This one is especially for Dave harris and Ray M
I had an old MDC 3-truck shay that I never got running right. It sat in pieces in a box for years awaiting rebuilding. One of my issues was the third truck I could never get right; and because my layout had short sidings, I decided to make it a two-trucker. Originally, I tried converting the cast white metal frame with moderate success. I wasn't completely satisfied with the way it came out, so I decided to build a new frame out of brass. I have a new motor and a new NWSL gearbox that I will install, and it should run much better.
I hope this posting stays, because last night there were two things i thought I posted only to come back a few minutes and learn they werent there
Nice job on the frame Kevin.
I need to build one like that once I find a 2 cylinder Shay motor.
I picked up a pair of PFM HOn3 shay trucks at a show in Phoenix for $10.
Ray - the Keystone locomotive works shay has a 2-cylinder motor, and I think they sell the cylinders as a separate detail part: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/395-29">http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/395-29</a><!-- m -->
Thanks for the link Kevin. That's exactly what I need.
I have the frame completed to a point where I can test fit everything together. So far, so good
. I still need to add details like the air tank, and build a firebox. Before i do any of that, i think I will test run it first. But before I can test run, I need to order some new driveshafts that fit the NWSL gearbox I installed. Still a very long way to go, but heck it has been in pieces for 6 years, what's another few months?
Nice job on the frame, Kevin. With workmanship like that, you should end up with a good-lookin' and smooth-runnin' loco.
I built both a two-truck and a three-truck shay for a hobby shop when the MDC models were first released. While they did take a bit of tinkering, they ended up running very nicely, even with the open-frame motors. One of the main reasons for poor performance was either excess play or not enough clearance in the driveshaft system. The male shafts that fit inside the square tubing were too long, limiting the ability of the trucks to pivot. Also, the drive gears liked to "walk" on their shafts,causing misalignment with the gear teeth on the wheels. There were some other issues, too, although my memory doesn't work too well back that far.
In the end though, both did run very nicely.
Wayne
nachoman Wrote:This one is especially for Dave harris and Ray M I had an old MDC 3-truck shay that I never got running right. It sat in pieces in a box for years awaiting rebuilding. One of my issues was the third truck I could never get right; and because my layout had short sidings, I decided to make it a two-trucker. Originally, I tried converting the cast white metal frame with moderate success. I wasn't completely satisfied with the way it came out, so I decided to build a new frame out of brass. I have a new motor and a new NWSL gearbox that I will install, and it should run much better.
I hope this posting stays, because last night there were two things i thought I posted only to come back a few minutes and learn they werent there
Nice work Nacho, how did you know Shays are my favorite .
That frame looks SUPER !!
If you are interested I could dig out a MDC that I rebuilt into a Quasi "West coaster " by scratching a cab & reworking the frame extensively. It's around here somewhere & in pieces now because I started to repower it & then ended up moving & sticking the dissasembled engine in a box.
A quick update on where I am on this project-
I have built and installed truss rods on the fireman's side. I don't think I can figure out a way to make the truss rods fit on the engineer's side because they would interfere with the cylinder assembly and driveline. The truss rod would not be that visible on that side, anyway, and to install it would require a re-design of the driveline that would probably be more trouble than it is worth. I've also been working on the end beams adapting them to use HOn3 Kadee couplers and adding wood grain detail. I have ordered new driveshafts, so hopefully I will be able to test out the mechanicals soon.
man,what you can do with brass and solder amazes me,i never could get a hang of soldering.so many times i burnt myself so i went to plastic and glue,now i just glue fingers together
.great work,and keep posting pics. shays are just so cool
--josh
Nachoman,
Your Shay just keeps looking better-N-better. As you all know --I LOVE the look of Solder-N-Brass AND YOURS LOOKS GREAT!
Thanks for the compliments, guys. next up is to make a firebox. I am on the lookout for a good prototype photos that will help me out here.
Hi Kevin! How's the layout coming? Your Shay build is looking pretty solid. I always love watching this stuff come together.
I have trouble soldering two pieces of wire together, you guys are soldering as if you're plasma welding.
Kudos to all!
Tetters, my general layout thread can be found here:
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I haven't gotten much progress done lately, but I am slowly getting there!
Don't forget that a real firebox would interfere with the drive shafts. That why MDC just include a 2D firebox. I think that you can improve mightily on theirs...but I don't have any helpful pictures to post.