Accucraft Live-Steam Shay 1

[Fireheart528]

@WA1LBK I always prefer a high degree of realism in anything i build. Which is why i wanted to build a REAL mountain railway in G scale. And when i think of mountain lines, i think of two, three even four locos lashed together at the head of a stone, coal, mining, logging, or work train going up stiff grades that will really challenge an engineer's skill in handling his train.

[dust478]

I have to ask, how much did that thing cost?

[waltm97]

What is the minimum radius for the shay loco? I presently have 39+ inch and am expecting the new version very shortly.Great layout for running trains.

[zalex222]

My 3-year-old son wants to know if we can "go there"... meaning your garden. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. :)

[jetporter]

Wow. I was thinking, "what kind of plant has such enormous leaves?" Then I saw the little engineer doll in the cab and realised it was a model.

[Armapax]

vraiment magnifique! BRAVO !!!

[diegartenbahn]

Great view ... what kind is the green next to the trail?

[WA1LBK]

Regular box hedge - about half of the railroad is built on top of it (the hedges predated the railroad). Check out some of my other videos for other views. ;)

[RamonaSteam]

Great setup and video!

[WA1LBK]

Yes. This loco is 1:20.3 scale, represents a 3-foot gauge engine running on G gauge track.

[dwalker2020]

I love your engine. I am a huge fan of live steam. I might be interested in getting a g scale steam train. Any suggestions on what kind to get? I don't have unlimited funds... Thanks!

[secki81]

Awesome im interested in starting a garden railway, can u buy live steam like yours already to run?

[WA1LBK]

Yes, you can. The Shay you saw here is a ready-to-run locomotive (manually controlled; this one I've modified for RC control & added LED headlights). To run it you need distilled water, steam oil, & butane fuel (such as used in cigarette lighters). Check out my "Intro to Live Steam Shay" video for more info! ;) (Just click on "More from this user" to find it).

[Fireheart528]

@WA1LBK I've been interested in mountain railways for quite a while. Is it possible to do that right on the side of an actual mountain using G scale equipment?

[WA1LBK]

Yes, it should be, as long as you keep the grades within reason. Grade on this railroad's mainline is @ 3%. I've added a coaling station with an elevated unloading ramp; haven't actually measured it, estimate the grade is around 5 ~ 10%. My 2-cylinder live steam Shay was able to push a single Bachmann 1:20.3 hopper car (relatively heavy) up it without any problem. If you're running electrics (like Bachmann Shays), you can run steeper grades than live steam, but plan on short trains.

[Fireheart528]

@WA1LBK I'm thinking putting it at 3-4% with 5% being the steepest grade. One of my favorite railway sights is putting two or three steam engines on the head end. I know it could be done with electric engines, but i'm looking at adding a couple live steam engines into the roster too, particularly the H-8 Allegheny and the 4000 Class of the UP. Is it possible to lash two live-steam engines together in the same way you could with an electric/battery-powered engine?

[WA1LBK]

@Fireheart528 Wow, if you're thinking of doing that with live-steam Allegheny's & Big Boys, your wallet's a LOT fatter than mines! ;) (Think they go in the range of $10K ~ $30K!???). Locos THAT big are also require curves on the order of 10' radius (20' diameter) MINIMUM. Only way you can really double head is with radio control; check out my "Bucking Snow with Live Steam 2009" video, did it with 2 Shays on RC. If running electrics on DCC, you can "consist" multiple locos to run as one.

[Fireheart528]

@WA1LBK My wallet is actually quite slim--but you're right, they are quite expensive. the highest price i've seen is $6500.00 for a G scale AC-12 cab-forward from Accucraft, and it requires a 10 ft. radius. The electric ones go for around $1000.00, depending on the model. The Big Boys and the Alleghenys are probly a bit higher, but i haven't been able to pin down the exact price. I'll probly just add a smoke generator to the electric locos and use them in DCC format.

[Todaylight]

one absolutely professionell clip.

No shayking, no wabbeling turns-great!

[jroberts227]

That was great. Very, very nice.

[amarano]

Great video, I love it, thanks !!!

[trainmaxx]

Well done

[dancarstrains]

Absolutely Awesome !! BRAVO !!

[SkipW]

Strong runner 5 log cars and work car! Can you say all i want 4 christmas.

[EdgevilleRWY]

Nice clip, Tom! I didn't recognize your layout at first. Love that hedge!