Ulin Shay double header at Bitter Creek Western (part 2 of 2)

Two live steam models of West Side Lumber Shays #14 and #15. These 2 1/2" scale engines feature 100% working appliances, down to the turbogenerators. Both were built by Richard Ulin of Ulin Locomotive Works. This is part 2 of 2. Part 1 can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ArD49L-_M&fmt=18

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• west
• side
• lumber
• company
• shay
• live
• steam
• double
• header
• bitter
• creek
• western
• ulin
• locomotive
• works

[adfgfds]

I always wonder if they have the same maintenance as full size steam engines. Does it have to be cleaned out after the day is over?

[CaptainHarlock999]

Yes, the tubes need to be rodded out if it is running coal or oil / kerosene. You can see this in the video.  If you're burning coal you need to empty the ash pan and vacuum out the smokebox as well, then clean and oil everything. When you're firing up in the morning, you have about 45 mins to kill while the boiler is coming up to pressure, and that is the time to oil and lubricate everything.

[adfgfds]

Wow. Fun stuff, but sounds like a lot of work. Like a full size steam engine, do you have to overhaul it every few years?

[CaptainHarlock999]

A lot of that prep work is a sort of zen thing...it's enjoyable as part of the hobby, but certainly some people prefer propane over coal for the maintenance reasons.

An engine built very well could need very little service for many years, it really depends on how it was built. If you design something to wear well, it can go for decades without maintenance. There are numerous tricks people have learned to keep these things running for very long periods of time without major dissasembly.

[mattitude67]

thx for posting, 2 very cool vids,. nice toys

[carmium]

The Shays are gorgeous, of course, but I also really like the scale cars! Most live steam operations just have "ride 'em" cars for tourists or visitors; this is really special.

[MABurns888]

I have met Richard Ulin before and if i remeber right he has built these shay from his own plans.

[ghostofthedeep]

were did he get the plans i have looked and cant find any and can u get more vids of him runing them

[Firemanmike500]

I am in love again. Shays a my favorite engine. Have many in HO & G scales. This would top me off. Very nice job. Where can these be viewed.

[chappybolo]

Nice work!!!! I think #15 is at the YMSPRR in yosemite now. I got to drive it.