Emerging from the need for a high-traction locomotive, this odd engine is an example of a Shay type locomotive. The Shay design drives numerous small wheels through a geared mechanism, allowing it to haul heavy loads up steep grades, just like the Heisler design of Pickering Lumber No. 2, both driving numerous small wheels from a common geared drive shaft, though the designs are significantly different.

This 3-truck shay was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1922, for Little River Redwood Company railroad as No. 4, where she worked until 1935, being sold to the Camino, Placerville & Lake Tahoe Railroad, where she worked as No. 2, hauling timber to the company's planing mill, until 1955, when she was donated to Travel Town.