They did not come with sound
Mike

None of the shay motor blocks have brass gears The new ones which came in the 3 truck shay have metal frames and motor housing. No brass gears
Mike

Patrick you mentioned one engine the 45 ton diesel. That was sold out because Backmann dumped them cheap because they did not sell I bought one when they first came out for $200 several years latter I got 2 more for $60 each So being sold out does not mean it was a good seller.

the battery is tight put it in as the picture shows as it is polarity sensitive They are very tight but that is the size used
Mike

It is prone to gear failure that is probably why it is not running well as stated
Mike

Bill link not working
Mike

Thanks Bill enjoyed the history
Mike

Where are you located? I will be at the ECLSTS this month I have them for $1 each I will not ship
Mike

Sean the two wires that are not connected are usually the chuff wires for sound
Mike

Guys the 45 tonner did not sell well when released. A lot of people felt they were too large for most layouts as they are wide in 1:20.3 scale.They were dumped on the market at very cheap prices I bought my first one for $200 later I got two more for $60 each. I doubt that it would be rereleased. But I do not speak for Bachmann just what I saw happen when they were first released.
Mike

I have also used USA NW-2 motor blocks
Mike

Got to see it run at Longwood Gardens here in Pa. Looks good and ran smooth.
Mike

Bill I believe they are the Climax, Forney. K27, and I think the Lyn
Mike

Ray if you only have two wires and the tender light does not work those wires are for the cam for chuff sound The wires are from engine only and the tenders do not have pick ups so you do not have to hook them up
Mike

Bill first run had 8 screws second had 6 screws on the outside and 2 more inside when the 38 ton came out it had die cast trucks with 4 screw
Bachmann still puts the plastic 6 screw trucks on the older version or 36 ton shay and the die cast with 4 screws on the 38 ton and the 55 ton shay The replacment trucks sold seperatly are die cast 4 screw trucks
Mike