Thanks guys, this forum is great for getting answers inquiring minds need to know.
Now to raise some funds and take the leap.
Happy RRing
Yes but was it not said that all (majority) of these engines were built to scale !? SOoooooo they may look huge or the others look small but that is the way they ‘compared’ in the “real” alternative universe ? ! gad so black’n white KIS
imho, doug c 
Well I took the plunge and bought one just like yours Mark V unletterred, red windows with the white trim. Very sharp. The prices kept going down each time they went unsold on Ebay adn free shipping! I made a slightly lower offer than the asking and got it. SWEET now how to brea kit to my wife when the big box shows up in a week or so? I think I will stay off Ebay for a while now so as not to be tempted anymore.
Todd - don’t forget, after the crazy rush to open the box and get running - these are prolly the most complex mass-produced models ever mae in plastic materials, and those lube instructions in the box need some serious attention before you should even think of running the loco.
My oldest Shay dates from 2000, and is a reliable and regular runner, thanks to a rigorous care and attention regime given it over the years, but in particular, the all-important break-in period when new - the same goes for my other Bachmann 2 and 3 truck shays, Climax and Heisler models - even the Connie.
Treat yourself to the LaBelle lube set - it’s designed to be plastic compatible - watch the DVD that comes with the loco, and then do it.
You’ll be glad all the way down the line.
tac, ig & the Doane Point Bridge Boys
That is good advice tac. I am very excited about this engine and all that working gear is what attracted me. I understand the importance of lubing and checking gear boxes for lube and loose screws etc. I also own a shay a heisler and climax and you know what is funny sometimes when I’m getting a quck run in I will grab a diesel instead because I start thinking “when was the last time I lubed all those moving bits?” It reminds me of one of the reasons why the prototype steam engines fell into decline, it was all that dang maintenance. Don’t get me wrong I love the old steamers both real and model but when you simple want to get it done there is nothing like a diesel in a pinch. Did I just open a can of worms for the diesel vs steamer guys???
I have a tip on the lube thing. You cant put it everywhere but you can put it on the running gear and it save having to lube it so often. Plus, it takes all of that shinyness off the running gear and makes your model look a little more “used”.
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1444428451832&id=37a0da008f3bf1aded12353be338f51d
Its great on your running gear because it has graphite in the mix which keeps your running gear runnig smooth without a lot of liquid lubrication.
Sorry forgot to say where I get mine. I order mine from Micro-Mark. I havent seen anywhere else so I’m not sure if they dont have exclusive rights or something.
Great Todd! If you hate it remember I warned you not to buy it. 
I checked all of the screws too…And I found all four side-rod hex-head screws were loose. Seriously backed out by several turns. They have not come loose since I tightened them back down but I do check occasionally.
Ordered a new set of dry-transfers for mine just this morning!
Jake, is that a liquid graphite?
Yeah, its a alchohol/graphite solution. The alchohol evaporates after applying it, leaving the graphite in place.
The new baby has arrived and it is sweet!! What a beautiful engine. I unpacked it and put it on the shelf and it looks like it is ready for some serious hauling business and possibly even capable of pulling the house down. I haven’t had a chance to check for loose screws and lube etc… but that can wait a bit since the temps are freezing out and the loco won’t fit on the inside layout. I will need to build a transport cradle for it since it is not an easy engine to pick up. Maybe I will get some of those rollers so I can watch it run on the shelf? As for size it is not that out of place next to my other engines. Compared to the 38 ton shay it is just a bit wider and maybe 3 inches longer. The light on the cab sticks up about 1/2 inch higher. The inaugral run will be at slow speeds and closely watched for trackside obstructions but I think I will be OK.
If anyone out there is considering picking up one of these engines at a really good price they are still to be had from AnaKramer on Ebay.
Thanks again to all the guys here that helped me make the purchase decision.
Todd