Live Steam testing on Beaver Creek

[maxi-model]

1) Run up the gradient with a moderate rake of cars (5 log cars with lightweight logs) behind
2) Not runaway under load when going down the gradient
3) Be able to run for at least 10-15 minutes without 'phutting out'.
It will be good to see how your 1st run shay manages!

I think mine, new from GRC and direct from Accucraft 2 years ago, is a later run as it has the larger "oil bunker" mounted gas tank, variable rate oiler and the boiler looks much like the picture in the current listings. So you should be able to gauge the current model's performance.

Don't worry about the thing going out of control downhill.' you cannot take it "out of gear" like a regular loco. With those 3 "Large Ruby" derived cylinders whirring away nine to the dozen they are prodigious users of water, you should see the steam plume they put up. Any minature Shay would probably benefit from an axle driven pump if there was an easy way to fit one (think about it).
Max
P.S. did you recieve my PM ?

 

[beavercreek]

Received it Max and have replied just now if a little belatedly!

 

[Charles M]

I have an Accucraft 2 cylinder Shay that I have owned for 6 years now. Great runners. I have gotten 48 minutes of time running after coming into steam on mine , topping up the water at 10 minute intervals. It will run nicely on 10 lbs of pressure. I have fitted mine with RC for operational control.

The newer models have a change to the gear ratio fitted on the wheels. They tend to run faster than the previous models. The 3 clylinder Shays I have seen running tend to run out of fuel and water faster .

Charles M

 

[Richie]

Hi Mike
Have you thought about the Accucraft live steam Climax , GRS have one for £1495 does look a very nice model .

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Richie
It is indeed a great looking piece of kit but apparently a lot of comments have made the point that although it is great on the flat, it doesn't have the grunt on the inclines due to the gearing not being low enough as well as the weight to power ratio.

I would love to add a live steam Climax to my little fleet of electric Climaxes (if I had the funds) but I feel that it would never get used, at least on my layout..