1/5 Scale Shay Locomotive

[Dan Rowe]

Yesterday I cut my first metal on a project that has been in the research and drafting stage for several years. The plan started out as S/N 797 the Mich Cal #5 but branched out to include all of the Shays built to Plan 703 with a 3-9"x8" steam engine. Then I realized that I really like 2 cylinder Shays so I am building to Plan 561 a 2-9x8 Class A Shay.

Lima Plan 703 3-9x8 Shay shop numbers; 715, 797, 857, 861, 915, 940, 1551, 1579, 1616(2ft), 1638, 1689, 1695, 1746, 1839, and 1926.

Lima Plan 561 2-9x8 Shay shop numbers; 561, 562, 595, 614, 697*, 706, 707, 710, 786, 787, 793, 794, 795, 812, 813, 900, 901, 902, 903, 995, 1514, 1515, 1516, 1662, 1663, 1664. * not Plan 561.

I am the lead researcher and draftsman on the project with help from a few other guys. If anyone has technical questions about the Lima records used for the project or needs specific information about any of the listed shop numbers please bring the topic up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LivesteamShays/ Just use the shop number in the subject and I will check the records and do my best to answer.

The print used for the 9x8 cylinder is really the same drawing used for the early 8x8 cylinder. The card number for the 8x8 cylinder is 108 and the 9x8 is card 138. The only thing changed besides the middle digit is the bore dimension and the spacing of the cylinder cover studs. It is actually the same drawing with a few numbers changed. This means that the casting set for this project could be used for any of the early 8x8 Shays. Anyone thinking Gilpin # 3, 4, or 5?

The patterns for the castings are being made by Dave Clark from scale versions of Lima Locomotive drawings. Eventually a whole set of castings will be available for this project from Dave that will include the machining drawing and notes for each casting. Check with Dave clark5@zoominternetdotnet for the availability/timing/price list of the castings. The rest of the drawings will be available from me after I have had a chance to verify them for accuracy.

There are now 6 builders including Dave on this project

Dan

 

[Patrik]

sweeet!! ;D

Are those the castings that were on the chaski board?

 

[Dan Rowe]

Hi Patrik,
Yes the same ones.

That post and the new bolster guides and drawheads got me really fired up on the project.

I know that this will be a long project but the start of the work in metal was exciting more fun then kicking electrons around in cad.

Dan

 

[rkepler]

That does look like fun. I've asked Dave for a price on his castings - I finished a 1/8 scale 3 truck (or am very close) and I was thinking on making the engine for a larger Shay as a project. Not like I really need another project...

 

[Dan Rowe]

There is not many castings done yet but almost everything for the trucks are in Dave's inbox so hopefully more interest will get the project closer to the front burner.

Here are the truck bolster guides.

and the #3 Lima drawheads.

Dan