I don't do those messages, so I had replied and then I saw this and checked. Further down it says don't reply, but go to the link and respond there.
So, I just copied from the sent box and pasted it in.
TOC
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Uh, hang on.
ALL Bachmann 2-truck Shays have same motors, wheels, axles, gears, cross-shafts, sideframes (except for one or two hidden differences), end beams, brake beams, etc.
The splitting gears is an issue of plastics.
You need to carefully check the condition of the housing, top and bottom plate, etc.
Look for housing splits, and screw hole integrity for where the bottom cover attaches.
If yours are 8-screw bottom covers, just replace them, period.
Metal Trucks (check TrainWorld) are a quick fix.
Axles with bearings and gears installed are sometimes available from Service, but you need WASHER KITS.
If you don't have those, the insulating washers split, screws come loose.....
Washer kits also correct gauge issues.
E-mail me.
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
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