Thanks for the welcome everyone. Mike, I live in Quilcene so not too far away. There are Shays on display both in Forks and Shelton and of course the Willamette in Port Angles. I have never seen one run in person, maybe I'll make it to Cass sometime.
I have always been interested in small motors and I am currently building an engine for a Shay Locomotive. Besides that I take up my time restoring a 1920 Staney Steamer. Actually that takes up the most time.