Errol,
It's only when you've been in the presence of an operating sidewinder, that you begin to understand the fascination of Shays. I had the extreme good fortune, or, considering the addiction, the evil luck, to cab ride the shay at the illinois Railway Museum, in Union Il.. A unique experience which could only be topped by someday getting the chance to throttle up an articulated steam loco.( UP 3985 would be good)
Pete