K Line Shay Engine

[Fred Bear]

What do ya'll think about a K Line Shay engine? Are they a decent set up? Anyone have a pic of one anywhere and is K Line still in business? Thanks much for everyone's help & advice, Jake

[csxt30]

Jake : The K-line shays I have heard guys say are very nice ! Now the only thing is, if you should get one, remember K-line is not in business anymore. You may or may not be able to get any parts if something went wrong with it. The Lionel or MTH ones might be a better choice. Lionel is taking over K-line, but will just produce only some of their products. 

Thanks, John  

[laz 57]

JAKE,

   I have one of the K-Line shays a Lackawanna one and runs great.  No problems what so ever.  The only thing about the K-line Shays is that they run slow or prototypically.  I like it especially when I am pulling 9 Lionel West Side Log cars.  Looks real cool, not jack rabbit starts very slow and steady just like they were ment to be.  CTT did a review on these a few years ago and gave it a good review.  I really like it, smokes well and sound is good.

laz57

[RR Redneck]

They run just like the prototypes from what I here. If this is true, then it must be rather facinating to watch and also keeps the speed to a prototypical speed range.

[Fred Bear]

The only K-Line I can find does not appear to have the tender with it, and the price is $599.00. Is that in the ball park? Jake

[laz 57]

That is what I paid from Just Trains in Delaware.

laz57

[laz 57]

JAKE, tender is built on engine.

laz57

[Fred Bear]

Oops, now I can figure it out. Does anyone know where I might see a pic of one? Thanks, Jake

[laz 57]

JAKE heres a pic and the review from CTT.

http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=a&id=49

laz57

[laz 57]

Click on the pic and watch the video.

laz57

[laz 57]

SORRY JAKE, no video just larger pic.

laz57

[jefelectric]

Jake,  You could give Justrains a call, they had Shays at York in October.  May still have some.  The number is 888-453-9742 for orders and 302-453-0465 for information.

[dbaker48]

Jake,

Here is a picture of my Shay that I got from Just Trains.

 

As Laz pointed out it is extremely slow, not good for loooong layouts, but is fasinating to watch, and a real attention getter.  The engine chugging sound is great, the cab chatter is inaudible, however the start up "Clear to Depart" is audible.  The whistle reminds me of a European whistle sound.  The TMCC compatibility is great.  I really like the engine, and would repurchase, no question.

 

[Fred Bear]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated, Respectfully, Jake