How many On30 modelers would like to see a larger Shay? Something along the line of the 3 cylinder, 38 ton version offered in 1:20.3. While the 2 cylinder T-boiler Shay is a great loco, it is a little on the small side sitting beside the 28 ton Climax in my fleet.
Sure - I would love to have a bigger, more "modern" Shay.
The T-Boiler is a nice lokie, but something bigger would be cool!
Definitely support this idea!
After we´ll have a Heisler... ;) ;) ;)
Cheers, Tom :D
Ditto that! :)
Heisler 1st, please and thank you !!!!!
not really.
would rather have SRRL no 24
Ossy, to tell you a secret: ME TOO!!!! Would love to have SRRL No.24....
Cheers, Tom :) :)
I agree that there is a case for a larger two truck Shay, if it were to happen personally I would prefer about 28 tons - although there were two truck Shays of up to about 42 tons on the 30 inch gauge.
However I am not sure that it should be a top priority for the next locomotive, given the existing Shay and a 3 truck due to come out from another maker. For a geared locomotive I would have thought a type not made at all would have priority, which means a Heisler (the obvious choice) or a Class A Climax, which is a very different locomotive than the Class B Climax made by Bachmann and is a personal favourite of mine.
Given that no new geared locomotives have come out since the Climax I would have thought that it was time for another geared locomotive. If a rod locomotive was to be made I agree that the Sandy River #24 is a good choice - outside frame 2-6-2s fairly similar to this loco were exported to various places including Mexico and in varoius gauges including 30 inch, so it would be a good companion for the OF 4-4-0 and OF 2-8-0 as well as pleasing Maine fans.
However I also think that there is a gap in the line-up for a tank loco larger than the Porters, such as the various Hawaian 0-6-2ts or 2-6-2ts that have been discussed previously. It might be possible to make both a tender and tank version of an OF 2-6-2 using many common components.
So a larger two truck Shay would be desirable some-time, but probably not just yet.
Hamish
MMI has announced larger shays to be produced in that hazy time known as "the future", so Bachmann isn't allowed to make any.
But who knows if MMI will make it, and even worse, can we afford it. I think there is a market here for a larger shay by Bachmann. I'm up for one.
Bruce
quote
"MMI has announced larger shays to be produced in that hazy time known as "the future", so Bachmann isn't allowed to make any."
says who?
Quote from: ossygobbin on February 24, 2009, 05:21:45 PM
quote
"MMI has announced larger shays to be produced in that hazy time known as "the future", so Bachmann isn't allowed to make any."
says who?
Nobody said it except drgw 268.
Hamish
The current Shay is really too small for a logging railroad, so I would love to see a ca 28 ton, three cylinder Shay (like the Santa Barbara Tie&Pole Shay once done by PSC).
What MMI seems to be contemplating is a WSLCo, three-truck Shay, really too big for a 30 inch gauge operation.
A Class A Climax would also be neat, and of course the engineering on the trucks is already done..
I can see that a Heisler would appeal to the collector's market who want "one of everything" to display in a glass case, but for an operating model railroad they have a much more narrow appeal than a proper sized Shay ..
I model an 1883 logging railroad that was here in Allegan Michigan. For your needs and others the current Shay may be too small. For the Allegan & Lake Shore R.R. it is correct and just needed some backdating ( remove generator, add a box head light, a diamond stack and a wood cow catcher. Many, many logging railroads used these smaller Shay. Remember there would be no larger Shay if Mr. Shay had not started building the small ones right here in Michigan.
I agree you would not want to go to big.
I also agree a Class A Climax would nice
Quote from: lenelg on March 05, 2009, 09:45:41 AM
).
What MMI seems to be contemplating is a WSLCo, three-truck Shay, really too big for a 30 inch gauge operation.
Braden Copper Co. in Chile had 30 inch gauge 3 truck Shays that were the same size as those WSLCo locos - as far as I know these were the largest 30 inch gauge Shays. I agree though that if Bachmann were to produce another Shay a 2 truck 28 ton would be preferable.
While there were more Shays, I would have thought there were enough narrow gauge Heislers for these to have reasonable appeal - but desirability is in the eyes of the beholder!
Hamish
Quote from: lenelg on March 05, 2009, 09:45:41 AM
A Class A Climax would also be neat, and of course the engineering on the trucks is already done..
Given the number of broken gears that are being reported, even on new out of box locos, it seems that the "engineering" needs a rethink.
Eric UK
Simple really !! The engineering just needs to be rethought and the Big B just needs to use brass gears and couplings. Ghod knows, we are paying enough for these models so a few brass bits will be cheaper for everyone in the long run.
Why not do a WSLCo Shay?
They had quite a long, prominent career, they still exist, some still operate, and there is already a long-established
fan base of photographers, historians and rail buffs themselves following the West Side. I myself am planning a trip down there to just look at some rotting wood and rusty derelict car remains. An On30 version of a West Side Shay would have plenty interest from the West Side fans, and those creating operations based on the West Side. Then of course, it would make a nice logging loco in general, whether modeling the West Side or not. I myself am modeling the West Side in On3, and have not purchased a locomotive (not until track wiring is complete), and I would be more than happy to purchase a Spectrum version of one the WSLCo Shays- especially if it were modifiable into one or two of its enginehouse mates. Double that if it is reasonably simple to convert to On3!
...just another opinion....... 8)
I definitely support this idea!!!
I can´t add much more as already said by n11525re: Why not do a West Side Shay, easily convertable into On3 to double the market you can serve!!! The interest in West Side Modelling is widely spread - and their engines are popular since they still live on as Museum displays and Tourist Train attractions - Yosemite Sugar Pine, Georgetown Loop just to speak of a few... ;)
And don´t forget about a Heisler - why not WSLCo No. 2,3 or 4..?
Cheers, Tom :) :) :)
Even though there were only 1 or 2 (IIRC) of them built in narrow gauge, I want an ON30 Pacific Coast Shay, and there were no narrow gauge ones but I want a 4-truck Shay too.