Interesting

This would be an interesting scratch build for any scale.

a Whitcomb???

That Shay kind of reminds me of a Whitcomb diesel.  Just a guess.

Den

Engine 98

A color picture of engine 98. http://www.trainweb.org/oldtimetrains/photos/logging/bc_diesel.htm

Bernd

Definitely a Shay

They're definitely similar, I'll admit.  However, the frame, drive line, and trucks at least are undoubtedly Shay.  When you zoom in, you can see the truss rod frame (how many diesels had that?) and space where the original steam engine would have been.  The trucks are also unquestionably Shay, and the headlights and sand boxes might have been salvaged as well.  Whatever it is, it's remarkably well done!  I'd almost think that it was a product of the Lima Locomotive Works, except for the lack of visible builders plates anywhere.

I'd love to know more about that 4-6-0.  For example, where was it, and how well did it really work?  The fact that it's so uncommon suggests to me that either it was not a total success, or it was so difficult a conversion that it was not generally worthwhile.  One thing I note is that the engine is above the truck, and it looks like the center of gravity might be a bit farther forward than would be ideal, at least with less than a full fuel tank.

Halftrack

At first glance I thought it was a old Army halftrack that had been converted to run on rails.

rod engine conversions

Capilano Timber Company, in addition to a Climax and Heisler, had an 0-4-0, No 4, working at their mill in North Vancouver.  When the mill engine retired it wound up with Woods and English at Englewood, BC, towards the northern end of Vancover Island.  Ultimately it became gas engine No 253 of their successor, Canadian Forest Products.

David

Industrial diesels

Ken,

I have seen a few side rod industrial diesels. It was a way to drive multiple axles with one motor.

I have not seen any thing like in your picture. I do think the concept of a converted  shay would be more interesting with a box cab body.

Regards, John ********************************************************************************************************

An ignorant person is one who doesn't know what you have just found out. <> Will Rogers

Look to Tasmania

Dear MRHers,

Can't lay hands on the pics right this moment, but there was at least 1x UK brand (Hudswell Clarke?) 0-6-0 which was converted to diesel by replacing the boiler with a bulldozer powerplant on 3' 6" down in Tasmania...

EDIT : I see your 4-6-0, and raise you a 0-6-0 with Cletrac Power

http://eheritage.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/resources/fullimagef4d3.html?ID=CHH_00594&ImageNum=1

Oh, and it's not quite as simple as "cut off the steam cylinders and crankshaft, and couple up the diesel output shaft.". Differences in RPM and torque can either make or break the conversion...
(see "Britton Bros Diesel #1")

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve
Prof Klyzlr

PS Maybe not diesel power, but definitely "oddball' none the less

http://eheritage.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/search/browsebcb9.html?PEOPLE=Fenton's+Sawmill

PPS more Tassie stuff
http://www.alexandratramway.org.au/locomotives_non_steam/days_ex_js_lee.htm

http://eheritage.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/resources/fullimagee203.html?ID=CHH_00584&ImageNum=1
(Britton Bros "Diesel #1", built from a pair of ex Class A Climax trucks, a Tassie Hydro powerplant, and a General Grant truck gearbox)

G scale

Saw that great pic of the 4-6-0 loco converted to internal combustion power (diesel?), and I immediately thought of this:

It is a G scale 4-6-0 chassis on blowout sale for $30 on the Bachmann Parts site. Almost a dead ringer for that "critter" except for the equal spacing of the drive wheels.

P.S: The second thing I thought of when I saw that 4-6-0/ diesel was "Wow, that would make the ultimate S'cool Bus conversion". Kind of a "Galloping Goose" meets Rat Fink thing:

Yes, I had one of these BadBoys back in the day...

I hadn't thought of G

Well, Stoker...

I'm guessing that the bus kit is (roughly) 1:24, which would make it fit fairly well on that Annie chassis...

I'll admit that I hadn't thought of using that Annie chassis, as I was thinking about smaller scales.  The location of the motor would make it a practical conversion, and it would certainly be a unique attraction on a garden railroad.  That chassis was on sale, too...

Big Hauler and Annie Chassis

If anyone is interested in bashing one in Fn3, Bachmann has Big Hauler chassis on sale for $30 and Annie chassis on sale for $50.

http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_69_148

That is one cool shay, nice

That is one cool shay, nice find.