I first caught the model railroad bug as a 9 year old that convinced his Dad to leave the American Flyer loop up after Christmas. I never finished that layout despite years of trying and then bought my first car (a 1930 ) which ended model railroading for me until I retired. The new layout was started 5 years ago but this week it got a boost from a 1960’s era PFM United 2-truck Shay. The Shay was purchased on eBay, didn’t run, and it looked a bit rough; it was packed off to the Shay Fixer. Now it is back and I could not be more satisfied. Phil Floyd (http://www.shayfixer.com/) put in a Tsunami decoder, speaker, lights, all wheel pickup, a stay alive and a can motor. He applied his magic to the old driveline and I have never seen an HO locomotive that operates as smoothly or as slowly. The control is incredible and it has opened an entire new world to me- switching cars about realistically. I played with that little Shay until the sun came up the night it arrived. At my age it is quite uncommon for me to feel this excited about anything. Thank you Phil- you’ve made an old man very happy! (I never did get that Essex running)
Hey Roy!!
Congratulations on your 2 truck Shay! Your enthusiasm is contagious. I have been focused on transition era diesels (and a few steam locos for excursions) but I have always been fascinated by the Shay locos. I think I can get fixated on watching all those shafts and gears go round. I’m certain that your enthusiasm is going to cost me money[(-D]. I haven’t a clue how to incorporate them into my layout. Then again, there are the excursions! I will have to take a few logs for a ride instead of tourists.[(-D]
Thanks again for the sand.
Dave