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Talk me out of buying a Shay!

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Posted by 0-6-0 on Friday, August 21, 2009 7:56 AM

richg1998

C & O Steam

Ok, that settles it....I don't want a Shay, I don't need a Shay and I am not going to buy a Shay....Well maybe another trip to the LHS just to see if they still have them in stock. I can always just look it won't hurt anything..............................

 

 

 

And the answer is...............................

Rich

Rich I don't think we will get a answer anytime soon. He to busy running that new shayBig Smile. Frank
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Posted by Flashwave on Thursday, August 20, 2009 9:33 PM

dinwitty
they can only pull logs

 

WRONG!!! UP used them to haul ore. NYC put a shroud around them (make them look more like a boxcar and not like a steam loco to scare the horse) and used them to switch the harbor districts.

-Morgan

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, August 20, 2009 8:37 PM

 

SilverSpike

I have an old Roundhouse Shay kit I bought about 25 years ago and never built! I may sell it one day, I hear they are impossible to get to work right!  Whistling

Not true. It can be done. There is info in a Yahoo mdc roundhouse site but you need to be a member to see the info. I am not at liberty to post the info here. If you join, look at the messages and Photos sections concerning the Shay. You can download the info yourself if you like.

Parts, motor from NWSL along with other parts.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mdcroundhouse/

Rich

 

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Posted by Margaritaman on Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:42 PM

don7

Should this not be a new thread?

No.

Quite the opposite.  These posts are all the reasons in the world why one SHOULD get into Shays and related locos.

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Posted by SilverSpike on Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:14 PM

I have an old Roundhouse Shay kit I bought about 25 years ago and never built! I may sell it one day, I hear they are impossible to get to work right!  Whistling

Ryan Boudreaux
The Piedmont Division
Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger era
Cajun Chef Ryan

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Posted by tomikawaTT on Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:55 PM

If you were modeling the area I model, you couldn't use a Shay in your (logging) business.  The Kiso Forest Railway had a bigger territory than most American logging roads, and a main line built to Class 1 mainline standards (steel bridges, long tunnels, concrete retaining structures above and below the tracks...)  Until 1960, the logs were pulled out of the woods by 0-4-2T rear-tank Baldwins!  Those were replaced by diesel-mechanicals, most with only four wheels.

The tender version of the Mantua/Tyco 2-6-6-2 was used in lumber service before being sold to Guatemala.

OTOH, the Alishan Forest Railway (Taiwan) used Shays almost exclusively.  It had a 4% ruling grade, and a 1:1 scale multi-turn helix wrapped around Tsu-li-Shan.  (Yes, the Shays were Lima-built.)

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

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Posted by don7 on Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:10 PM

Should this not be a new thread?

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Posted by PASMITH on Thursday, August 20, 2009 2:52 PM
Has anyone tried to make a 45ton or smaller Heisler by bashing a Rivarossi? On second thought, that might be difficult. Peter Smith, Memphis.
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Posted by selector on Thursday, August 20, 2009 2:37 PM

wjstix

One thing about a Shay is it's only "interesting" on one side, since all the cylinders and such are on the right hand side of the boiler... 

Say whaaa...?  I look at it like this: as much as I am a nut about steam engines, and of course principally their rods and gear, it would be interesting to see a steamer from the side on which nothing seems to be effecting any locomotion.  Someone not in the know would turn to the person next to him/her and ask, "Isn't there something strange about this steam locomotive?  What makes the wheels go 'round?"  The other person crooks his finger to indicate, "Follow me," and takes the viewer to the other side where all is made clear.  Sort of...since it's still an odd kind of steamer at first glance. Big Smile

-Crandell

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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, August 20, 2009 2:23 PM

C & O Steam

Ok, that settles it....I don't want a Shay, I don't need a Shay and I am not going to buy a Shay....Well maybe another trip to the LHS just to see if they still have them in stock. I can always just look it won't hurt anything..............................

 

 

 

And the answer is...............................

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by wjstix on Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:55 AM

C & O Steam

I am starting a new layout and would like to add a Logging operation. I have been looking at buying a Shay for some time now but with all the negetave things that I have read I am afraid to make the investment. I looked at one in the LHS a couple weeks and it seemed to run very jerkey. Is this normal or is this one of the many problems.

