Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => On30 => Topic started by: Richza on April 27, 2010, 06:26:43 PM

Title: On30 shay gears
Post by: Richza on April 27, 2010, 06:26:43 PM
I have two sound equipped shays with split gears, ditto with climax when will Bachmann provide these items as spares, and upgrade them so they these loco's don't have this problem. This seems to be a very common problem and is fequently mentioned on On30 forums.  I will not buy another geared engine until I see spares and upgrades are available.
Title: Re: On30 shat gears
Post by: Linzthom on April 27, 2010, 10:11:31 PM
your heading is very appropriate ;D ;D ;D :o
Title: Re: On30 shat gears
Post by: the Bach-man on April 28, 2010, 12:19:26 AM
Dear Rich,
Please contact service for replacements.
Thanks!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: mabloodhound on May 01, 2010, 08:20:32 AM
Here is part of what John Cooper wrote on the Railroad Line forum.

"No part numbers yet, but tell them that you need the new axle assembly for the On30 Shay and they will know what you are talking about. They also said that it will be on there website "shortly"
I would get at least one clip, the first couple I took off I broke, now I can remove them without braking.
The Axles with the new gears and u-joints are $12.00 each and the clips are $1.00 each. For two axles and clips you are looking at $26.00 + Shipping"


Looks like a phone call will get you up and running.
Title: Re: On30 shay gears - more disappointment from Bachmann
Post by: railtwister on May 01, 2010, 10:07:55 AM
So, to repair a loco and correct what is a factory defect, the customer must purchase additional parts from Bachmann to the tune of $26.00 plus shipping, and then dismantle and install these parts at his own risk? And, given Bachmann's less than sterling reputation for gear quality, what assurance is there that these gears are any better than the ones they will replace? At least with NWSL's HO replacements, you get metal gears for about the same price.

Bachmann used to have a reputation for excellent warranty coverage, even if their reputation for drive quality was somewhat lacking. At least back then, their products were inexpensive. Now they have raised their prices and eliminated their Lifetime Warranty program, so while their drives may run a little smoother up until they break, they still have a questionable reputation for reliability and durability.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. What a disappointment!

Bill
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: rayport on May 01, 2010, 04:34:43 PM
I had the same problem with the front gear on the rear truck on one of the original shays - that is after running it for about six months. Bachmann very happily replaced the engine; have not had a problem with the shay since.

Got a climax and very shortly encountered a split gear with it. Since  it is easy to get to I very cautiously applied a small amount of J-B Weld epoxy on the end of a small screw driver.
You have to be careful where it goes and not leave an excess. But two years later the engine is still running good as new with nary a hint of further problem.

I am sure this is not a solution for everyone but it can work very quickly and effectively.
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: Broken Shay on May 03, 2010, 12:39:44 PM
I did receive a replacement gear set for a new loco  that had split gears, Bachmann sent it to me at no charge.  I want to get my other shays running and they said they would charge me for them.  I ordered them because I want to see my shays run, not just sit and be yard junk.

I agree about a bad design and there charging for these parts seams a little cheap on there part.

What amazes me is that they have NEVER even agreed that there was a problem, they have not anounced that they had a replacement part.  Every time I called about this issue they seamed shocked that there was a issue.  (Stick head in sand)  Now a replacement part shows up.  IF there never was a problem then why is there a different replacement part?

I am happy there is a replacement part that seams to work,  but it really tells allot about the company by the way they have handled this.


Read this fast, I expect it will be deleted like other post on this subject.


John Cooper

Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: railtwister on May 04, 2010, 08:22:35 PM
Hi John C.,

This kind of reminds me of Chrysler Corp (look where they are today). I've owned three Chrysler mini-vans, an '84, an '89 and a '95, the first two had 4 cylinder engines and were great vehicles, the last one was a six cylinder version, all had automatic transmissions. I have known over 20 other people that also had six cylinder models of the Chrysler mini-van, and all but one suffered multiple transmission failures from the git-go. Chrysler's response was to deny a problem existed with that transmission for at least 14 years after it was originally introduced. When my transmission failed for the second time with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer, I traded it in for a Honda Odyssey. All minvans of the different brands (Ford, GM, Chrysler and yes, even Honda) have been known to have transmission problems. Chrysler's response was to deny there was a problem, while Honda responded by automatically extending the warranty on the transmission on every Odyssey to 100,000 miles (look where THEY are today). I will never buy another Chysler mini van, or any other Chrysler for that matter. My next car will likely be a Honda.

