evening everyone. My G/F really likes shays, but she’s never had one so I’m planning on getting her one. It seems bachmann is the best brand for them and I know they were used for logging. but where can I find more info about them? and what should I know before purchasing one (IE running characteristics, flaws experienced in the past ect). I’m personally a Diesel fan, so were they still used in the transitional period? thankyou for all the info.
I can’t help you on who makes a good running one but in addition to logging railroads using them a few were used in large industrial plants such as steel mills and the Western Maryland Railway had one of or the biggest Shay built . They used it on a branch line with steep grades that served coal mines. As for them being used in the transition period , yes they were. I have read stories of them used into the 60’s on some logging lines. The majority of Shays built were made by Lima, but there was a manufacture on the west coast that made them, I think the name was Wiliamete (I know the spelling is wrong). I know there are alot of logging modelers here that can fill in the blanks, hope this helps.
MR March 2001 had a nice Bachmann review.
I’ve been looking into the Shays myself and it has been mentioned here a few times that Bachmann makes a very nice looking, good running machine. Someone, I forget who, has 3 of them and this may be the same person that has installed sound in his, but I’m not sure about that.
When I do get around to buying one I believe Bachmann will be the one.
Jarrell
That was me. I put sound in mine. It was the easiest thing I’ve ever done…except for that blonde in high school…oh, that’s another story. I got the Bachmann Spectrum Shay. It has the detail of brass, and runs even better. All at a fraction of the cost.
One thing about Shay running characteristics–Shays are S-L-O-W. They run like a car in low gear–maximum speed is about 20 miles per hour, going flat out. Some Shays were used in logging and industrial applications until the 1950s, although they were a rare bird by then.
Slow is just fine by me. I love it. I think it’s protypical as all hell.
My pair:
JIM
Roundhouse also makes a good number, I believe they are kits. Of course you need an old Walthers catalog to know what Roundhouse makes.
They make RTR ones, too. Although the quality of the RTR and the kits is not that of the spectrum, they can be with some tweaking.
I agree completely with GearDriven. The Spectrum Shay is an
exquisite model in every way-detail, operation and general looks.
You also might consider giving your G/F a Climax [swg]! Spectrum
also makes these as a wonderful companion to their Shay and
they are (at least mine is) just as exceptional.
For information on the applications for which the Shay was used, I’d recommend that you Google “Geared Locomotives” or “Geared Steam Locomotives” which should turn up numerous sites with information. There used to be a site called gearedsteam.com but it appears that the Domain Name has expired. There was some pretty good info on there from what I recall.
I don’t think a Shay would look funny at all during the transition period, and for that reason, I, too am planning to purchase one in the near future. Another possibility that could take you up to the present would be to run one as an excursion train. This is currently being done in several locations across the country from what I understand. One place that I have seen them is on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp, CA. The Cass Scenic Railroad is another that I believe runs at least one Shay from time to time.
I hope this helps.
-Joe
Seeing as how the last shay was built in 1945, AND there are still some in use today, I’d say it’s fit right in in transition.
Absolutely! Shay #6, the 162-ton beast from the “Wild Mary”, operates at Cass along with several other Shay’s. Many of these locomotives run on tourist operations all over the country today. No doubt their typically smaller size and ability to run on rough track is a factor in this.
I agree with the others… the Bachmann Shay is a great model. It’s available in 2 or 3 truck versions too. Actually I wi***hey’d put out one of the 4-truck versions. I could use that extra tractive effort!
There are pictures and info on the Cass Shay’s at their web site:
It ain’t avaialable in a two truck HO version yet, is it? Not from Bachmann anyway.
I thought it was… maybe I’m thinking of their Climax or Rivarossi’s Heisler?
If your girlfriend likes Shays, I would see about a trip with her to Cass, West Virginia. This is a Great place for railroaders, and especially Shay lovers. The excursion trains are all pulled by Shays. There are a few different options on the excursions, I recommend the trip to the top of the mountain. You will leave with some wonderful memories!!!