My indoor layout is a 58 foot loop. I am running my Shay at a slow speed hoping it is prototypical. It takes 2 minutes and 14 seconds to make it around the 58 foot loop at the speed I am running my Shay. Would this be prototypical?
Thanks
Timmy
I wonder if there is a mathematical equation you could use to figure this out?
I’d say if it looks good to you then it is good.
Many years ago I put a bicycle odometer on a car, set the wheel size for a 1:20 sized wheel and sent it off with my Shay trying to achieve a prototypical 15mph. It took the Shay about 12 minutes to travel about 600’ of track. I should try and set that odometer car up again.
Another rule of thumb when running a geared loco at a prototypical speed is, if you get bored waiting for it to come round then that is a good speed. 
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Perhaps someone could check my math, assuming 1:24 scale:
(58 feet x 24) / 5280 = .26 miles
2.25 minutes is .0375 hours
.26 miles / .0375 hours = 6.933 miles per hr
I have heard that a Shay tops out around 12 mph so 7 mph sounds pretty prototypical to me.
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@Jim - I did the math based on 1:20.3 for the Bachmann Shay and came out with 5.9919 SMPH.
There ya go Tim, two scales minimal difference in scale speed.
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Looks good! It was said that a Shay was good for 10 loads at 10mph.