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Bachmann Shay No Pulling Power
Thread startertmiller
Start date
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I have a 3 truck Bachmann Shay. I just installed a DCC decoder so I could run it on my DCC layout. On level track, it runs slow and inconsistent. In reverse it runs better, but still will stall and just sit there and spin the wheels. It will not go up a 1% grade. In looking closer, I find the front and rear truck wheels just spinning like crazy. So power is being transferred from front to back. The middle truck, the wheels barely move, just occasionally. So there is my power wheels not turning. Being that this Shay is known for plastic gear issues, could this be the case, that maybe a gear is broken? Maybe a replacement middlw ruck is in order? Maybe I need to call the "Bach-Man"?
I just installed a DCC decoder so I could run it on my DCC layout. On level track, it runs slow and inconsistent. In reverse it runs better, but still will stall and just sit there and spin the wheels. It will not go up a 1% grade.
In looking closer, I find the front and rear truck wheels just spinning like crazy. So power is being transferred from front to back. The middle truck, the wheels barely move, just occasionally.
Spoke to Bachmann, and they say it is a good possibility that there is a gear issue with the middle tuck. So, I have one on order. Will let you know what I find out. Crossing my fingers.
Ted
I also have a three truck Bachmann shay. I operate DC only, but mine is exceptionally smooth running and I have no stalling problems. DCC locomotive are a lot more sensitive to either dirty track or wheels. I have a couple of DCC locomotives on my layout and they will have minor stalling problems where my DC locomotives have no problems at all.
There have been a lot of problems with the gears in the trucks of this locomotive. Northwest Short Line does have metal replacement gears that can be installed. Take a close look at the locomotive when it is running and make sure that all of the wheels are turning. I haven't had any gear problems yet, but it is a very common problem.
I am a bit disappointed in its pulling power on a grade. My old MDC two truck shay and easily out pull it.
Replaced the middle truck in the Shay. Now it runs. Pulls a boxcar around the layout, but not too well up a grade. Needs a little nudge around the curve. However, something strange is happening. In forward motion it is OK, but in reverse it has more pushing power. It will push the boxcar around, up and down the grade with no problem. Does that make any sense?
I'm not real familiar with this critter, but it sounds like some backlash in the worm-to-gear contact. When the locomotive is running forward the worm is being pulled into the teeth of the mating gear, whereas when in reverse, the contact is apparently correct. Not sure how you'd adjust this on this locomotive. On a "regular" worm/bull gear setup sometimes just moving the motor or putting a slip joint in the drive shaft train will take care of it. Not sure how you'd do that on the Shay.
Not really sure what is going on. So I have decided to just send it back to Bachmann and for $45 they will get it going. Will let you know how it works out.
The Shay I have is a friends of mines loco. It runs forward, but better in reverse. But not real good overall. Middle truck replaced. I am debating whether to send it back to Bachmann, or let him use it the way it is.
He also has a 3 truck Bachmann Climax that will not move hardly at all. Again, I replaced the middle truck, but didn't make much a of a difference. This one too I am debating whether to return. My friend doesn't have need for either of them, he just likes to buy them cause they are neat looking. We agree on that. I could keep it, but I dont have a mountain scene to run it like it should. They are both beautiful locos, when they are running properly.
If I understand Bachmann, their $45 bench fee would get them back to working order. Probably not a bad price. Now what to do.
