80 ton 3 truck shay, drive shafts – (Spectrum #81904 Ely-Thomas lumber wood cab)

[cgregory]

I see a lot of postings on the gears of the 80 ton shay and some on NWSL.  I replaced the side frames after my gears came loose, but I have 18" radius curves which mine clearly doesn't like and I have trouble with the shafts separating.  I tried to use it a show this weekend, but one of the u-joints came apart.  I emailed repair on Sunday, have not heard back.

Is this something they can repair, or am I better off just getting the NWSL gears and trying to tweak the shafts to stay together myself.  I bought it from an estate so, while it looks new, it is well out of warranty.  I don't want to pay $60 and still have the same problem.

Many thanks,
Clark Gregory
Columbia, SC