Shay 38 Drive

[bigpinerrr]

I have to replace the drive gears on my Large Scale Shay 38 locomotive. Parts are in route from Bachmann. I removed one axel assembly, no problem,,,,except the spring loaded alignment ball bearings went flying. There are two bearings per axel. I found two  of the bearings. Does anyone know if these single (paired) bearing are necessary. Is there a trick to putting them back in?
Help please
Thanks

[Loco Bill Canelos]

HI,

Those spring loaded bearing are critical to the electrical operation of your shay.  The reason there are four is because two bring the power from the track to the electronic main board on your shay, the other two return regulated power back to the motors when you advance or reduce the power.

A diagram is available here:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/LARGE_SCALE_38-TON_2-TRUCK_SHAY.pdf

I do not know if replacements are available, so I suggest calling the service department.

Loco Bill

[bigpinerrr]

LocoBill,

Thank you so much. I suspected that the bearings were conductors of electricity. Bachmann is sending me some.

Cliff

[bigpinerrr]

LocoBill

Are there any tricks to installing the ball bearings so that they do not go flying?

Big Pine RR

[Joe Zullo]

LocoBill

Are there any tricks to installing the ball bearings so that they do not go flying?

Big Pine RR

Put the truck inside a large (gallon size) zip lock bag and work inside it. It will catch anything that wants to go airborne. 

[bigpinerrr]

Thanks
That will work