I purchased an HO steam engine kit at a swap meet that came through town. It was only $5.00 and figured it would make for a good winter project. However, there is a good reason that its only $5.00... there's no instructions! I will do my best to describe what I have and see if any of you recognize this kit and could point me to some directions/instructions: 1) It came in an Athearn box and the box has no identification marks or numbers. (However, I do not even know if the kit is Athearn. The box may just have been "The Right Size" to sell the kit in at the swap meet). 2) It is a Shay style steamer with 3 geared trucks (Each truck has 4 wheels) and one non geared truck. Each truck is powered by a drive shaft from the motor. These drive shafts connect to each other allowing the power to transfer from truck to truck. 3) The body of the steam engine was originally a rust colored red that some previous owner has painted dark green. 4) All the plastic kit parts are molded in black. Id appreciate any ideas, help, or directions you can provide. Rich
That is the Kind of 5 dollar finds I like to make!!! hmmmm...I could probably peice it together, I don't know which shay it is, but it would sure be fun!!! Parts might be missing, and that is the worse part.
I think you have an old Keystone shay kit. pic>>>>http://www.jaystrains.com/images/ho scale/keystone/105.jpg First thing is to get rid of that motor and put a good can motor in it. Save the worm gear. Take the gear boxes apart and clean them. the old grease they used is hard or gummy by now. Regrease with a good lubricant. Look at each gear tooth. You might have to file burrs off them. You might look in to a lower gear ratio. If I remember right these locos ran a little fast for a shay. Mike
Thanks MKT fan. After taking a closer look at what I have, I noticed there does not seem to be any frame. (Perhaps this is why it was only $5.00!) With no (obvious) way to get started, this may slow my progress. Rich
