THE CliShay PROJECT
The Original CliShay
Chapter 8
We arrived at the Brehm farm in late morning before Steve Brehm. We looked around and saw the 71/2” gauge track and engine house. The engine house has a collection of riding and freight cars. Unfortunately the original Bob Maynard riding car that accompanied the CliShay was nowhere to be found. We took advantage of our time while waiting for Steve. We looked around the farm and then…...
A Kansas BARN FIND
We found it! The Original CliShay could be seen through a window in the barn. Needless to say, we were very excited (and relieved) to finally see the engine. We could also see the partially completed CliShay as well. While looking at the picture of the CliShay, we noticed a cardboard tray for Sam Adams beer! Samuel Adams beer is brewed by the Boston Beer Company, which was founded by Jim Koch. Koch comes from a long line of Cincinnati brewers.
The Original CliSay as it sat in Kansas
(Photo from the Facebook ad)
Steve Brehm our affable host for the day.
Steve invited us to look around the barn for anything that might belong with the CliShay. There were a lot of pieces and parts on a large table. The table was prepared for the upcoming auction. We found several small piles of parts for the partially completed CliShay. The Original was intact. Very little effort was needed to load it up.
The CliShay is loaded with plenty of rachet straps.
Yes, the smoke stack was secured before we left Pratt.
After we loaded up, it was about 2:00. Steve gave us directions to 2 of the restaurants in Pratt. They seemed easy enough to find, but McDonald’s was on the way. We ordered and looked for an open table. THERE WAS STEVE! He explained he likes McDonald’s but his wife doesn’t. We had a nice conversation. Steve is a local farmer and was explaining how he manages his production expenses from equipment maintenance to crop sales. Steve is a businessman who happens to be a farmer. For 2 retirees, the conversation was enjoyable.
The CliShay’s final homecoming getting close, and the CliShay Fest is getting closer as well. September 28-29 2024 is the CliShay Fest. This 2 day gathering is for CliShays, Geared and Side Rod Engines. For more information see CliShay Fest on the Cindersniffers.org page
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