The Shay Fixer's Chilnualna Creek Timber Company #1...
The Shay Fixer's Chilnualna Creek Timber Company #1...

The Shay Fixer
 
~
It is all done right here in beautiful Northeastern California...USA!!!

 

HomeThe Shay FixerTesttraxxThe Nickel PlaterWhat's NewFor SaleContactLinks

 

 

 ~ Welcome to "The Shay Fixer" for all your brass needs ~

 

 

I specialize in working on United/PFM geared engines...Shays, Heislers and Climaxes. I have in house, the largest inventory/selection of original PFM/United factory Shay parts in the world!!!

 

PFM/United Cowichan Shay...cab off, engineer's side upper view...final weathering...

Remotoring
Regearing
Tune-Ups
Decoder Installs
Lubrication

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some particulars to remember about your prized brass engine...

 

 ***

 

 ***

How about satisfied customers? Here is a sampling...

 

***

Carl from Jefferson, Pennsylvania...

Hi Phil,

The Shay locomotive arrived safely thanks to the excellent packing.  The locomotive runs so well that I was mesmerized running it back and forth at a scale speed of 1 - 2 miles per hour.  In fact, the SRT throttle speed check timed out because the locomotive was running at less than 1 MPH.   Phil, you may call yourself "THE SHAYFIXER" but you truly are "a SHAYWIZARD/SHAYMAGICIAN"!

Four other people attempted repairs on this locomotive, and now, at long last it is running!  THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Your friend in Pennsylvania

Carl

***

 Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Carl's N Scale Overland 3-truck Shay going through her paces before going home...   

 

~*** ~

 

 

 

*

 

*

*

Do enjoy Carl...

 

***

Denny from Albia, Iowa...

Phil,

Awesome repair job. I don't think anyone would ever pick-up on it.

I guess when you're good you're good!!!

Denny

 

***

 Phil from Califon, New Jersey...

 

Hi Phil,

 

I received my Shay today. I did not get a chance to run it as I am getting

home late but I look forward to it and I will let you know how it is. Thank

you for your excellent communication and hard work...

 

Phil

 

***

 

Anders from Slagtofta, Sweden...

The Shay looks terrific...

 

Ander's Shay is below...

 

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...cab off, fireman's side upper view...final weathering... 

***

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...cab off, fireman's side upper rear view...final weathering... 

***

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...cab off, engineer's side view...final weathering... 

***

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...cab off, fireman's side rear close-up view...final weathering... 

***

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...full cab, engineer's side view...final weathering... 

***

PFM/United HOn3 Cowichan Shay...engineer's side view...final weathering... 

 

 ***

 

Neil from St. Louis, Missouri...

 Phil, the Masons arrived yesterday afternoon! Somehow I waited until 8 pm to test them. Can't you just feel the struggle I went through, waiting for so MANY hours before trying them out? Had to wait for my wife to go to her tennis match!)... I am able to acquire their addresses and operate them. The momentum starts and stops are very impressive. The flywheels really help with pickup and getting through any sketchy spots. The work is very nice, Phil. I particularly appreciate the CV sheets for each loco. This is clearly an essential item of record-keeping that I will adopt for all my locos. So, please know that I am a happy customer, and I look forward to the other Masons...
Thanks again, take care and keep up the great work!

 

'The Shay Fixer' has remotored Neil's Mason with a new DZ-123 decoder, a surface mount golden white Led for a headlight 'round' out the work...'The Shay Fixer' has remotored Neil's 'Breckenridge' with a new DZ-123 decoder she is also sporting a surface mount golden white Led as a headlight...'The Shay Fixer' has remotored another one of Neil's Masons, adding a Congdon stack, a new DZ-123 decoder and a surface mount golden white Led for a headlight...

 

 ***

 

Gregg from Cedar Rapids, Iowa...

Hi, Phil...Received the repaired shay in the mail yesterday. Repair on the U-joint looks really nice! Can't see that it was ever broken. Nice job!

As you said it would be, it is still a little balky and jerky on my test track, requires a little coaxing at times with a finger tap, but it does run and the U-joint functions fine. At present, it is just going to be a display model at best, so not a problem. I did learn my lesson about old NWSL shays though, and won't be shucking out big bucks for EBay bargains on NWSL shays in the near future.

Thanks for your attention to detail and fine work! You'll be hearing from me if I have brass logging loco issues or projects in the future. Best wishes...

