Bachmann Shay

[Anonymous]

I just recently acquired a Bachmann Shay "81198 SPECTRUM 36 TON-2 TRUCK SHAY (ELY THOMAS)". I noticed Bachmann just released a new version of the Shay recently and was wondering if this "newer" model is better..? I see Bachmann offers a diecast truck add-on for the older Shays. Should I sell the older for the new? Any advise is appreciated.

Shane

[Anonymous]

Shane:

The new Shays are not out yet, and I think it will be late fall. The Shay you have should require the upgraded trucks or rebuilding of the plastic trucks you have. So, it will be up to you what you best move will be. If you don't have much money in your unit, you may just want to upgrade. If you sell, well you be able to get your money back?

Hope that helps a little.

[bman36]

Hi Shane,
I own the 81197 version of the Shay and LOVE it. The late releases came with the trucks already upgraded. Bachmann's forum has several threads on this issue. To be able to tell if yours was done is a matter of checking. Go to www.bachmanntrains.com and click on their forum "Ask the Bachmann". Then do a search for the Shay. Try looking for upgrades and how to detect them. IMHO I would keep yours and add to the collection later with a new version. Nothing wrong with what you have. Enjoy! Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your responses! I look forward to getting this unit on the rails....

[Curmudgeon]

There were some serious plastics issues with the early units.
I met the guy one morning who developed the kit to keep the wheels on.
You will need that kit if not installed AT LEAST!
1) how many screws in the bottom cover? If 8, send it to Bachmann for new trucks. Period.
2) if 6 screws, look at the outside of the non-geared wheel. See the screw holding the wheel to the axle? See the washer? If it is black, not much bigger than the screw head, it needs kits. If it has a gold-colored washer as big as the collar on the bushing in the wheel, it has the kits.
I can tell you how to check the rest if you like.
I have been repairing these since the day they came out, have the first battery/ r-c Shay in the country, still running strong.
BTW, that same guy who developed the kits.....has developed fixes for other Bachmann products, and I hear h writes Bachmann reviews in GR.
TOC

[toenailridgesl]

Gentlemen, we are in the presence of a celebrity. TOC is the bloke who does all of the repair kits for B/mann, is the expert on all their products,and is an irascible old coot (that's what Curmudgeon means!) but has every answer any of us will ever need.
TOC is the resident expert over on mylargescale.com and writes new product reviews for the GR mag.
G'day Dave! Glad to see you slumming over here with us! :)

[Curmudgeon]

I've been signed up for a long time, before the change of servers.
Silly thing doesn't like my cookie rejection, have to change it to come here.
Been busy with conversions, submarines, and harassing folks.

TOC

[bman36]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Curmudgeon

I've been signed up for a long time, before the change of servers.
Silly thing doesn't like my cookie rejection, have to change it to come here.
Been busy with conversions, submarines, and harassing folks.

TOC

Hi Dave,
Welcome to the forum! Enjoyed your review on the Heisler. VERY thorough as usual. [:D] Looking forward to getting one soon. Now I need to double check my Shay for where it stands. Later eh...Brian. [8D]

[Anonymous]

Dave,

My Shay has 8 screws in each truck. Is this something that Bachmann was replacing voluntarily or is there a charge for truck replacement? If so do you know approx what the amount is? What were they typically replacing it with? I'm mechanically profecient so buying the aftermarket die-cast trucks should be no sweat. Just debating between the $95 die-cast trucks or sending it back to the mfg. for the change-out.

Thanks,

Shane

[Curmudgeon]

I keep trying....
LONG e-mail conversation with Kalmbach.....
I cannot log on. I have to request a new password every time, reset to my "normal", log on, next time same thing, even with cookies set to full acceptance.
So, unless I have 15 miuntes to kill, I can't answer.

8 screw covers.
All have 8 screws, but later ones 2 are hidden under cover, so 6 are visible.
Bad plastics on some early ones, it was never a recall, you contact Bachmann and arrange repair.
Your covers are really 8-screws?

Nobody knows about the new trucks.
I see them advertised, but they aren't even designed yet, and unless some large pre-orders for trucks styart showing up soon.....

IF they are designed as the DCC trucks are on the 45-tonner and Heisler, they will not be a drop-in.
I keep trying to get a set to do a test installation, but so far, nothing.
Contact Bachmann Service, explain 8-screw original trucks, see what they want to do.
Warranty is free for first year, these are 7 years old so you get to pay, but not much.
Have you pulled the bottom cover to look?

You can probably do the trucks without sending in the whole loco.
Cheaper shipping, less chance of damage.

E-mail me if you want removal info.
TOC

[Anonymous]

Dave,

I called Bachmann and they suggested I send only the trucks in for the upgrade. The CSR told me that $25 would cover cost of the upgrade as well as return shipping. She wasn't sure what the upgrade entailed. I appreciate your help! I'll be getting those off to Bachmann this week.[:D]

[Curmudgeon]

The 25 bucks is for the upgraded plastic trucks.
Here's what you do:

Remove the trucks.
Remove bottom cover, 2 long screws in ends, replace cover.
Remove one screw per side up in sideframe between wheels.
Truck falls off.
Set those screws aside. Sometimes these do not come back with the new trucks.
Remove coupler and mount, save (new ones sometimes get broken in transit, plus nice to have a spare set).
Remove sideshaft bearing blocks, remove sideshaft, re-install blocks.
Up to you as to whether or not you want to save these. Occasionally, in transit, they get hit and the u-joint explodes.
DO NOT REMOVE the pivot plate.
The contacts and screws do NOT come with new units, and you need to be able to orient LH and RH wires.

New trucks have washer kits, better plastic, sleeved pickups.

TOC