Hello Bachmann

I'm one of those old guys who does not like change, but looking over your new parts catalog, I'd have to say that it is A-Okay!

Thanks for sticking with us on these discontinued product lines!!!

Wow Kevin ..... you certainly have taken that one to the next level!

VERY NICE!!!

If it works for you .... then it works and that's great!

I've occasionally had problems with the vertical lock pin not dropping all the way down, and releasing, or the bottom of it getting bumped up which also initiates a release situation. Other than those issues, I've found the Bachmann couplers to be pretty darn good!!!

Don't forget that even some of the ones with the "crumbling trucks" may yet be good for extended service. Don't know how much longer mine may last, but I have definitely already gotten my money's worth out of them!

Of course, this is nothing that you can tell from eBay photos and descriptions, nor even be relied upon from the seller's responses to questions you may ask, but it is worth knowing that at least some of the old ones can still run!!!

I have a couple of the first version, though one is still boxed as a backup. The one that I run regularly must have something like a hundred actual miles on it by now. I do have a set of the new version replacement trucks for it, and the motor block body does have some cracks and a broken-out corner where a screw split it, but so far they are still working for me, so I'll not replace them until I actually have to do so to keep running!

Love these engines, even with their early production flaws!!!

I liked it!!!

Don't know how many of you may have attended this years convention in the SF Bay Area, but the concentration of truly superb and spectacular layouts was mind boggling to say the least!

Perhaps my main takeaway however, was that there were more Bachmann Shay locomotives, in both the two and three truck versions, being run on more of the layouts, than perhaps all other types and brands of locomotives combined!!!

Steam only here, though that does include a little live steam as well, all narrow gauge 1/20.3 - 1/22.5 scale.

I am amazed and eternally grateful for all that Bachmann has produced over the years, while of course saddened that so little of these great items are produced nowadays, but at least I was able to get what I got back when!!!

Should probably add that I doubt the diesel bug will ever bite me in large scale, but I do understand the attraction for many if not most of those in the hobby.

Agreed, and I've not seen a better price in a long time!

Seller doesn't have a perfect feedback score though, so you may want to consider that factor before you purchase?!?!

Sure sounds like you are dealing with the older 36 ton Shay, and while Bachmann does currently have in stock and for sale one of the combo gears for inside the truck gear box, I'm certain it is intended for the 38 ton Shay, and thus will probably not work for the 36 ton model.

Best bet I think is to buy the replacement trucks if you can find them. I don't think that Bachmann sells the individual gears or truck parts, but only the whole replacement sets. Just curious, are you actually talking about the 38 ton Shay that did come with the upgraded trucks, or are you really referring to the 36 ton Shay that has the earlier failure prone trucks. If you really are talking about the 38 ton model, that is rather concerning that the upgraded trucks are now failing as well?!?!

Yep, I think you're right about that full baggage lack of lighting.

I don't know this for a fact, but suspect the difference might be between battery powered lighting and plastic handrails and track powered lighting and metal handrails?

Thanks Greg and Bill for this seminal information. Just exactly why I for one am soooooo glad this Forum is back up and running!

.... and Bill, I'd have to say that Ol' Loco Bill's wise saying is spot on in my personal experience!!!

I'll still dig them out of storage to be certain sure of the driveline properties by giving them each a quick test. I'll get back with you all with what I find .... eventually.

Thanks Greg, will be grateful for any info that might help along these lines.

In the end, I'll likely need to dig them both out of storage and test them to see what configuration they were actually built to. If the earlier version with dual bevel gears, then I'll need to get a replacement assembly for the rear truck drive line with slip joint instead of bevel gear.