 

Here we have a little NWSL 18 Ton Shay with a broken universal joint...The broken universal...in pieces...at least we have the pieces???The universal tacked together for soldering...Ready to be attached...A picture of the newly repaired yoke assembly remounted on the driveline...The fully attached yoke assembly getting final adjustments before powering up for a test run...

 

 ***

 

Robert from Lake Havasu, Arizona...

Robert from Az. here. I Just wanted to thank you for the awesome job you did repairing and restoring the B class 3-truck collection Shay from United/PFM  that I acquired back in October.
You are the only one I would have trusted with it & I am very pleased & impressed with all you did for it especially the gear cover on the rear truck. The quality of your work is outstanding & your rates are more than fair as well as your turn around time. Hope all is well & I will definitely do business with you in the future.. Thanks again, you're friend on this end...Thanks...

 

Robert's new PFM/United 3-Truck Shay's broken driveline is ready to be fixed...A closer look at the driveline problem...invariably, other problems surface...and they did...that's part of working on 40-50+ year old brass engines...

 

  ***

 

Thomas from Port Townsend, Washington...

Greetings Philip !

Trust all is well. Sunny day here, though only 44 degrees, tops. Will take it. Wanted to let you know I received the Shay today, looks and runs great! Just as expected. I want to thank you for your work, professionalism, and communications. It was a fun experience. You may consider me a formal reference for your work, and I will truly get back to you with any future issues with my Shays! Hey, I may even call just to talk about Shays!

You do that Thomas...Phil

 

The little PSC 22 Ton Shay now has its new crank shaft and runs well...

 

 

 

 ***

 

Roy from Corpus Christi, Texas...

She arrived yesterday and I wiped off the tracks and ran my track cleaning boxcar over the entire layout twice before the test run. Once again I couldn't take my eyes off of the slow smoothly running Shay. It cleared every frog and I began to play switching games with the dozen loaded and half a dozen empty log buggies. By the time I was calling it an evening I was too tired to send off a receipt to you. The same thing nearly happened tonight. That engine will move so slowly you can see each individual car begin to move in a chain reaction as you start it off- that's impressive! After more than six hours of running, the wheels are still spotless (I also had cleaned all the rolling stock wheels per your suggestion). The design of those contacts on the insulated wheels is a solution I had thought impossible; your work is well worth your charges (and that is coming from someone who hates to spend money). I'm now an even happier customer...Thanks for your work...”

 

***

 

Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Roy's HO PFM/United B-2 Shay going through her paces before going home...   

 

~*** ~

 

 

 ***

 

Don Drew's personal PFM/United HOn3 Mich-Cal Shay getting a light weathering for its new owner...engineer's offset rear view...

 ***

Don Drew's personal PFM/United HOn3 Mich-Cal Shay getting a light weathering for its new owner...fireman's offset rear view...

 

 ***

 

Craig from Charlottesville, Virginia...

Dear Philip,

This 'high-stepping lady' arrived today and is everything you said she was.

Yes, I know I want a Shay...


Thanks

 

Such a fine little engine...Craig's new brass Precision Scale Co. Class "A" Shay 22 Ton HO scale HOn3 Shay engineer's forward frontal offset view...Craig's new brass Precision Scale Co. Class 'A'; Shay 22 Ton HO scale HOn3 Shay engineer's side view...Craig's new brass Precision Scale Co. Class 'A' Shay 22 Ton HO scale HOn3 Shay fireman's side view...Craig's new brass Precision Scale Co. Class 'A' Shay 22 Ton HO scale HOn3 Shay fireman's forward frontal offset view...

 

 ***

 

Michael from Koenigsberger, Germany...

Hi Phil...My Shay just arrived...what a piece of art. Thanks. Let's see what will be possible to get next. Regards...

 

The finest Mich-Cal ever made...Michael's new brass PFM/United Mich-Cal Lumber Co. HO scale HOn3 Shay engineer's forward frontal offset view...Michael's new brass PFM/United Mich-Cal Lumber Co. HO scale HOn3 Shay engineer's frontal offset side view...Michael's new brass PFM/United Mich-Cal Lumber Co. HO scale HOn3 Shay fireman's side view...Michael's new brass PFM/United Mich-Cal Lumber Co. HO scale HOn3 Shay fireman's rear offset view...

 

  ***

 

Mike from The Basin, Victoria, Australia...

Hi Phil,
...Success! No idea where its been but awful pleased its arrived. Thanks for your help. It’s a great little machine.
Cheers...

