Bachmann 3 truck Shay -#81901

[Tommy2forks]

I am trying to find the minimum turn radius for this loco, anyone help?
Thanks

[richg]

Do a forum search for

shay radius.

This has been discussed before. There is more to this than just knowing the minimum radius.

Rich

[Tommy2forks]

Thanks, Rich

[railtwister]

The Shay, because of it's offset drive line with the cylinders and universal shafts mounted on the side of the loco rather than in the center, could actually have two minimum radii, depending on whether the cylinders and universals are on the inside or outside of the curve.

Bill in FL  

[Doneldon]

twist-

Good point. I never thought of that.

                                             -- D

[Tom M.]

One of the branch lines on my layout has a 15" radius curve.  I did this on purpose to represent the remnant of a logging line that dated to the late 1890s.  The Bachmann 3 truck Shay goes around it regardless or orientation of the drive shaft.  I can't say that it likes it, but goes around it.  However, I did have to install a guard/guide rail next to the inside of the curve rail to keep it from derailing.  Without it, the lead truck wanted to "walk" up over the outside rail.   The branch uses code 55 rail, so that may also be part of the issue.

Tom