I have two Bachmann On30 shays, one has never had the shrink wrap removed (and likely never will). I also have an On30 Climax, an On30 Rail Truck, two HO three truck shays, and multiple examples of every other On30 loco type Bachmann has made up until the On30 4-6-0 and articulated. If Bachmann continues their head-in-the-sand attitude about their defective gears, I will have bought my last Bachmann loco. I really wish Honda also made On30 locomotives.

Regards,
Bill
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on May 06, 2010, 08:48:59 PM
I've been wondering why my shay has been running so rough lately.  After very, very close inspection, both gears on the front truck are cracked.

Unfortunately, that makes 3 of my 4 Bachmann On30 lokes that have had gear issues (Porter and Climax had issues - my 2-8-0 is wonderful.)  I was just about to start on my "real" On30 layout but now I am seriously reconsidering.  I would just hate to go back to HO...

Hopefully, soon, Bachmann or NWSL will have a fix for this.

Frustrating since the On30 shay has been sold for a very long time.
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: Bucksco on May 06, 2010, 09:10:29 PM
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13307.0.html
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on May 08, 2010, 12:48:21 PM
Thanks Jack, I have my request in for some.  Are these the newer gears referenced in another thread?  Or the same original ones?

Fortunately, getting at those gears is easier than it looks.  With a small issue - I don't know the name of the part I broke, but is the the small box shaped part that holds the gear shaft in place - there is one on each axle.  I broke off one of the little tabs.  Anyone know what kind of glue to use to hold it in place?  Hate to use ACC in case I need to get at the gears again.

Scott
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: Broken Shay on May 09, 2010, 01:24:35 AM
Pretty sure Bachmann calls them "clips"

they charge $1.00 each.  I broke my first one, but have removed the last 6-8 without problems.  Take a very small flat screwdriver and pry them off from the bottom. 

John C.

Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: mabloodhound on May 09, 2010, 11:51:08 AM
Other references I've just read say to definitely BUY the 4 clips required as they may have been glued in at the factory. 8)
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on May 13, 2010, 07:10:14 PM
Well, kudos to Bachmann, I have to report.  Very fast shipping - package was in my mailbox the day after they sent it, at no cost to me.  The gears are not the same as the original - much "thicker".  The shipment they sent me included the entire drive line, including the small part that I broke.  I have not installed it yet, but having disassembled the front truck in the past, I estimate it will be a less than 5 minute conversion for both trucks.

I'll post pictures of the shipment when I get a chance.

Thanks Bachmann.

Scott
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on May 14, 2010, 02:13:56 PM
Okay, a 10 minute fix.  Those clips are painted or glued, so they are difficult to get off.  I broke two and had two intact.  The Bachmann shipment came with only two - I would ask for four next time just in case.

Other than the clips, it is easily replaced.  A little lube and she runs fine again.

After closer inspection, three of my four gears had cracked.  Both front ones and the aft back one.

Photos:

Rear truck shaft, new one on top, old one below:
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb220/brochhau/CIMG4301.jpg)

Front truck, new one on top, old below:
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb220/brochhau/CIMG4300.jpg)

The replacement gears are significantly more robust.  Went together real easily after I got those clips off!

Scott
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on May 19, 2010, 11:46:38 PM
And now I just received a second shipment of replacement gears!   :D

Actually, it's brilliant marketing by Bachmann - I might as well buy another shay now! 

As a side note, this shipment had all four clips in it.  The first shipment had just two replacement clips.
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: koschrei on December 06, 2010, 10:49:08 AM
My Shay has just coughed a truck gear too.   :'(

Nice to know I can get an upgraded replacement set  :)

Not only that, in addition to the upgraded plastic gears shown below, replacement gears are available.  Not a solution for everyone but Northwest Short Line is shipping steel pinion gears for the Bachmann On30 Shay as of November 2010.  Not free and some assembly required, but a permanent fix to that part of the locomotive.  No connection to NWSL, just a longtime satisfied customer (actually of both Bachmann & NWSL).

