Shay Locomotives

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by WVHagan

When it comes to logging locomotives, what is the difference between a Shay, a Climax and a Heisler?

Basically, the differences lie in the quantity and orientation of their cylinders, and their drivetrains.

Here's a good site on the topic: http://www.gearedsteam.com/

[Anonymous]

Try the forum "the-gauge.com". There are alot of people doing logging there. They have a whole forum section on just logging.
From the research i've done, Shays worked grades up to 16%. It was said that if a Shay could get a toe hold, it would climb a tree. Typical max. speed was 12-15 mph with a normal working speed of about 5. They were geared so low that when doing 12 mph they sounded like a rod loco doing a 100. They were turning so fast at 15 mph that there was always the worry of things flying off from the high engine rpms.
Check out the Bachmann On30 stuff for logging locos and cars. Their Spectrum On30 is great.

[Anonymous]

Wait a minute! 12!?.............20x22 layout!!!!!????..............Shays!?.......................Spelling!?

Congrats, dude. I'm 14 and you've done more than I've done in my whole life.

20x22..............wow..............*faints*............[:D]