TWO TRUCK SHAY FROM A THREE

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey guys, been looking at but have not yet purchased the Spectrum Shay engine. I’ve heard nothing but good about them, so i was thinking of making a Two trucker out of it. Any sugestions on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks…Jamie

2

You’re talking about a MAJOR rebuilding job that I don’t think the Bachmann shay was designed for. A two truck shay would have a larger fuel and water compartment and the rear truck would be farther from the cylinders than on a three truck shay. “Model Railroader” recommended against disassembling this model, let alone making major modifications!

3

Thanks, it was just one of those demented thoughts that I had while checking out the model. But I’m sure I need not explain too much, we’ve all been there. Thanks again…Jamie

4

RoundHouse has a nice 2 truck Shay but it’s HOn3. I’m not sure how easy that would be to convert to HO and it might not look that good as the loco is narrower. Better to try and make a good buy on eBay of a MDC 2 truck Shay kit. I saw one go the other night built for $75. It had been used as a derilic but ran…Walt

5

No, the MDC 2 truck Shay is available in BOTH narrow and standard guage, $80.00 for the kit and $160.00 assembled (at Walthers.com). I bet the Bachmann has better detailing and running, due to more modern manufacturing processes. BUT, I have no experience to back this up, so see for yourself.

6

Thanks Dean…Jamie