Talk me out of buying a Shay!

[MC]

I am starting a new layout and would like to add a Logging operation. I have been looking at buying a Shay for some time now but with all the negetive things I have read I am afraid to make the investment. I looked at one in the LHS a couple weeks ago and it seemed to run very jerkey. Is this normal or is this one of the many problems. Please help.

[Pacific Northern]

I have read many of the postings from owners who have had problems with their HO shays.

I have been lucky, I have a couple of Spectrum Shays and have had no problem (knock on wood) with the engines.

The engines are certainly slow runners and make a fair amount of noise, which is not to be unexpected when you realize how many gears these engines have. I make sure mine are well lubed at all times.

To be safe I will order a couple of NWSL replacement gearing to ensure that these engines will have a long running life.

As long as Bachmann keeps making these engines you have the benefit of repair/replacment of the engines should you have gear problems.

These engines are an engineering marvel in my opinion.

[Jim Banner]

In real life, Shays rarely ran over about 15 miles per hour.  If they did, it tended to shorted the life of the mechanism.  I suspect the same holds true for model Shays - anything over about 15 scale mph can shorten their life.

Jim

[James Thomas]

Could we get a hint about what scale you are talking about?
-JRT

[Jim Banner]

James,

The NWSL gears are made for the H0 3 truck Shay, so Pacific Northern at least is talking about H0.

MC could be talking H0, 0_n30 or large scale.

I was talking full size and model.

Jim

[Pacific Northern]

This thread is also on the Model Railroader forum and has gathered many replies of advice.

[MC]

Could we get a hint about what scale you are talking about?
-JRT

Sorry, I was talking about HO.

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

I've had only one problem with mine, (well besides applying too many coats of paint cause i cant seem to get happy witht he lettering scheme!) And I think the problem was kinda my fault but im not sure as the flat car i had it on once derailed and it fell about 2 inches into the front truck. The truck started to jam up, i eventually got it to free up. My only complaint is that when i called Service department to get a new truck they wanted me to send it to them and pay em $50. When i worked at my LHS I was able to get the part for $15 through them and have yet to replace it but i still have it and 1 of each of the other trucks sitting around incase i need them.

[MC]

Thanks guys for talking me out of buying a Shay.

It arrived today. Now all I need is a layout.

[rwiseha]

Just a note for info.   Northwesr Short Line  P.O. Box 1329 Hamilton, Mt 59840has a set of steel gears (6) and instructions for $24.95.
Rex