On30 Spectrum 2-Truck Shay, Midwest Quarry

by Bachmann Industries

Product Features

• Shay

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.3 x 3 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• ASIN: B0006O8372
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Manufacturer recommended age: 14 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #287,106 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Product Description

This T-Boiler, Two Truck Shay steam locomotive is inspired by the 14-ton locomotives that were commonly used on late 19th to mid 20th Century logging railroads. Showing backwoods ingenuity, these Shays were often customized to meet the needs of individual railroads. Each version of the Bachmann On30 Shay has many features unique per roadname.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite model!, January 24, 2010

By 

Clever Name Goes Here (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: On30 Spectrum 2-Truck Shay, Midwest Quarry (Toy)

This is part of Bachmann's high quality line of 1/4" to the foot ('O' Scale) models. These represent 30" narrow gauge trains that operated around the late 1800's through the mid 1900's. These models run on HO gauge track, though the tie spacing is aesthetically incorrect for this scale; proper O scale 30" gauge track is available.

This really represents the pinnacle of mass produced locomotives. The majority of this model is high quality die-cast metal, and most of the detail parts are metal as well. Solder joints are clean and professionally done, and the paint job is fantastic. The drive-train functions in a completely prototypical manner, with variable length universal joints transferring rotation to the wheels via bevel gears. Watching this model run is simply fascinating! The gearing is very low, so this engine is amazingly smooth at slow speeds. Considering that real shay locomotives rarely broke 20 mph, this is just fine. There is space in the fuel bunker for a DCC decoder, and even a speaker for a sound equipped decoder. There are several after market 'dress up kits' out there for this model, but even if you leave it as is, it is a beautiful little machine.
The quality of this piece easily rivals $1000+ hand made brass imports from a few years ago; you simply will not find anything to be the least bit disappointed about with this loco. The actual length of this model is about 7".

Note that this is a finescale model, and is appropriately fragile. Children would certainly enjoy this, but it is meant to be enjoyed with the eyes, and only gently cared for with the hands! Unless you are pretty interested in scale model railroading, I'm not sure why you would even consider buying this...

5.0 out of 5 stars Shay locomotive O.K., January 24, 2010

By 

Linda S. Blyth - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On30 Spectrum 2-Truck Shay, Midwest Quarry (Toy)

Extremely nice detail, appears to be well constructed,was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box. Because of the level of detail,it is not suited for rough handling, such as by young children.