[Mike Toney]

Since this discussion sort of took over the C18 thread, lets move it here. While I love the lower gear ratio of the Accucraft Shays, the single eccentric per cylinder is a huge put off. Thats not how real Shays are and with all the waggly bits out front and center, the full Stephenson valve gear is what they need. I love the prototype for the upcoming new 2 cylinder model, but once again Channing is taking the cop out way and putting the same single eccentric and reversion valve instead of proper Stephenson motion, which would take that model to the next level. We know Accucraft can make that type of valve gear and has on past models. Simulated is fine when its out of sight between the locomotive frame, but out in the open like a Shay, it really needs to have full valve gear. Only way to get that is to buy a Catatonk or Aster(with its higher speed gearing). If I could merge the lower speed gearing of the current Accucraft Shays with my old Aster Shay's beautiful 3 cylinder engine...... Maybe one day Channing will finally give us a Shay with proper valve gear, till then my wallet is staying in my pocket.

 

[Mike Toney]

How about just doing it to make the model correct. There are more than one reason to fit proper valve gear. I know Channingn himself is a train buff. I think it will take someone doing a specific Shay model to get it to happen, like Jason did with Fairymead, having the model optioned out to have proper valve gear. Maybe his competitor, Bowande, will make a Shay at some point, they seem to be into making models more "correct" in regards to valve gear. Like I posted, I dont mind simulated gear when its mostly out of sight on a model. But on a Shay, its right there, in full view. They might sell well, but unless its given to me, I wont own one. Give me an Aster(despite its fast running nature) or a Catatonk with its proper valve gear. Sorry, not sorry.

Btw, if folks just say they dont care, then why should Accucraft. BUT, if they said that they would rather the model have proper valve gear, then maybe, someday it will happen. Accucraft seem to be giving more options these days, with models in kit form, options for pilot and or trailing trucks. But I need their Shay model to have full Stephenson valve gear. GIve that option or equip the new 2 cylinder model that way and I will preorder one. Heck, I would take a rerun of the Mich Cal deuce with proper gear. Thats the business aspect, reissue of a model is just that, but will be more expensive anyways. SO...upgrade the models features...give it proper valve gear, working lights. We are at a price level where another 100 or 200 to the price on each engine is a drop in the bucket for most buyers at this level. Just my 2 cents, they will do what they are going or not going to do and I will vote with my wallet. I am sure it will be a good seller no matter what.

 

[Mike Toney]

Depends on the size of the production run and if more runs are planned in the future, the more they make, the cheaper it gets. They seem to have no trouble selling high doller models, even with today's economy. But your correct, there is a breaking point for everybody. It should have been done a few runs ago before costs went way up. I will stick with my non Accucraft Shays for now.

 

[Mike Toney]

I wish I could adapt the gear ratio used in the Accucraft trucks to my old Aster Shay to slow it down, thats the only down side to them, 2:1 gear ratio makes them a bit touchy to keep running at slow speeds.