To further reinforce a statement, USAT has actually done "surveys" to ask about interest, instead of announcing something and implying that it will be produced.

While a company may say, well, if we announce, and dealers place orders, that is more reliable than a survey, I can see that is true, but in my mind, it sort of abuses we customers, giving what may be effectively false promises.

I would encourage all manufacturers to do the "better" style of marketing, sending out surveys that are easy to fill in, or perhaps also participating in surveys posted on the forums.

Nothing is perfect, but the customers sales do indeed support the company, if we quit buying, the companies cannot exist, so we do indeed deserve a modicum of respect.

It can be done better, for both "sides".

Greg

Uhh... is there any large scale manufacturer that has delivered as promised?

AML GP-60 - what 10 years?
Aristo (take your pick) - always 3 or more years late
USAT - they are the best, they don't pre-announce...

So, I would not hold your breath for them to change.

Normal procedure is to announce, then gauge interest, then decide to produce, and then a few years later it arrives.

Greg

Wow, 7 years later!

I think you need to get some decals and re-do what you can buy!

Greg

Most of the stuff on the market is not very good, or does not have the higher voltage that G scale needs.

I'd find a 5 amp laptop power supply (cheap) on Amazon, get a 19v one.

Then find a 5 or 10 amp controller. I'd recommend G Scale graphics, about $50.

No offense to Bachmann, I do not believe they make a 5 amp G scale "transformer" (throttle and power supply)

Greg

does not indicate the pinout directly.

The other side of the board helps:

Thanks Bill, added that to my spotting guide:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/shay

Greg

Don't you love spell check Bill!!!   

should have been "distinguishing" between versions, not "disgusting"....

Bill, have you ever found any quick spotting guides to distinguishing (between) the 2 or 3 (versions)?

Bill, have you ever found any quick spotting guides to disgusting the 2 or 3?

I've changed to standard gauge prototypes and 1:29, so my Shays are long gone (my wife loved them)

Greg

I have the explanation on my site:
https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/shay

Basically, all 3 versions were the same, the 3rd version came with metal trucks and was called 38 ton, vs the 36 ton.

Greg

are you talking back and forth side to side, like closer and further to a rail

or

waddling like a tipsy person tilting left and right as it goes down the track

or

basically turning left and right as it goes down a straight track?

Greg

If the motor is completely free running, it should not overheat even at 24v.... most likely a partially shorted winding on one segment

I replied to your question about the driveshaft on your other post on another forum.

Interesting, so that is a side effect of unsealed bearings?

I could see how pressurizing the gearbox could avoid this, but first report I have read of this... was the loco left outside for a long time? Basically all I can figure was heating and cooling allowed the cooling gearbox to draw moisture with attendant grit into the gearbox.

What are your theories?

Greg

I doubt they will change the design, but the design needs a facelift, and a way to accurately index/quarter steam loco drivers.

The power pickup needs some help, but a simple change in the assembly process would do.

You want grease? Being sealed, they should virtually never need greasing. If you want to grease them, drill a hole and put in a rubber plug.

Greg

Ahh... I checked my Aristo history page, yes, mentioned in 2010
the SW-1500 was in the 1996 catalog.

Well, I'm happy Kader/Bachmann is using the old Aristo molds to make more stuff. I agree, they need to make more, the RS-3 might be a good choice, but I'm thinking they are going more modern.

They are also probably learning their lesson about making big locos that don't fit on every layout. The Mikado would not be a bad loco to bring back either, although it's fidelity to prototype is poor.

greg