 

'Classic' is its name implication...Mike's new brass Joe Works/Flying Zoo 18 ton HO scale HOn3 Climax engineer's forward frontal offset view...Mike's new brass Joe Works/Flying Zoo 18 ton HO scale HOn3 Climax engineer's side view...Mike's new brass Joe Works/Flying Zoo 18 ton HO scale HOn3 Climax fireman's side view...Mike's new brass Joe Works/Flying Zoo 18 ton HO scale HOn3 Climax fireman's forward frontal offset view...

 

 ***

Jim from Birmingham, Alabama...

Hi Philip,

My Shay arrived today. She looks great AND works great AND runs like a timepiece...Thanks a lot!!!

 

The beginning of Jim's project...repair, replace and create...Right off the bat, motor mount and bearing support were needed...The new bearing is cut to fit and compared to a new uncut bearing for reference...The new motor bearing is in, it fits! Now to soldering...

The final solution is at hand...The worm is actually ahead of the bearing and the old wood motor mount has been removed...All is in...the motor and flywheel have been airbrushed black to make them less visible but the assembly is in and it works well...Cab side panels are resoldered in, Jim's old decoder and wiring has been reused and all that is left is to button up and run her...

 

 ***

 

 Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Jim's HOn3 Westside-KTM Shay going through her paces before going home...   

 

~*** ~

 

 

 ***

 

Matt from Edmond, Oklahoma...

Phil

I am very happy with the quality of the repair work on my Feather River Shay. When I tested it I was amazed at how well it ran, smooth, no noise, the best running engine I have. I guess that Nano oil does work. I don't know how you were able to build a new u-joint but it looks like new! I am very glad that I have gotten to know you and look forward to conversations in the future...

 ***

 

Bill from Eleva, Wisconsin...

Hi Phil,

I got the Shay today...it, she, really looks beautiful and she runs really smooth, just like clockwork...

 

Bill's HO Benson Shay is painted and ready to go back together...Another view of Bill's HO Benson Shay is painted and ready to go back together...Electrical contacts are polished, trucks are being put back together and mounted...Gear tower and motor mount going in...Motor and worm are getting their final fittings...Motor has been siliconed in and rear truck bolster installed...Rear truck installed...

Note...the rear component of the rear motor mount has been removed...result is a more streamlined and efficient use of space and materials...Trucks, motor, gearing and all have been installed and it is time to power up...She is ready to attach the superstructure...Bill wanted to decal and finish the clearcoat and weathering himself...Front truck is polished and ready to roll...Rear truck is polished and ready to roll also...Everything is aligned...Aligned and ready for final assembly...three screws and final testing...

 

 ***

 

Sim from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada...

Hello Phil,

Sim calling from Canada. I don't know if you remember me or not...( I do Sim!)...but you did that Iron Horse Models 42 Ton Shay for me a while back... It had electrical problems and you put in a Tsunami 750, lights, couplers and everything...even a Tune-up and all...anyway, got it back from you buddy a number of months ago. I just ran her for the first time today and she runs absolutely FLAWLESS!!!. Thank you so much...it is ABSOLUTELY GREAT! Bye bye...

 

 Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Sim's HO PSC/Iron Horse Models 42 Ton Shay going through her paces before going home...   

 

~*** ~

 

 

 ***

Josh from  Capitola, California...

The kids use the word "awesome" very loosely today, but this truly is! Worth every second of the (reasonable) wait for it. I no longer mourn my PFM 2-trucker of the 1960s. It is a fond memory, but this one is my new love. Thanks, Phil.

 

Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Josh's HO Spectrum Shay going through her paces before going home...

 

~*** ~

 




 ***

 

Anders from Slagtofta, Sweden...

 Hi Phil,

I´m speechless.......it´s magical how that little lady operates. A million thanks for your excellent performance and by the way I´m sending your 'You Tube' clip to a number of friends...

Talk to you soon,

 

Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Ander's Westside Models B-2 Shay going through her paces before going home...

 

~*** ~

 

 

 ***

Robert from Alliance, Ohio...

Phil,

I did receive the Climax on Friday. I have tested it and she runs fine, really silent and smooth.

Thank you for a very nice job.

Sincerely, Robert

 

Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax ready for remotoring, a Shayfixer 'Tune-up' and all wheels replated...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax's third truck water bunker ready for wheel replating and 'Tune-up...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax ready for wheel plating...original brass wheels and much oxidation...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax's third truck water bunker ready for wheel plating...original brass wheels also...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax and new motor set-up...not yet mounted...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax with wheels plated, trucks tuned and cleaned, ready to be put back together...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax with flywheels sized and mounted, stainless steel motor shaft cut and mounted ready to be installed...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax rear truck going back together...note the newly plated wheels by 'The Nickel Plater'...

Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax with trucks mounted...it is a process!...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax with motor, gearing and trucks mounted and undergoing testing on an HO/HOn3 Dual Gauge Style 1.2 Testtraxx by 'The Shay Fixer'...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax...the gearbox, worm and motor with its mount are precision tuned...so sweeet!...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax...everything is ready to final test...simply elegant!!!...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax is testing well...note the new plating job on her wheels by 'The Nickel Plater'...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax front truck...note the new plating by 'The Nickel Plater'...Robert's PFM/United 2-truck Climax second and third trucks...note the new plating by 'The Nickel Plater'...

 

 ***

 

William from Green, Ohio...

Hello,

   Hope you can help - Getting a nostalgia bug for a brass Shay I used to own...I believe it was a KTM import, in HOn30.  I think they just took an HOn3 model and regauged the wheels; actually it looked a little large scale for HOn30.  I had one in the box (marked HOn30) - not the finest model, but I have that bug to relive those early days...Probably dated from 1980's (?). Anyway, if you ever run onto one in a collection or whatever, I would be interested.

I like your approach - going over everything and making them right running, because I'm well aware of early problems.  I'd rather pay more that way than buy a pig in the poke in an auction...

Thanks, William...

  ***

 

Dave T. from Vienna, Virginia...

Phil my friend,

 Shay arrived today. Runs great. Only problem is every flaw in my track is now exposed. Have to really clean every scale foot.

 Nice job, I'm happy!

 Many thanks...

Dave

 

Dave's PFM Hillcrest Shay is ready to be remotored and have DCC installed...Dave's PFM Hillcrest Shay is remotored and now has DCC installed...Dave's PFM Hillcrest Shay has a sweet and simple yet cool, decoder install...Clean and Simple!!!Dave's PFM Hillcrest Shay is ready to be shipped back to home rail...

 

***

 

Rob from Loomis, California...

Phil,

I just wanted to let you know that I picked up the Shays from the Post Office yesterday. You did a wonderful job of packaging! The Shays look GREAT!!! I haven't had a chance to run them yet so I will have to take them over to my buddies house to operate them. I don't have anything set-up and wired to run them on yet...but I am working on that!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I got them safe, they look good. I also got all the packing and programming paperwork you sent so thanks a lot.

I will let you know how they run when I get them over to my buddies layout. I am sure that they will run fine given the YouTube video  you sent me.

Later...

The Shays run great and how you programmed them...so simple and sooo effective, a real joy and so much fun to operate. Thanks again...

Watch the 'You Tube' video below to see:

Rob's Double Header Finale going through her paces before going home...

~*** ~

 ***

Craig from Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada...

Good afternoon Phil,

The truck you returned to me arrived today in excellent condition and runs exceptionally well.

Many thanks...

 

Craig's HO 25 Ton Shay Rear Truck Repair...broken spline...Craig's HO 25 Ton Shay Rear Truck Repair with new spline ready to install...Craig's HO 25 Ton Shay Rear Truck Repair with all components cleaned and ready too go together...Craig's HO 25 Ton Shay Rear Truck Repair with all components back together and ready to be lubricated after final testing... 

 

 ***

Don from Arcanum, Ohio...

Hello Phil,  I just unpackaged my PFM rear truck which you repaired and I'm impressed.  It rolls very, very smooth and the U-joint looks better than new.  Thanks!

 

Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck with broken spline...Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck again, with broken spline...Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck with broken spline rear view...Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck with broken spline and its new replacement beside it...Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck with broken spline out and its new replacement in...Don's PFM HO B-3 Shay Rear Truck with broken spline repaired and other than clean-up and lubrication, ready to go!!! 

 

 ***

Grandad Eldon, The Motorman, from Hurst, Texas...

Hello Phil

Want to thank you for your referral of your customer Barry. He called me today.

Your website is an outstanding piece of work!!

Happy trains!! Thank you...

 ***

Leland from Anacortes, Washington...

Phil,

Shay arrived last night in the mail and tested it this morning. She runs really fine! Thank you so much!

