I got my new 3 truck Shay today that Spectrum makes. Am amased at the detail and the way it runs. After running it for about an hour I put my MDC on the shelf. I have waited several years to buy one, but am very pleased with it all the way around. Spectrum out did themselves on the Shay.
My next purchase as far as new loco’s will be the Climax, hope it runs and looks as good as the Shay.[:)]
Any steam-oriented loco Spectrum makes is great.
By the way, thank you for keeping this forum on track with an on-topic and useful post.
Matt
I have both the Shay and the Climax. I think you will like the Climax just as well as you do your new Shay. I also have Rivarossi’s Heisler which is very nice. I don’t even have a layout yet, but couldn’t resist these little work horses. They are just fascinating to watch going around my little oval test track.
Tom
One thing you’ll notice with the Bachmann Climax is how small it is! It’s shorter than their three truck Shay’ s main body. Neat engine, and it comes with a snow plow pilot than can be installed in place of the standard one.
I picked up one of the Rivarossi Heislers last fall through Trainworld’s site - I think they still have them in the $80.00 range. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was too - I have one of the original models of 20 or so year ago, and the new one seems to be quite a bit different, it’s not the same model. It even came with etched brass builders’ plates you can apply to the frame on top of the molded in ones, and separate handrails and grab irons. The only downside with ordering from Trainworld is you don’t have a choice of road name. Still a great deal!
Bob Boudreau
Hello ICRR1964, this is off topic (congrats on the shay), referring back to a previous post of yours I see a brass 2-8-4 Berkshire on ebay (Brass Imports section) for a reasonable price maybe you should check it out. It’s decalled for a private railway but it is the same brand as mine (PFM/United) and might be worth a look. Berkshires have been done by a couple of companies and go for a fairly broad price range due to the usual factors (age, condition,etc) so you can find them reasonably priced (for brass that is).
ICRR1964, I picked one up a few months ago and agree, they are great little locos. If you are interested in sound there are, or at least were some great deals on the Soundtraxx decoder designed for this loco.
Seems to be quite a common trio! I also have the Bachmann Shay and Climax and Rivarossi Heisler. I like the Climax because of its compact size and there is possibly extra interest in the movement of its valve gear. The Shay is however an impressive beast. Does anyone know if Bachmann have any plans to release a two truck Shay? If not are there any suggestions for my next purchase? Obviously I am looking for something that would fit alongside these three.
did you know that the shay from bachmann was model of the year
at one point
K
And well deserved. I’m a fan of the Spectrum steam engines in general, and think this one is the best of breed.