It's hard to judge an engine right out of the box. I normally do a break-in by running the new engine for 15 min. forward at about 3/4 full power, then 15 min in reverse the same way. That usually makes a difference, you can also check to see if it needs lubrication. Most engines are lubed at the factory but an engine you buy at the LHS may have sat on the shelf for a year or two so might need a touch of lube.

Keep in mind geared engines weren't the only ones used in logging operations. Here in Minnesota the most common logging engine was probably the 2-6-0, though logging railroads often just bought whatever they could pick up second hand, including 4-4-0s and 2-8-0s. Maybe only 1/3 of logging engines here were geared locomotives.

Stix
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:46 AM

C & O Steam

I am starting a new layout and would like to add a Logging operation. I have been looking at buying a Shay for some time now but with all the negetave things that I have read I am afraid to make the investment. I looked at one in the LHS a couple weeks and it seemed to run very jerkey. Is this normal or is this one of the many problems.

Now come on, why should we talk you out of buying something that you know you want so badly you can taste it.Big Smile Some of the Shays have problems, some. You either get a good one or a bad one. If you get a bad one send it back and they'll send you another one.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:37 AM

challenger3980

Hi Tom,

  Did you know that the Rayonier 2-6-6-2 #8, is stored in Chehalis, WA? The Guy that owns it, intends to restore it, but it is questionable whether or not he has the financial and other resources required for such a project.

 

... I remember seeing back in 1974. I was already in a pretty bad shape, as most of the other stock just left outside and rust...  Unfortunately I have lost all the color slides I took on that occasion - 35 years is a long time!

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Posted by dinwitty on Thursday, August 20, 2009 12:02 AM

 I am not trying to talk you out of a shay, I had an MDC Narrow Gauge shay, built right it ran like a dream and ran at my club show continuously on public display. Lube yours right, check the mechanics out, it should run great.

 

 

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Posted by challenger3980 on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 10:24 PM

twhite

Of course, if you were modeling logging operations out here on the Pacific Coast in Washington or California, you could always forego the Shay and invest in a 2-6-6-2 tank logging Mallet, but since you're back east, I'd get a Shay. 

Besides, they're neat. Tongue

Tom Big Smile

Hi Tom,

  Did you know that the Rayonier 2-6-6-2 #8, is stored in Chehalis, WA? The Guy that owns it, intends to restore it, but it is questionable whether or not he has the financial and other resources required for such a project. At least she has dodged  the scrappers  torch for a bit longer. It would be great to see this locomotive under steam again. I have some pictures, but haven't loaded them into the computer or photobucket yet, I will try to post some soon.

Doug

May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails

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Posted by BigBlueConrail on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 9:19 PM

 

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Posted by reklein on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5:56 PM

Probably as a direct result of this thread I ordered a shay off the new MicroMark catalog I recieved day before yesterday.The price was just under $80. I showed the ad to my wife and she said Wow! you should get one then. Rather than fall out of my chair I ordered one immediatly,and was promptly put on the backorder list. But,they will hold it for me at that price. How nice.Whistling  Isn't Anticipation half the fun of getting something? BILL

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Posted by Margaritaman on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5:21 PM

DO NOT BUY A SHAY!!!

Because if you do you'll end up collecting the darn things, and in brass no less.  And then you'll have to have a Climax, then a Heisler, then a Duplex (ya I know not logging but same idea), two trucks, three trucks.  All started by the Bachmann unit.  Oh ya, you'll then get into re-motoring and re-gearing the silly things. 

Just DON'T DO IT!  Of course if you have some self control then the Bachmann unit can't be beat for the money.

 

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Posted by rs2mike on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4:22 PM

climaxpwr

I have a small two truck PFM shay that is painted, lighted and tuned that needs a new home, pm me off site if your interested.  The NWSL gears are the way to go on the Bachmann shay, but I have heard they are tedious to install.      Mike

Check your pm .  Thanks

alco's forever!!!!! Majoring in HO scale Minorig in O scale:)

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Posted by twhite on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:53 PM

Of course, if you were modeling logging operations out here on the Pacific Coast in Washington or California, you could always forego the Shay and invest in a 2-6-6-2 tank logging Mallet, but since you're back east, I'd get a Shay. 

Besides, they're neat. Tongue

Tom Big Smile

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Posted by wjstix on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:47 PM

One thing about a Shay is it's only "interesting" on one side, since all the cylinders and such are on the right hand side of the boiler. One reason I went with a Climax is it has moving parts on both side so looks good coming and going. BTW I haven't really had any trouble with my Climax's running characteristics or anything like some people have described. It's pretty small so won't pull more than 7-8 cars on level ground but I won't be using it for trains of more than 3-4 cars anyway. 

