So I found a couple of these ready-to-run Shays on eBay, both with stripped nylon gears.
First of all, how hard are they to fix? I'm particularly interested in those who've done it.
Second, how do they run if properly tuned.
Third is there space for DCC sound?
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
I don’t have any experience with the RTR version MDC Shay but I have put four kits together and while they are a difficult kit to assemble they do run great. I installed Digitrax DCC decoders in two of them and both run fantastic.
https://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-11-2011-my-mdc-shays.html
No room for a speaker in the two truck Shay.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I got one and it runs like crap but I also built a kit that runs super so I figued I could get the other to run the same.
How hard are they to fix? I built one and one could say that it's a project that involves both assembling and fixing . First, I would suggest you get a copy of the instructions on the HOSeeker site. You will need to disassemble the drive train - the instructions will show how it works. If you can get the book written by Jeff Johnston, it would be very useful. Unfortunately, the price for this book on the used market has skyrocketted. There are a few important lessons from this book, including: 1) Each gear must be tested separately by hand before installation. Sanding carefully the rough spots is a must, especially the bull-gear; 2) the factory-supplied power pickups are very difficult to install - make your own using phosphore bronze sheets; 3) the powertrain under the loco powers the wheels, and the wheels power the side gears and piston valves. It is a closed-loop that is very difficult to adjust. The solution is to remove the teeth from one of the gears (front or back) using a file. Doing this will avoid you from trying to align all the gears in the loop. NWSL used to sell replacements for the gears and universals. I used these but I cannot really say to what extent they improve the operation of the loco. I assume they do.
How do they run if properly tuned? I've read that they can be adjusted to run smoothly. Mine still has the coffee-grind sound, but runs OK. It runs better with age - I'm guessing it has a long break-in time. The PFM Shays (I have 2) will run a lot quieter. But assembling the MDC is a nice challenge and a super learning experience. I do run it on my layout. I'm told that the real ones were noisy too...
Is there space for DCC sound? I did on mine. I installed a small NWSL motor, no flywheel, leaving space for a decoder. I installed the speaker on top and conceiled it with wood. I find it is a decent compromise as sound adds a lot to the fun - and covers a bit of the gear noise.
20211017_104745 on Flickr
Simon
Thanks Ed, Simon, and Rr,
Simon, nice job putting the peaker in the wood pile.
Chip,
I saw these on eBay.
-Kevin
Living the dream.