Looking for a Shay

[Mike C]

  Gentlemen  I could use some advice about buying an HOn3 Shay . I only have 3 requirements  . Its a 2 truck shay , It is a 3 cylinder model , and lastly it has to run quietly . Yea I'm probably looking for a unicorn , but is there such a thing ?  It's something I have always wanted . And if I remember correctly RGS had a Shay that serviced one of the online mines .    Mike

[signalmaintainer]

  Gentlemen  I could use some advice about buying an HOn3 Shay . I only have 3 requirements  . Its a 2 truck shay , It is a 3 cylinder model , and lastly it has to run quietly . Yea I'm probably looking for a unicorn , but is there such a thing ?  It's something I have always wanted . And if I remember correctly RGS had a Shay that serviced one of the online mines .    Mike

United (PFM) Benson Lumber Co. Shay. Two-truck, three cylinder, 25 tons. Mine runs like a jewel.

[Mike C]

 It runs Quietly ? I see a PFM Cowichan Shay with upgraded gearing , any ideas ?

[signalmaintainer]

It runs Quietly ? I see a PFM Cowichan Shay with upgraded gearing , any ideas ?

My Benson Shay runs quietly, not "HO Atlas/Kato RS-1" quiet, but much better than an MDC Shay and other brass I own.

The Cowichan is a good option too, speaking from having previously owned one.

[Mike C]

   Well I am now the owner of a PFM United Cowichan shay . I'll give it try later tonight , hopefully it won't sound like a coffee grinder . 

[wazzou]

hopefully it won't sound like a coffee grinder . 

It would be prototypical though.
I’ve been around a number of operating shays and they are far from quiet.

[Mike C]

   Well it was kinda noisey on first run , but after lubing it the noise isn't too bad , as long as I keep it moving at reasonable speeds . I think if I replace the motor with a can motor it should be good .  And after a brief run-in with the open frame motor it creeps pretty good !