1923 Heisler at the Southeastern Railway Museum

When I first saw this train at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Ga, I had no idea what to make of it. I mean it almost looked like it was incomplete.

I didn't see any pistons connecting to the drive wheels so I had no idea how this thing even moved. 

Then I read the sign:

Wait, geared? The first thing I thought of was how Shays operate, but I didn't see anything on either side. Then I looked underneath and saw that the gears were located centrally beneath the locomotive:

There was even a builder's schematic which made it all the more clearer:

I love when I come across the unexpected and learn something new about trains. This train was just too cool and the first of its kind I have ever seen.

Because, antlers

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