New layout under construction is in area 8' x 18' , will be E shaped , 1900 to 1930 logging and an interchange track.  22" max radi.( this part single main for grandson around outside edge )   ,mostly 18"-- radi. plan on code 83 with atlas and pico turnouts, will power with NCE power cab, Rooster consists of Bachman 2-8-0s,3 truck Shay ,4-4-0 and a 0-6-0 Porter .

Just finished installation in my new shay, with help from forum members, the ladder reinstall was the hardest part. If you happen to plug decoder in backwards and the lights do not work, witch I did first, just unplug and rotate 180. Everything works great on my Shay.

Had two glorius days over the weekend assembeling the Shay Kit from Hell, It is going to make a great STATIC model !!!!!! I can see it now, pocking it's boiler out of the round house, as the maintenance crew repairs the drive arms and cracks that the big giant guy beat with large hammer. 

Check out your area for a club or clubs and go visit them. There help and knowledge is without a dought the most bang for the buck. Plus they might even let you operate a train or two.

This hobby (adventure?) . Fellow club member just gave me a Roundhouse Shay kit that he has had on self for years that he does not even remember where he picked it up at... Went on line, checked out a few sites on it, sounds like a good challenge to build.... Kit has updated brass gears and pickups and is partly assembled.I will disassemble and investigate. The instruction manuel is missing and apears to not be available at Roundhouse site. Would anyone have a copy of the manuel that could be E-mailed or faxxed to me ?

Gentleman.... The Shay is up and running , it even has lights and firebox that work, (yes , of course I installed backwards first time. ) I received a good unit runs very smooth and near sillant drive train. Plus I didnot break the tender ladder ,but then again I have not reinstalled it. Plan on running in at club layout. Is there any special areas that I should focus on as this is my first gear driven steamer? Thanks for the help and your time. Bruce AKA .....Axim1

The SHAY lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Rusty, I'll give it a try tonite after makin-mo-train$.. Why does Bachman not supply a simple instruction and / or drawing with their DCC ready products? At least with the units that DO Have an NMRA plug. Would be a lot less dramatic for the end user.

Have new Spectrum 80 ton three truck shay. Going to install Digitrx DZ125PS decoder. No instructions or illistration came in box and cannot find info on the net. Where do I align the decoder RED wire on the units 8 hole plug. Is it on the #4 or #8 location on the PC board in the tender. Also do I need to do anything else for lighting.