Shay Loco

I like my shay (recent Ely Thomas version), but it definitely doesn’t handle the curves as advertised. It’ll run fine by itself on O42 and O48, but on those curves with cars attached, it derails the cars. I changed the curves to O60 and it’s been fine since. It’s a fun engine to watch operate and it easily handles my 5.5% grades with a couple cars attached (mostly log disconnects, but sometimes gondolas and passenger cars). My switchback layout only allows it to pull up to 2 cars at a time so I can’t comment on larger consists. If you like the design and seeing the gears move, it’s a worthwhile engine to add to your roster.

You do have to realize that the Shay is a more delicate locomotive than many you would run.  All the gearing and drivetrain mechanics is fairly delicate, not to mention that there aren't a ton of spare parts around.

With that said, they are a cool locomotive and a ton of fun to watch in operation, lots of action.  I have a couple of them, a 3-truck TMCC model and a 2-truck Legacy model.

I really like the Shay locomotives. Would love to have one as well to go with my assortment of log cars. I guess MTH never made them in the Railking line? I have o31 curves and I doubt there is a Shay out there that would accommodate that. Good luck MartyR. I say go for it if you have the curves to accommodate it.

Brad

Actually, the K-Line Shay locomotives were capable of O31 operation.  Here's a listing with a description of one of the K-Line command models.  Note that they had a special coupler extension that came with these to allow for tight curves for the connected cars.

K3438-0002CC Lackawanna Coal and Lumber Scale Shay w/Lionel RailSounds, TMCC & Electrocouplers

Several K-Line Shay models have sold in the last couple of months on eBay, set up a search and wait and you'll likely see one come by.

Nice to know. Thanks for that info GRJ.

Brad

Thank you all. Was wondering if anyone had a lead on where I can get one?

Like I said, the best way I know of is to set up a search on eBay and wait for one to come along.

Check trainz.com and search Shay. They have several. Mth, lionel and other brands and scales as well. I have ordered from them before and had great luck.

Brad

Thankn you. Looking around, they are getting pretty pricey. Anyone want to trade for a Lionel Norfolk & Western Locomotive with 746W (4-8-4) (C-8 short stripe) with tender and original boxes?  Have pics if interested.

Remember, not all of them will do O31 curves if that's a requirement.

A K-Line Shay won’t do 031 unless modified. The coupler swing is limited by the steps. You would have to remove metal from the steps for 031 operation. Unmodified even 042 can give problems.

Pete

I don't have one, but I thought the coupler extension was supplied for that problem.

I have a Lionel Legacy Long Bell 2 Truck Shay which will negotiate Atlas O36 curves. The issue is the Shay's steps if pulling cars lacks enough swing. Any track O42 and above is fine. I enjoying the Shay running empty with all the moving parts. I was lucky and found an unclaimed one from Mr Muffin.

Marty, Bought mine from Nicholas Smith Trains. They have 3 Truck shays and 2 Truck shays new in the box. I have the recently released one and it runs great

I have a number of Shay locomotives made by both Lionel and MTH.  I've had no problem running any of them, however, my smallest curve is 072 and up.  My switches are all Ross, so there's no stalling issues.

If your using tighter curves (under 042) your best bet would be with a K line model that can be modified.  Also, stay away from Atlas switches, there notorious for dead spots and other issues.

The  problem is the gearing can only hold about five to six cars and then the gears have problems, skipping ,total stall on curves , most of them become shelf queens.

Also a word about how fast you run your Shays on your layout. In real life Shays did about 10mph, they were built to haul, on lousy track, not for speed. I run mine about 7 mph on my DCS, and run the Climax the same way. Otherwise you might find parts flying all over at some point....they are delicate!

@Norton posted:

A K-Line Shay won’t do 031 unless modified. The coupler swing is limited by the steps. You would have to remove metal from the steps for 031 operation. Unmodified even 042 can give problems.

Pete

There is an alternate coupler supplied with the K line Shay.  Installing the coupler will allow for 0-31 curves.  I installed the alternate coupler and the Shay pulls cars around 0-31 curves with no problem.   I really love my K line Shay!   As others have already stated on this thread ... the gearing is delicate and parts are scarce ..  I run mine on occasion ... usually when visitors come to see the layout.

I wonder if any of the other geared locos available....Heisler, Climax....will do tighter curves?

I have several of the geared logging locomotives, included three shays. For the early Lionel shays the radius limitations appear to be controlled by the slip joints in the drive shafts. I disassemble the shays occasionally to clean and lubricate the mechanism.  They appears to be well made and are not showing distress or wear. The part that concerns me is the drive shaft universal joints. In the early Lionel shays these joints could be dissembled and serviced. The wear part was very small shoulder screws, which Lionel could supply as a replacement part. This was replaced by a pressed in pin, which is not removable and is not supplied as a replacement part.  I carefully oil the universal joints with a tiny amount of oil. Any excess oil is slung off almost immediately. The clearance at the bevel gears on the wheels could be a problem.  If it is, setting the clearance here to prevent these gears from jumping mesh should be possible, but I have not done this.

I have a Lionel conventional SHAY that hangs up in reverse. I see when disassembling the gear box and also trying to turn the motor by hand the rack and pinion gears are worn.  Checking with Lionel parts the gears are no longer available for any of the Lionel Shay models.  Any idea who might stock parts for these?

I have one of that Legacy Shays from the last 2 runs and it runs good, no real issues unless I go too slow over a switch, it can stall sometimes .    Either way, they are cool to watch run.  Another one that runs really well with cool gearing are the Heisler's if you want something a little more reliable.

I found if I put an mth car behind the 2 truck shay or something with a spring coupler to the truck they will make it around 036 curves.

A little over a year after I bought a new Lionel 3-truck Shay, the longitudinal shaft mechanism failed because a tiny screw fell out of a coupling. Lionel parts department was totally unhelpful in finding a replacement screw or coupling possessing the screw. My solution was to buy a miniature metric screw assortment on Amazon. I kept trying various screws until one worked perfectly. All is well now.

I've just seen a 3rd Rail Shay on ebay

Any comments on that from anyone?

Thank you. I did get a Lionel Elk River. I LOVE IT. However, it only handles my 031 curves (Super 0) in one direction going against the "valves". I had to remove the connection piece between the engine and tender in order for it to handle the curves. Be careful on that one. That being said, it really looks great and can pull just about anything I can put on it.

@Norton posted:

A K-Line Shay won’t do 031 unless modified. The coupler swing is limited by the steps. You would have to remove metal from the steps for 031 operation. Unmodified even 042 can give problems.

Pete

That's odd because my K line Shay with the coupler extension handles both O31 and O42 curves with no problems at all.  I didn't have to modify a thing, only had to install the coupler extension.