Leland's HO PFM Hillcrest Shay ready to get a complete Tune-Up by 'The Shay Fixer'...Leland's HO PFM Hillcrest Shay ready to get a complete Tune-Up by 'The Shay Fixer'...first hhhmmmms...Leland's HO PFM Hillcrest Shay is completly disassembled for its complete Tune-Up by 'The Shay Fixer'...Leland's HO PFM Hillcrest Shay put together, getting tuned and lubricated in its complete Tune-Up by 'The Shay Fixer'...Leland's HO PFM Hillcrest Shay is ready to be 'Buttoned-Up' at the end of its complete Tune-Up by 'The Shay Fixer'...

***

Dave from Lithgow, NSW, Australia...

Phil,

        The truck arrived yesterday. The repair is excellent. Fitted it back on , and runs just fine, thanks...

Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay Repair...some of the pieces...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing broken gear cover, brake hanger and missing U-Joint...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing reattached gear cover, brake hanger and rebuilt U-Joint...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing broken U-Joint and some of its pieces...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing repaired and newly constructed U-Joint components, in the rough...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing new U-Joint components ready to be finished...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing repaired U-Joint component ready for final clean-up...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay showing reconstructed and reattached U-Joint to third truck...Dave's Samhongsa Cass #4 3-Truck Shay third truck is finished except for final cleanup work...

***

Jan from Gaithersburg, Maryland…

Phil,

Your suggestion worked for my problem with the WSM 4-truck Gigantic Shay. I used two small square pieces of brass across the end of the trucks and pulled the trucks tighter against the side rods. This stopped the slipping that I was seeing under load. Many thanks for your suggestions...

 

***

Jim Hutchinson from Sparks, Nevada…

Phil,

It really looks good! Can't wait to see and hear it. See you Tuesday at 12:15 or there about.

Thanks so very much...

 

Jim's new PSC WSLC Shay pulling the Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-1000 equipped Fire/Water car sound system front engineer's side view...Jim's new PSC WSLC Shay pulling the Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-1000 equipped Fire/Water car sound system high engineer's side view...

 

***

Paul from Endeavor, Pennsylvania...

Phil,

Looks great from here, you are definitely a craftsman! Other than that, please ship it, I have a brother that will be green with envy at Christmas.

Thanks,

Smitty

 I shipped it Smitty, hope you enjoy my friend!!!

Phil

Paul's new HO PFM/United Benson Lumber Co. #528 Shay ready for the retrofit to Grndpas timeframe...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, engineer's frontal side view...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, engineer's side view...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, fireman's frontal side view...

***

 

Paul from Endeavor, Pennsylvania...

Phil,

Excellent! You do very nice work!! Thanks also for the complementary items.

Notice the hat, #2 was the Salmon Creek Lumber Co. Shay that my great grandfather operated.

Talk to you soon.

Happy New Year,

Smitty

Paul's Grandfather, engineer on this sweet little Shay, turn of the last century!...Paul's Grandfather, engineer on this sweet little Shay, again, turn of the last century!!!...Paul's Grandfather, engineer on this sweet little Shay, and yes, turn of the last century!!!...Paul's new HO PFM/United Benson Lumber Co. #528 Shay ready for the retrofit to Grndpas timeframe...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, engineer's frontal side view...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, engineer's side view...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century Shay, fireman's frontal side view...Christmas Surprise Smitty!!!...Paul's HO Benson Log Co. 528 Shay, the model, retrofitted to match his Grandfather's turn of the century real life Shay...The Christmas model, on the family's hearth, in front of a picture of his Grandfather in his Shay...so cool!!!...

***

Dave from Lewisville, Texas...

Phil,

I have been meaning to tell you that it was nice to see your picture in the Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine.  Maybe you are going to get some of the credit you have earned.

 It was good to meet you up in Seattle and I am glad I brought you my std. gauge shay to repair with my new HON3 you are working on for me.

 Congratulations again,

 Dave

Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay #7 after a drop to the floor, getting the rear fuel bunker ready to be reattached to the superstructure...Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay after a drop to the floor... fuel bunker resolder to the superstructure and the water spout base ready to be repaired...Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay after a drop to the floor... fuel bunker is resoldered to the superstructure...Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay after a drop to the floor... the water spout base ready to be repaired...Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay after a drop to the floor... inside fuel bunker, water spout base is set and soldered...Dave's PFM HO Three Truck Shay after a drop to the floor... Fuel bunker is reattached and the water spout actually swivels, as in the factory model...kinda coool!!!

***

***

 

 ...and in parting...

 

Bob's KTM HOn3 Alishan Shay in black and white...kinda cool...

 

 ***

 

 

Back to the top