:'( :'( :'(
The top of the trucks crumbled apart! I don't see any replacement parts to correct this issue, and since I bought this 25 years ago from a defunct hobby shop, do I have any options on fixing this unit?
Yep, you can still get the upgraded replacement trucks for these Two-Truck Shays, though they are pricey to say the least, but worth it if you want to run your Shay!
Unfortunately not unusual, sorry!
Out of curiousity, was the cause ever narrowed down. Was it the type of plastic or maybe a lubricant that attacked the plastic?
I feel your pain. A little over a year ago I bought a "New" Shay and it ran about 40 feet and the rear truck fell apart. You can get the die cast trucks here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144707130062?hash=item21b13792ce:g:h4wAAOSw0plioVNz&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoKRbF02r7hEdj8j4uHLm7C5hNvpFPAosu9r8ebbRu0iQedBjvii%2BnRA36Nct6OewRUDL2ub9EwmQdfEtJTJrsoCFScXDJFvhNP7WG%2F5A4r%2BVlhLueq8tR%2BoY9hAj3i%2BdW6oV1INO9byNB6PwoMiNkgh4lyt3rY5SwTKgB6WVUTBfJEZBMXYP%2FYRlPrILnfj5z89JQXgxHVOffB%2FKY0M3xSg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7DRt_W_YQ
I think he has the lowest prices.
Poor quality run of plastic, it happens from time to time... pretty consistently bad on the first run.
I have one that you're welcome to. The replacement trucks are the right solution tho...