Bachmann 2-truck Shay- Truck Deterioration

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

I bought this engine used so I don't know it's age.  This is my second season with it and noticing a lot of play on the rear truck thought a mounting screw had come loose.  What I found was the truck was hanging by it's 2 power supply wires, the top cover having many stress cracks, and the mount portion completely broken off still screwed to the underside of the chassis.  The bottom truck "lid" screws to the threads of this top plate.  Only a couple of these molded, threaded areas were intact.  The others were broken and/or very brittle, as if dry rotted or deteriorating.  You'd think this top plate which basically supports the relatively heavy truck assembly would have been metal!  I will contact Bachmann to price replacement parts (if available) but may need to fabricate a new aluminum rig to harness and tighten the truck assembly.  I would warn owners of this engine to avoid lifting the engine without supporting the trucks as perhaps was formerly done.  I use only "plastic safe" lubes but not sure what was previously used which may have been a factor to the deterioration.

Stack 

[altterrain]

You are not the only one this has happened to. That's the reason why Bachmann came out with the diecast metal shay trucks. You can pick them up in many places for about $120.

http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=11788999!117

They include instructions on upgrading your old shay.

-Brian 

[Smoke Stack Lightnin']

So much for blaming the former owner!  Thanks for the link, may be the best route to go.

Stack

[sfcgadget]

I purchased one of the original shays new and had no problem with it for several years. It sat for about a year without running it and the next time I tried it, the Shay jerked for a couple of feet (thought it was due to dirt) and then just made grinding noises that I could hear above the sound system and it wouldn't move. I installed the metal replacement trucks and it runs better than new. The operation was a little tricky but had to be done to save a great engine.