Locomotives

3 1/2" Gauge Shay Class B Geared Locomotive

The Shay locomotive is considered to be the worlds' most widely used, geared steam locomotive to ever have been produced. Designed by Ephraim Shay of Michigan, USA, an inventor, amongst other occupations, who developed this unusual design for use logging around in forests in around 1877. The first Shay locomotive was produced by the Lima Machine Works, Ohio, USA in 1880 and patents were filed following its success in 1881. Over 300 locomotives to the Shay design were produced and sold between 1882 and 1892. The relative success of the design saw the rise of an international market and by 1900, Lima were shipping examples globally. Between 1978 and 1945, Lima produced a total of 2770 locomotives under four classes based on weight and drive train arrangement. We are here advertising for sale a model example of the Shay Class B, built locally to us by a model engineer to 3 1/2" gauge. Class B locomotives originally weighed between 10 and 80 tons, had 3 pistons and 2 'trucks' (bogies). 

We are here presenting a beautifully built Shay locomotive to 3 1/2" gauge to the famous, American design. For sale to include a custom glass case and to include paperwork such as the original drawings, some literature and a hydraulic test and invoice for the boiler when new. It does not look to have been used in steam at any point so is being sold as a display piece only, however we see now reason why it needs to stay this way - the quality of build is such that it wouldn't take much to make it a very useable locomotive. The paint is good with the green being sympathetically hand-painted and the rest sprayed. The brightwork is shiny and gears sharp, it is a fantastic piece and the inclusion of that motion work unusually mounted on the side makes for an interesting display. A real credit to the original builder. 

A stunning piece based on an unusual locomotive and some fascinating background. Perfect as a display to make for an excellent talking point, or an example which, with little work, could be found making its way around your 3 1/2" gauge railway. 

SOLD

For more information or to arrange a viewing on our premises near Exeter, give us a call on 01392 833301 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.