Stix
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Posted by markpierce on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:40 PM

No, you can't have "my" Shay.

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:40 PM

Email sent to you C&O Smile

Springfield PA

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Posted by climaxpwr on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 3:07 PM

Just so the guys with the Bachmann Climaxes, know, NWSL is working up replacment parts to solve its ailments as well.  Just be patient and dont send them back to Bachmann, you will get a shay in return as Bachmann has no parts and doesnt seem to be interested in solving the issues with thier products. Its a shame that such a company, makes the huge step to offer such trains to us, but then wont stand behind thier product.  If you send them a Climax, you expect one in return, not a shay or other train.  But the way thier warrenty is written, allows them to do this.  I want to pick up a Bachmann Climax myself soon, to run along with my PFM Climax, but I am waiting to see what NWSL comes up with for repair parts.  If anybody else wants a small brass shay, PM me.  Not sure he wants to spend the $$ it takes to own this engine.   Cheers and good luck!     Mike

LHS mechanic and geniune train and antique garden tractor nut case! 

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Posted by C&O Fan on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 2:42 PM

C & O Steam

The Meadow River Lumber company at Rainelle, WV had both Shays and Heisler. They operated on the Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier. The yard at Rainelle was jointly owned by New York Central & Chesapeake & Ohio. The NF& G connected to the C & O at Meadow Creek, WV.

All true but also the C&O had many shays

just go to the C&O Historical Society site and type in shay in the photo data base

http://www.cohs.org/cgi-bin/cohs_search.pl#

TerryinTexas

See my Web Site Here

http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/

 

 

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Posted by richg1998 on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 12:07 PM

C & O Steam

Ok, that settles it....I don't want a Shay, I don't need a Shay and I am not going to buy a Shay....Well maybe another trip to the LHS just to see if they still have them in stock. I can always just look it won't hurt anything..............................

 

 

 

Your are going to buy.

Make the LHS aware of the issues with the Shay. Will the LHS give you a replacement if it does have the cracked gear? Consider the cost if you decide to replace the gears yourself.

With the jerky motion you should be able to get a better price. No doubt you saw it running on a level straight track so there must be some kind of issue with the loco.

Is it DCC ready or DCC equipped?

Some people have replaced the gears and have said it is a beautiful running loco now.

We hope to hear more.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by C & O Steam on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 11:16 AM

The Meadow River Lumber company at Rainelle, WV had both Shays and Heisler. They operated on the Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier. The yard at Rainelle was jointly owned by New York Central & Chesapeake & Ohio. The NF& G connected to the C & O at Meadow Creek, WV.

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Posted by C & O Steam on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 11:04 AM

Ok, that settles it....I don't want a Shay, I don't need a Shay and I am not going to buy a Shay....Well maybe another trip to the LHS just to see if they still have them in stock. I can always just look it won't hurt anything..............................

 

 

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Posted by TMarsh on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 8:19 AM

You want me to talk you out of buying a Shay? Sorry, no can do. You want one, you need one. Done deal.

Ooooohhh, you want me to talk you out of buying THAT Shay. Well, I would pass if I didn't want to deal with the warranty right off the bat. Wait for another one. Of course, just because it runs well when it arrives doesn't mean it will not do the same thing shortly after arrival. Then again maybe if it runs jerky there might be some incentive given buy the shop owner to sell you this one? Then warranty and good running Shay? Did that help to talk you out of it? Hm, still on your mind isn't it.

Todd  

Central Illinoyz

In order to keep my position as Master and Supreme Ruler of the House, I don't argue with my wife.

I'm a small town boy. A product of two people from even smaller towns. I don’t talk on topic….. I just talk. Laugh

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Posted by Geared Steam on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 8:14 AM

dinwitty

repeat in a monotonic tone...

 

I don't need a shay...I don't need a shay....they run too slow...they are old and rusty...never on time..

they sound like they are going 100 miles and hour but I can out run one...I dont need a shay...I don't need a shay...they can only pull logs...I mean dogs...I don't need a shay...it has a drive train but can't drive a train... I don't need a shay...when you reach your destination you need a shayve..I don't need a shay...full throttle it's still parked..I don't need a shay...

Laugh     Thumbs Up

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

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