angelina Hardwood Lumber Company (#6) of Ferriday, Louisiana, then the Chicago Mill & Lumber Company of Tallulah, Louisiana. Acquired by the museum in 1966.
2	-	0-4-0F	4' 8 ½"	Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company (Groveport, Ohio plant)	Age of Steam Roundhouse (Sugarcreek, Ohio)	Display	Heisler #54 (3/1940)	Acquired by Age of Steam in 2018.
5	86 Ton	Heisler 3-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Pickering Lumber Company	Niles Canyon Railway (Sunol, California)	Stored	Heisler #1268 (1913)	-
2	42 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Broughton Lumber Company	Tillamook Air Museum (Tillamook, Oregon)	Display	Heisler #1155 (1909)	-
1	47 Ton	Heisler 2-Truck	4' 8 ½"	Bluestone Mining & Smelting Company	Roots of Motive Power (Willits, California)	Operational	Heisler #1351 (1916)	-

Sources

Adams, Kramer A. Logging Railroads Of The West. New York: Bonanza Books, 1961.

Fetters, Thomas. Logging Railroads Of South Carolina. Forest Park: Heimburger House Publishing Company, 1990.

Fetters, Thomas. Logging Railroads Of The Blue Ridge And Smoky Mountains, Volume I (Gold Mountain, Black Mountain And White Top). Hillsboro: TimberTimes, 2007.

Fetters, Thomas. Logging Railroads Of The Blue Ridge And Smoky Mountains, Volume 2 (Tallulah Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, And Jeffrey's Hell). Hillsboro: TimberTimes, 2010.

Gove, Bill. Logging Railroads Of The Adirondacks. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 2006.

Gove, Bill. Logging Railroads Of New Hampshire's North Country. Littleton: Bondcliffs Books, 2010.

Kline Jr. Benjamin F.G. Tall Pines And Winding Rivers: The Logging Railroads Of Maryland. Strasburg: The Friends Of The Railroad Museum Of PA, 2007 (Second Edition).

King, Frank A. Minnesota Logging Railroads. Minneapolis: University Of Minnesota Press, 2003 (First University Of Minnesota Press Edition).

Labbe, John T. and Replinger, Peter J. Logging To The Salt Chuck. Seattle: North West Shore Line, 1990.

Lawson Jr., Thomas. Logging Railroads Of Alabama. Birmingham: Cabbage Stack Publishing, 1996.

Warden, William E. West Virginia Logging Railroads. Lynchburg: TLC Publishing, 1993.

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