I am looking for information regarding close-coupling the MDC Shay 3-truck tender. That is to say, using a shorter drawbar to move the tender closer to the locomotive. The MDC Shay Handbook shows examples of Shays with the modification, but doesn't have any details. So I am wondering if any of you have performed this and can make me aware of any pitfalls. BTW, this is an HOn3 model. Also, I won't be carving it though any 18"-radius curves. The minimum will be about 30-36" radius.
Here are my assumptions thus far:
1) In addition to making up a new shorter drawbar, I need to use shorter line shaft universal sliding couplings. Also, shorten the power shaft to the tender power truck.
2) I need to shorten these shafts in such a way that they remain more or less parallel to each other as the engine moves through curves.
3) The new drawbar should pivot both at the locomotive and tender ends - unlike the standard MDC setup which pivots at the locomotive end only.
As to the drawbar itself, I am curious as to what sort of arrangement the prototype used.
Thanks in advance for any help, advice, sympathy or condolences you have to offer.
Here are my assumptions thus far:
1) In addition to making up a new shorter drawbar, I need to use shorter line shaft universal sliding couplings. Also, shorten the power shaft to the tender power truck.
2) I need to shorten these shafts in such a way that they remain more or less parallel to each other as the engine moves through curves.
3) The new drawbar should pivot both at the locomotive and tender ends - unlike the standard MDC setup which pivots at the locomotive end only.
As to the drawbar itself, I am curious as to what sort of arrangement the prototype used.
Thanks in advance for any help, advice, sympathy or condolences you have to offer.