Any difference between the 1st and the 2nd release, do you also anticipate any substantial change with the upcoming release, and who knows when that will be available.
There were some known problems with the 1st release for sure! I have one so I know. The problem is that on the front truck (at least on mine anyways) that when running in reverse it wants to hop down the tracks. This was caused by a driveshaft that was a millithousands too short. I am not sure of this problem was corrected for the 2nd run or not.
My second gen. Shay is a wonderful runner. Negotiates tight curves and 6.5 % grades on my logging layout. I'll just say it is perfect. Now as for the nearly 2 year overdue delivery on gen 3 I heard from Atlas no changes except higher prices. When to expect delivery probably mid-2012 if all goes well. Jim
For mid-2012, are we talking about the run announced in 2009 and at that time set for December '09 release? I know that one is not out, yet because I've been waiting.
I got my Aloha Lumber co. from the first run. Searched high and low to find one. I got one and more than likely wont get another. Unless Atlas does one in Rayonier or Weyerhauser.
Guys, the way I understand it the Fall 2009 edition will not be out this year (2011). Hopefully, NEXT year. This from an 'insider'. Atlas can't seem to rise to the top of the production list. I might have a bunch of N logging stuff including a Shay for sale. Jim:tb-ooh:
I will keep that in mind, Jim. I am considering canceling my order for one of the newer Shays. I understand production disruptions but pushing it off nearly three years is ridiculous.
I have two of the first production still in the boxes. Interesting to see what others think of them.Would probably pick up 1 more if I found one priced right. Keep me in mind as well Jim.
I have not converted mine to DCC. Mine only gets minimal run time as it is one of my prize possesions. However, it does not run nearly like I expected for an Atlas. Mine developed the 'clicking' syndrome when in reverse shortly after I bought it. I fired an email off to Atlas expressing my concern about their quality. I NEVER got a repsonse back. GO FIGURE HUH!:thumbs_down:
The EXACT same thing happened on the first run. I know it was delayed at LEAST twice and cant remember how long exactly after the original release date. The story I got was Atlas was trying to get it to run on a 8" radius. SUPPOSEDLY! I find that hard to believe but it is what it is. Since they have already released it 2 different runs now, I would expect that they could get their head out of their @## and figure out what the problems are. Quality like this I would ONLY expect from Bachmann. Is Atlas stooping to Bachmann's level? I SURE HOPE NOT!
I have one that had been a pain in the ass, but it is my own damn fault. mine (1st release) had a slight bind in it from the get go, wasn't a big deal, just kinda annoying, so when I decodered it, I decided to take it apart and fix the bind. Wrong move, after that it was an endless battle of trying to get everything fixed, I got frustrated with it, pulled the decoder for another project, shoved the broken and bruised parts back in the box, and almost dropped it in the garbage. Instead, I put it away and forgot about it. This was 2 years ago, about a month ago I decided that it was time to get it going again, and with parts being avaible it was doable. I ordered the parts I needed, took my time working on it this time, and FINALLY got it running right. it is very smooth, and powerfull, one of my favorite locomotives. To add insult to Injury, I talked to a few other people who have shays, they had the same issue, and after about 8-10 hours of running, it went away on it's own! :angry: Overall, it is a really good design, it is just very touchy. the main advice here; DON'T TAKE IT APART UNLESS YOU ARE A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT! :angry: I don't know if their is any changes or improvements for the newest run, but even if the cloned the first run, it is still a great locomotives. Here is the thread about my adventrure, DO NOT DO AS I DID!!! http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=64672 Manditory reading about the shay is the articles in N scale magizine written by Ron Bearden. The last post in the above thread has what articles are in witch issues. I need to get my hands on them myself. If anyone can help me with that, let me know please. TL;DR GREAT LOCOMOTIVE, DON'T TAKE IT APART!!
I have two from the first run. Once ran great out of the box and the other had a "thud" as it went down the track. I sent "Thud" back to Atlas within the warranty period and they fixed it under warranty. Now they both run fine.
I bought 2 here on site from someone, can't remember the user name now. I wish i had a bit of track to tryout those two. I am not sure if they are first or second generation They both have the Lenz decoder in them. I hope they have the bugs out of them. Like others have said, they are a special locomotive. I grew up around them. I lived about 30 miles from the cass and spruce areas but was closer to the greenbrier, cheat and elk rr and saw then around all the time but diesels were making there presence known. Still very special to me even if they only end up on a shelf....:tb-cool:
After pre ordering in the first run, then waiting and waiting and waiting (I thought I was in Casablanca trying to get an exit visa to fly to Lisbon) and then finally receiving what I would consider to be a less than stellar Atlas product, I never dipped my toe into the Shay pool again.
I have 3 of them one from first run and 2 from second all run great. Wish I could afford more but think wife would have fits.lol rich www.rslaserkits.com
I have a Southwestern Portland Cement from the first release. I purchaced it from an online vendor and the first time I took it out of the jewel case I could see the rear driveshaft had broken off the universal. I called Atlas and they gave me a RMA number and I sent the engine to them. It was only about a week or ten days and it was returned repaired and running flawlessly. It is smooth, quiet and a delight to watch pulling a string of ore cars. I've never had the brass to speed it up over just a few SMPH but that's not how they ran anyway. I haven't put a decoder in it yet but plan to install a TCS Z2 sometime in the future. Atlas did a fine job with these and my one and only need for their customer service was a very positive experience. Jim
The print issues are no longer available. You need to buy the last CD-ROM issue of N-Scale Magazine. N-Scale Magazine back issues now on CD To me, a good price point is 2 volumes, $5 off the price each, 6.50 shipping total. But even if you buy just the volume 4, if you had bought the 2 paper issues that have the Shay Manual and the issue that has the DCC install... that would run you 15-17 bucks (if they were available). So it's still a good deal in my mind. Ron
