US Shay Design Gear Drive Steam Locomotive

Model description:
The Märklin Shay steam locomotive model is a detailed representation of the US Shay design Class D gear drive locomotive, featuring an mfx+ digital decoder with extensive sound functions. It incorporates controlled high-efficiency propulsion with a flywheel integrated into the boiler, allowing for smooth operation. All axles in its four powered trucks and tender are driven using articulated shafts and beveled gears, while traction tires enhance its pulling capability. The model is equipped with a factory-installed smoke unit, directional headlights, and digitally controllable cab lighting using maintenance-free, warm white LEDs. With a length of 25.2 cm (9-7/8 in) and a minimum operational radius of 360 mm (14-3/16 in), it includes realistic figures of a locomotive engineer and a fireman in the cab.

Prototype description:
The prototype of the Märklin Shay model is the US Shay design Class D gear drive steam locomotive, originally developed by Ephraim Shay in the early 1870s to navigate the challenging terrain of logging and mining operations in the United States. Known for its distinctive offset boiler and robust construction, the Shay locomotive was designed to pull heavy loads over steep grades and sharp curves, primarily on logging railroads. By 1945, a total of 2,770 Shay locomotives had been built, with the Western Maryland Railway using the four-truck Shay Number 5, which weighed 136 tons and operated in the Appalachian region. The Shay's unique gear-driven mechanism limited its top speed to approximately 25 km/h (15 mph), but its powerful performance and imposing appearance established its legacy as one of the most iconic steam locomotives in history.