Sorry to disagree with Mr Bachmann, but whist I am sure the company are working hard to redesign the gears in a cost-effective way, so that this beautiful little loco can be returned to the Product Line, the replacement gear sets that I have obtained from the Spares and Repairs Department are clearly different to those fitted originally. The shank on the line shaft bevel gears, which the ones that usually split, are much deeper, with more "meat" on them. I have never heard of a repaired Shay, fitted with the redesigned and stronger bevel gears, ever breaking again, in that area at least.

Good morning from the UK. I was disappointed to find that one of my three baby Shays had developed splits in all four of the driveshaft cogs that mesh with the wheels. I contacted the spares department of Bachmann's UK office and found them to be very helpful. However, they were unable to supply just the driveshafts with the cogs on each end, only complete truck assemblies which I have ordered at £15.00 each. I understood from other enthusiasts that these split gears on the Shay were a recognised problem and that an improved overhaul kit was available, but the spares people knew nothing of it. Am I mistaken in thinking that this is a common problem? Thanks in advance for your help.