Gilpin Tramway Co. No. 1 and Shay A-9-2

A few years after the construction of the first engines, the design of the Shay locomotives changed from the vertical boiler to a classic, horizontal boiler barrel with clearly visible steam and sand domes. One of these nine-ton-class models was procured by the Gilpin Tramway in 1887 for its 15.5-mile route in Gilpin County near Denver, with a two-foot gauge. It had the works number 181 and was given the number 1 and the name “Gilpin” by its owner. Four more Shays followed in the years up to 1902 with 12, 15, 17 and 18 tons. The first two were sold in 1905, the others remained in service until the line was closed in 1917.