Legacy Shay start up Sequence

I can't imagine this being a Legacy issue, sounds to me more like a mechanical issue of some kind.  There is no difference which direction you start in electronically, at least none that I've ever heard of.  I guess the backup light coming on is a difference, but that's about it.

Guns,

    That is what I thought also, however ever once in a while when the Legacy Shay would not activate in FWD, it does in REV and that is just plain fact.  Like you say it could be the back up light, that is helping the signal, I don't know.

PCRR/Dave

If it's not mechanical, it's certainly an electrical fault, because there's nothing in normal operation that would do that.

Time to talk to Lionel since this is still under warranty, right?

I think I might have seen a similar issue occasionally on my Shay.

I cannot describe it very well, but I think there can be just enough "play" in the meshing of the gears to cause a slight bind. (and very well may be dependent on what diameter curves you are running on, though mine was probably O-72 min.)

Might have been related to the engine stopping short in my case, I don't remember.

In any case, I was able to get it going once I realized what was happening by rocking it a bit.  At one point, I did have the trucks pretty much entirely apart due to this scenario.

In summary, I don't know if this helps, but at least you know you are not entirely alone with this issue.

-Dave

I'm with you Dave, I still think this sounds a lot more like a mechanical issue then an electronic one.

Yep.  While I forgot to flat out state it, I was agreeing it's mechanical most likely.

Sidewinders are tricky sometimes!

-Dave

Dave,

   I never thought about a mechanical problem for something like this happening, but

your reasoning is sound, because the Legacy Shay just has to move in reverse a very small amount, and then it runs in FWD as normal.  It might very well be that sitting on a slight bend the gears in the Shay need to reverse slightly for the engine to initiate FWD start up.

Thanks gentlemen for your thoughts I appreciate it.

PCRR/Dave

Dave,  Look at the drive mechanism and you can see how this can be mechanical.

Gear lash issues, and gear engagement issues on Shays can be problems.  I know some MTH need work.  G

There's a lot of activity with the Shay, plenty of places for mechanical issues to raise their ugly head.

Guns & GGG,

   You guys are probably correct in your analysis, I will just keep starting her in Rev,

move her just slightly, then initiate FWD action. 

PCRR/Dave

Unlike some other things in life, mechanical alignment issues do not get better with time/age!  G