Inspired by John Buckwalter’s beautiful 2-1/2″ scale, 7-1/2″ gauge, 20-ton, 2-cylinder live steam shay, I decided to build one too. Once I got it in my head that this was really going to happen, I purchased plans and a complete set of castings from John and began what would become a very rewarding and challenging journey, as this would be my first foray into machining. Subscribe to this blog (link below) and follow along as I learn what it takes to make chips fly and build something very rewarding.
 

John Buckwalter operating his shay.
 

John graciously allowed me to run his shay at Big Boots & Western Railroad. I am absolutely smitten with this engine!