Locomotive Builder: Michigan Iron Works

RRHX

Locomotive Builder: Michigan Iron Works

Michigan's Internet Railroad History Museum

MICHIGAN IRON WORKS AT CADILLAC

by Steven J. McDonald

Henry Wallin started the Michigan Iron Works in Grand Rapids, Michigan and together with James Henderson, built a branch at Cadillac, Michigan in 1880. The Cadillac plant was originally intended to manufacture logging locomotives under the direction of James Henderson. At least two rod type logging locomotives were built. J. Walter Cummer acquired Wallin’s interest in 1882 and with a license from Ephraim Shay produced six geared locomotives. These locomotives were known as the Henderson-Shay type with Henderson performing the design using the Shay patent. These engines were far superior to the Shay engines manufactured at Lima Machine Works during this period. The financial panics of 1883 ended the business when lumbermen who had purchased the locomotives went bankrupt and were unable to pay the Michigan Iron Works. James Henderson lost the business to creditors and went to work for the Lima Machine Works where he greatly improved the design of their Shay locomotives. The buildings were taken over by McAdie & Company but no new locomotives were built after 1883.