Atlas N Shay performance

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Micro-Trains did a disconnect steel log car (discontinued). You can see them at Brooklyn Locomotive Works:

Bill Bill's Railroad Empire N Scale Model Railroad:

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Here's more about the Micro-Trains log cars:

Since nobody replied as to the performance, I throw in my five cents.

I have one but I haven't really run it yet. But the July/August 2006 issue of N Scale Magazine had a feature article on the Shay. It gives hints how to make it run even better and a strange way to install a DCC decoder in it. This is sort of 2nd part of two articles. A dissassembly was explained in the March/April 2006 issue.

I did test run mine and it is very slow geared (as is should be). So, I think it'll make a good runner. I've heard something about the U-joints coming apart but mine seemed to work ok. Besides, the price is quite reasonable for this type of a locomotive.

I highly recommend that you read those articles I mentioned above. Hundman Publishing is not very Internet friendly but they can be reached at nscalemag "at" earthlink "dot" net.

Back isses are available for $5.50 per copy plus $2.50 S&H. Call

Peteski

To clarify the u-joints coming apart issue; the driveshaft halves would pull apart if the trucks were angled sharply enough during handling. Just slide 'em back together and be more careful next time. This is/was not a problem duriing operation.

fl@liner This tagline has been certified to contain no political rants.

Yes, you need to be extra careful with handling. The universal joints are a real pain to put back together if they come apart as they consist of a ring and two y-shaped pieces which clip into the ring at 90 degrees to each other.

BTW, I jammed a decoder into the cab. The hardest part was putting the body pieces back together with the decoder installed. Also, I used tape to isolate the motor.

But all that said, they are very nice little locos. I am planning on building some log cars - not difficult.

Cheers, David