Hetch Hetchy Railroad 6

Hetch Hetchy Railroad 6 is a steam locomotive with a three-truck configuration and three cylinders. The machine weighs roughly 167 tons and could carry up to 3,500 gallons (13,000 liters) of water and 1,800 gallons (6,800 liters) of fuel.

Built in 1921 by Lima Locomotive Works, this locomotive helped construct the Hetch Hetchy Dam in California. It was one of four Shay-type machines used for this major engineering project.

This locomotive represents early 20th-century railroad engineering, operating as a common carrier while supporting San Francisco's water infrastructure development.

The locomotive is now displayed as a static exhibit near El Portal and can be viewed from outside. The location is easy to access and offers a look at an important piece of railroad history.

This was the largest of the four Shay locomotives used for the project. The National Park Service preserves this machine today.

Location: El Portal

Inception: November 1921

GPS coordinates: 37.67426,-119.78638

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41