Instruction Manual - Shay Electric
General information About Accucraft Model:
This accurately detailed model is constructed of brass and
stainless steel. A large Pittman gearhead motor powers all
drivers through a metal gear box with steel gears. The museum
quality finish and lettering represents this locomotive as it
would have looked in the 1950’s.
The Shay locomotives were developed by Ephraim Shay. His
first successful engine that we would recognize today as a Shay
locomotive was produced in 1880 by Lima Machine Work (later
Lima Locomotive Works), who would go on to produce approxi-
mately 2,700 Shays up until 1945, when production ceased.
Shay locomotives are unusual in that they are powered by a
steam engine of either two or three cylinders mounted vertically
near the cab on the right side of the locomotive (although there
were a very few with the engine on the left). The boiler was
offset on the frame to counterbalance the weight of the engine.
The engine drove a drive shaft that, through flexible couplings,
turned bevel gears that engaged the wheels. This type of
engine is know as a geared engine, since the wheels turn
at a different rate from the engine, due to the gear ratio.
This arrangement made the engine very flexible and able to
negotiate raggedy track without derailing. Because of this
characteristic, as well as its great power, it was an exceeding
popular engine with logging companies and other industries
that relied on tough engines in unforgiving environments.
The light bulbs in your locomotive are all rated at 1.5v DC.
Locomotive has carbon brush pickups on both rails, to insure
reliable operation when using track power.
Disassembly of this large and complex model is not recom-
mended. However, if absolutely necessary, the 2mm hex bolts
and nuts can be turned with a nut driver sized for US 00-90.
Page 1
