Cab Ride on a 1912 Heisler Steam Locomotive 8-5-2018

The Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad in Freeport, Illinois operates a historic Heisler steam locomotive during the warmer months. In August 2018, I rode along in the cab for one of their trips. The SC&S operates approximately 1.7 miles of former Milwaukee Road trackage on the southside of Freeport.
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[@3RTracing]

from an engineering point of view, it is surprising that this kind of locomotive design was not more popular. Balance and harmonics were far less problematic then that of regular locomotives with side rods and counterbalanced wheels. It's just a much better design with far greater potential than the traditional side rod and weighted drivers design.

[@kleetus92]

twas more expensive, and required better maintenance. Wasn't as strong either.

[@dennisrankin325]

Agreed, but the Shay had all of those attributes too and all of its mechanism hung on the right side for ease of maintenance. As for a greater acceptance. well as with all geared engines, the inability to overcome their low speed performance reduced their application to poor track and industrial work.
This reminds me that I rode the cab of the 3 foot gauge 1899 built Heisler at the Roaring Camp and Big Trees in 1975. Blew the whistle too.