Good Afternoon Folks,
Hoping someone can help with what I thought was going to be an easy procedure. My HO Spectrum 3 Trk Shay, purchased around 1999-2000, was making a loud noise best described as "screetching." I was able to easily apply a light amount of plastic compatible oil on the wheel bearings, beveled gears, and external crankshaft but the noise continued and seems to be coming from the worm gear/motor inside the boiler. Can't seem to find a way to lubricate the motor bearings or worm gear mechanism. Does one have to remove the boiler or is there an easier way? And how would the boiler be removed, it looks like a rather difficult operation and not one I'm looking forward to? ::)
Wayne
I was finally able to answer my own question. The ashpan underneath the shay is not that difficult to remove and it then reveals a motor bearing and several gears. After lubing all these parts the locomotive ran much quieter.
The following link was a big help in removing the necessary parts:
http://www.all-model-railroading.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=61179