Kinda reminds me of my road-bicycling days and climbing mountains. Little chain ring in front, big cog in rear, steady RPM on the cranks, gasping for air, and rumbling up the mountain ever so slowly. Always made it to the top, but no speed merchant
Yes, most or all of the wheels are driven. Also it operates at a lower gear ratio than a standard engine. Very good for steep grades. Years ago I took a trip on a small scenic railroad in the mountains nearby that used Shays (Georgetown Loop Railroad).
I finally visited Cass Scenic RR where they have a fine collection of Shay, Heisler, and Climax locomotives. Though Cass, WV is only 150 miles away as the crow flies, it took more than four hours to get there over twisty mountain roads.
Wow! That's pretty nuts! Never seen one of those before. I bet the "wheel-bearing-grease salesman" loves calling on the Shay rail yards!! Dave W7UUU
The driveshaft design should also be much easier on the rails. The typical reciprocating direct drive you see on US engines has a side-effect, in which the wheels tend to "hammer" the rails, which increases wear and maintenance requirements. The torque should also be more even than on such a design.
