Shay Question

[Fred Bear]

If a guy wanted to have a Shay logging engine in his 0 Scale layout, as long as you didn't mind buying different track, would the Bachmann Shay's look correct? Will my post war ZW run the Bachmann or does that take a specific transformer? Thanks to all that answer, Jake

[lionelsoni]

If you're talking about On30, it runs on 16.5-millimeter HO track and is powered just like an HO locomotive.  The ZW could be used, but with an external rectifier to change its AC to DC and a DPDT switch for reversing.  You would be better off with an HO power supply.

[Fred Bear]

So the thing will fit with the rest of my O scale? Just different track & transformer? Jake

[chuck]

A Shay is a type of locomotive.  They came in various sizes.  The on-30's are models of the smaller units.  K-Line's were mid sized and the Lionel/MTH were the larger ones (150 ton)

 

http://www.shaylocomotives.com/

[jefelectric]

Jake,  They are the same scale, 1/4" to the foot, so it should look just fine.  A mountain area would be the best setting.

[BobbyDing]

You can purchase proper narrow gauge On30 track that is has the HO width rails but with larger O scale ties. Looks more natural (with respect to O scale) than the HO track. Perfect for the Bachmann Shays, etc.. Helps it fit in better with 3 rail also. Here's one supplier (but there are others):

 http://oldpullmanmodelrailroads.com/catalog.html

 Email them and they will send you photos of their various tracks.

 

Bobby

 

[Fred Bear]

Thanks again for all the help! Jake