What is the tightest diameter curves that a Bachmann Spectrum 2 truck Shay can be used on?
I know for a fact it will run on LGB 4-foot diameter track, but will not pull any rolling stock with body mounted couplers.
I have a 38 ton 2 truck and it will go around a 4’ diameter loop but it doesn’t look pretty and I think it really stretches out the linkages so don’t go fast. Negotiating the occasional R1 curve or 12000 series switch shouldn’t be a problem.
Yep, the problem for me was not running the shay on R1’s (I actually think it looks like a logging locomotive doing it), it was pulling rolling stock. All my Bachmann stock is 1:20.3 with body mounted couplers and they won’t go that tight. My logging disconnects will go through R1’s but the “link” between the firs car and the engine needs to be extended.
Speaking of 2 truck Shays, where have “you” managed to stuff batteries and recieivers in them. Of all my motive power, this is the one locomotive I’d rather not have to use a dedicated trailing car for my electronics. Note that I’m even willing to sacrifice sound, ie the relestate for a speaker and sound card can be eliminated. Pictures would be awesome.
I put the sound card, receiver and speaker in the tender. The batteries went into the firebox on the bottom. 14.4V Lion’s…small enough to fit.
Welcome Jack -
I put 3 Li-Ions in the boiler from the front (removing the smoke generator) and one in the air tank. Larger speaker, Phoenix '97 board, RailBoss R/C and a Spektrum receiver in the tender (used a shoehorn).
The full restoration / battery conversion process is documented here Restoring a 1st Gen. Bachman Shay
Hi Jack
Here is a photo of my 2 truck shay. Revolution receiver, Phoenix 8 sound and speaker in the tender. Converted to an oil burner and the 14.4v Li-ion 4 cell, 2200Ma pack is in the oil tank.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab29/trainman57/Fall%20running%202012/DSC_0002.jpg)
Thanks all. Ron great idea converting to an oil burner to allow for a larger space in the tender. I think that’s my solution.