RECENT FINDINGS: AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT IN THE WOODS

 RECENT FINDINGS: AN UNUSUAL ARTIFACT IN THE WOODS

Following the old roadbeds of the Saginaw can be a rewarding experience. Not only is it a walk through the past, but an opportunity to get out of the house and exercise. A pleasant day with companions or with a favorite dog, bringing about lasting memories. 

Often, I find various leftovers of the Saginaw's passing. It is a good practice, and the law, to marvel at such relics, then leave them to age where you find them. A number of months ago I found one artifact that took time to ponder, and after careful research I came to an informed opinion as to what it was. 

Oddly shaped, with a series of curves and ridges, the item was a bit perplexing. It appeared to be cast in one piece, then forged and worked for a particular purpose. 



There was a deep indentation, designed to overlap a flange on a wheelset. 


A series of numbers were cast on the piece, probably the mold number and manufacture dates. A preliminary assessment was that this was a brake shoe, either off of a piece of rolling stock or a steam engine. It could well have been off of a steam donkey, having been used as a brake on a cable drum.


Whenever I find an artifact that appears to be related to a steam engine, I travel to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, Arizona. There awaits my old friend and trusted advisor, the Shay.



The following images are those of the Shay brake shoes. 





You should make notice of that distinct flange and profile of the brake shoe, and hangar.



After all has been said, I would conclude that the artifact is that of a Shay brake shoe. It is left to the ages, in the forest where it once trundled along with the engine that was entrusted to its' care. 

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