Best,

Konrad
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on December 09, 2010, 04:32:01 PM
I noticed the new Large Scale Climax has all metal gears.  I wonder if the cost of replacing all the plastic ones in three different scales has finally prompted Bachmann to go to all metal ones - even if it costs $10 more to make.

I'm hoping future releases of geared locos in any scale will have all metal gears!

Best of luck in replacing yours - Bachmann customer service was very good to me.

Scott
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: wisemodserv on December 22, 2010, 04:42:01 PM
Hello Bachmann,

Very disappointed in response from The Service department. As you know Our Company Wiseman Model Services has made several conversion kits for the Bachmann Shays and has several more in the works. I explained this to the service department person and All they were worried about was if the Shays were 90 days old and if so not in warranty for replacements of the gears. I told them they were older versions and She asked how many I wanted at whatever price. I have 6 junk shays here, due to a manufacturer design flaw, that I guess I will relegate to the boneyard. 

If any help can be had with your influence it would be appreciated.


Keith Wiseman

 
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: DWU on October 19, 2011, 12:46:22 PM
To Keith Weismen,your right all they ask is when it was purchased,if we send the warrenty cards in like we SHOULD,they should know ,thats why god created computers!As for gears it aint just Shays,the Climax and especially the railtrucks have issues too.Im talking customers out of Bachman railtrucks and started building my own using good power sources I dont have to be afraid of.All I can tell you is take a number and get in line,this could take awhile!
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: ScottyB on October 26, 2011, 03:36:03 PM
Since this thread has been revived...

After installing the new Bachmann replacement gears in my shay in May 2010, I am happy to report I've had no problems in the year and a half since.  Runs like a charm.

Scott
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: DWU on November 07, 2011, 01:32:19 PM
Although their are some out their who dont agree with my thoughts on gear problems it seems as days go by their are more and more railroaders with the same ole problems,GEARS!!!!!!!!Some even thinking of changing scales because of it,Once again their are thousands of brand new geared locos for sale,how do we know good ones from bad,we open the box and run it,then its too late.To me its like buying a new air conditioner in the heat of summer,unpack it,stick it in the window and plug it in,BUT DONT TURN IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!Just sit back and make beleive your cooler!
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: darryl1936 on November 07, 2011, 02:53:00 PM
DWU   Sure would be an improvement if you came up with something new for a change.

We have known about the problems and Bachmann's response by offering replacement parts.

Get over it ...   TOF
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: DWU on November 22, 2011, 08:52:17 AM
I am over it,I havent purchased a thing from Bachman cause I fear it wont work,how bout you,buy a new railtruck or Shay? No gear problems now.
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: darryl1936 on November 22, 2011, 01:06:37 PM
Since I have most everything that Bachmann made in regards to logging, I have to wait till something new comes along that I just might like.  I have replaced the gearing or fixed the gear issues so that gives me about 14 running engines including the railcars. Upgraded some engines to sound.
Hey these are good looking and now are running around doing what they should.
TOF in Hawaii
Title: Re: On30 shay gears - Clip Problem
Post by: HHRR on February 08, 2012, 10:38:19 AM
I replaced the two drive shafts on my Shay yesterday, and replaced the four clips with the new ones that Bachman sent.  One clip on each truck would not seat all the way down, even with a fair amount of pressure applied. Because of this, the drive shaft can move excessively side to side in the bearing, causing the gears not to mesh.  So, I only have one set of wheels being driven on each truck. 
I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem?  I'm about ready to take off the two clips, shorten the two small plastic legs that go into the bearing, and glue the clips to the bearing, being careful not to get glue down onto the shaft.
Any insight would be appreciated.

Joe
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: 2foot6 on February 17, 2012, 03:38:44 AM
I recently bought  two Shays to complete my roster of locos.Unfortunately i had an issue with each loco regarding the gears.As I'm in the land down under I was not going to return the locos for repairs due to the cost .After a couple of emails to the parts team,replacements were sent to me.I think I should give credit when its due to the parts team ,as they were friendly ,helpful and prompt in sending the parts.THANKS FOR THE GOOD SERVICE :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: On30 shay gears
Post by: petervweimer on June 30, 2013, 05:28:12 PM
Hi Joe,
late but hopefully not too late. Have the same problems with fitting the little clips to hold the gears. Did you find a solution?
Thanks for any help.
Peter