In doing some scratch building using these cars chassis I discovered the metal frame chassis have two versions; both are metal but one has small springs and journals, the second and probably latest version with noticeably larger springs and journals.  From what I can determine both versions are the same item number, making purchase (Ebay, Trainz, etc.) difficult.  Pix on these sites often do not even reveal these details.

I'm hoping you folks who keep up with this info can help me figure out how to verify BEFORE purchase which chassis it is. Guidance would be most appreciated.

Cheers,

Will

Hi Joe,

While still available, I don't think they are in production.

This is a well made product.  From my experience they are excellent mechanisms.  The overall locomotive holds up well and many have been kitbashed.

My understanding is that from a business standpoint, they were not stellar and therefore, not likely to reappear on the market in a new production run any time soon.

Bill

Hey Scot,

Outstanding   

I don't know if you share your secrets but my guess is you found it through figuring out what the lettering on the model read and then Googled that.  In any event good thinking! 

I'm going to see if I can call Mr.Stockbridge and see what more I can find out.

Bill

Hi Jerry,

Many thanks for lending your insight to my question.  You are absolutely correct that this is a model.  After I read your reply I wondered, "How could I have missed what is so obvious?  Then I realized that I was working from VERY small pix that got enlarged through putting them upon Flickr.  After I posted them there I never looked at them again.

I agree with everything you said except that they look like Bachmann 1:20.3 trucks to me.

I have yet to find out who built this fine model.  It appears to closely resemble the NWSL HO Class A Shay imported years ago with steps added front and rear for switchmen.  So I'm speculating the builder liked the NWSL lokey and made a 1:20.3 version adding front and rear steps to "bring it down to the ground" if you will.

Not sure now if I'll build a model like it or another Class A.

Either way I'm going to have to make my 3 cylinder donor into a two cylinder.  I know there are articles on doing this but am wondering if anyone who has done this would comment on its complexity?

Many thanks to all who were interested in helping.

Bill

Hi Skarloey Railway,

Thanks much for finding this and for your input.

Because a lot of railroad buffs have seen my pix and no one seems to recognize it yet, I'm theorizing that the pix are of a model (vs. prototype) that someone made using a chassis from a Bachmann 1:20.3 Shay (modern) and removing and replacing the superstructure to backdate it to Class A level.  I was hoping the pix were of a model of an actual prototype.

Still, I'm going to wait a while longer and hope I'm wrong.

Smcgill - Thanks for finding the pix you posted.  Hope you have seen my subsequent post of the actual model in question.

Best to all and much appreciation to those who have participated so far,

Bill (Gandy Dancer1)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/95433789@N02/8709439447/

Have been trying for days to upload pictures of the locomotive I'm seeking information on.  This forum keeps rejecting because the "upload folder" is full. I have uploaded this pix to other forums with no problem.  I have communicated this to the site manager but to no avail.  I'm hoping Mr Bachmann can intercede so we can get on with this.

Gandy Dancer1

A photo of a large scale Bachmann shay turned up in the many downloads I make of interesting models.  I've learned to jot a quick note as to path so I can get back if I need to, but this must have been before I learned my lesson.

It is a very distinctive vertical boiler 2 truck Shay.  It's been converted to 2 pistons and is nicely weathered.  It's a wood burner and has a long peaked veranda.  I can barely make out it's lettering: "Possum Grove & Oil (something). 

I'd like to find out who the builder is and ask some questions as to whether it was built from a prototype or freelance, etc.  I've done repeated searches on what little info I have to no avail.

If you can help me locate this modeler/model I would appreciate it - not being able to get some answers is killing me.

Best,

Bill (Gandy Dancer1)

Hi,

rOgruth- Hamish answered all your questions I believe.  Thanks for responding.

Hamish-You hit a homerun with your reply- very perceptive.  I didn't know Williams was strictly 3 rail.

Thanks for steering me.  I've posted a similar request on OGR Forum.

Will (Gandy Dancer1)

Hi,

I'm a 7/8 modeler and O gauge is 18" in that scale.  I'd appreciate advice on an analog 0-4-0 diesel and 0-4-0 steam low profile chassis with good slow speed running characteristics.  Same for a two truck diesel chassis (to model Climax type locos).  Low profile is important to leave room for batteries and electronics.  DCC ability not important.

I don't follow O gauge so I'm clueless.

Thanks,

Will (Gandy Dancer1)

Hi Barry,

I was not aware you made a trolley drive.  Do you have pics, prices, dimentions or is a PM in  order?

Gandy Dancer

Hi Bill,

Just want to express a big thanks for this really useful info.  Bravo!

Bill (Gandy Dancer).

Thanks Kevin for responding.  I'll give it a whirl and report back.

Bill

I simply can't fathom that NOBODY out there has had the siderods off a Bachmann 45 ton diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!  If indeed nobody has what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Bill

Hi-

Anyone out there familiar with the procedure to remove the side rods and counterweights?  It appears there are "plugs" covering the screws holding the side rods and counterweights on.  How to remove the plugs without disfiguring them so they can be replaced.
Thanks,
Bill