Large Scale Central

Bachmann LS Shay

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Just wiping the last crumbs of the crow pie off my chin this morning, folks. There I was, jaw-flappin’ about how great the two-truck Bachmann Shay had been doin’ over the years, how reliable yadda-yadda…until this morning.

Since it’s around 0C here right now, and my gas has about run out, it decided to run a few sparkies rather than sit in the gloon and just think about it.

Put the two-truck Shay - a second run 8-screw version ahead of a the usual dozen log cars and let 'er rip.

Well, not quite. The front truck roated, but the rear truck, in spite of the driveline going round, did not, making hauling a bit of a chore.

Taking the loco off the track I quickly ascertained that not only were the wheel centres just rotating inside the metal tires, but the gear train had more in common with wheels than gears…AND the plastic around the retaining screw holes was disintegrating - almost as I watched.

Time, I thought smugly, to reach for that pair of brand-new trucks I had in my spares box, and a reminder of TOC’s instructions, too!

Just didn’t happen, folks. :frowning:

There was a bubble-wrapped shaped hole in my spares box where the truck HAD been, and the ni recalled that I’d ‘passed them on’ in my smugness, to a needy Shay onwer in the group with a disintegrating 1st series Sahy to revive.

Sooooooooooooooooooo, I’ve just been on the internetty, looking for new ones, and been gobsmacked!! Prices range from around $141 [Wholesale Trains] to over $225 [Internet Trains]. So where is a GOOD place that I can buy without having to mortgage a kidney?

Your advice, as ever, is not only keenly sought, but greatly appreciated.

tac, ig & Astoria/Megler Bridge Boys

#2

Can’t give advice Tac, just commiserations.

I hope it soon is sorted out and at a reasonable cost (mind you in the UK that seems unlikely).

#3

Actually, I though that $141 price from Wholesale was pretty reasonable seeing that most every place else is around $200. I was going to go that route until I fund a friend who would re-gear my axles. I believe that price is per pair and are the metal trucks.

BTW - You do know that the drive line free wheels on one truck, yes? The drive line spinning independent of the wheels is OK - but the wheels should be turning :frowning:

#4

Jon - my point was with one place charging $141 and another charging ~$80 more, the disparity in cost was amazing. I’m more than happy to pay the minimum plus shipping to here in yUK. As I noted, I HAD a pair of the darn things, IF I hadn’t been so kindly disposed to helping out a fellow train-nut over here, where the pair of new trucks are almost $350.

Besp

tac, ig & The Selwood Bridge Boys

#5

OK - I believe Wholesale Trains is the guy in Elmira, NY that used to be connected with MLS. I’ve never bought from him but have heard good reviews. Probably best to call first to be sure they are in-stock. If you’d rather not make the international call I can ring him up for you.

#6

TAC,
Have you tried Robbie at RLD Hobbies?

http://rldhobbies.com/

Just a satisfied customer
Rick

#7

Tac, also inquire with Al Kramer of Ebay fame. He has lots of contacts, and he sells things way below anybody else, he may have parts for you or know where he can get em for you and not charge you what the main stream dealers charge. I’ll post a link to his ebay site so you can privately email him through there. Oh forgot he goes by Anna Kramer on “Evil Bay” Regal
Here’s the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LGB-BACHMANN-PASSENGER-POWER-PICKUP-CONVERSION-TRUCKS-WIRES-AND-CONTACTS-/120827138950?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item1c21dbd386

Also check with the Favorite Spot http://www.ebay.com/sch/G-Scale-/19151/i.html?_nkw=bachmann&_armrs=1&_from=R9&_ipg=&_pcats=479%2C220&_sop=1&_dct=1&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCHon evil bay he is a big dealer of Bachmann items.

#8

I think Wholsesale is your best bet. Everywhere I look at wholesale is 99.9% of the times the cheapest. I found if they say next day its in stock. If it says available it means they dont have it but can order from the co. I would call just to be sure. Since Ridge road went out thats where most of my stuff comes from.

#9

Gentlemen, please note where Mr. tac lives! It may take a while to get there and cost a bit more than we pay in the states for mail service. I communicated off-line with tac to tell him my experience with the wonderful plastic Shay Trucks and what I did about them! It was easy, just replace them with metal trucks.

Paul

#10

TAC:

You might try some of the Large Scale Central advertisers for better prices. The first that come to mind are:

RLD Hobbies

–or–

Silver State Trains

Both of these suppliers have excellent reputations and will respond to your email inquiry.

I find it outrageous that the trucks which sold for $100 to $125 / set a little over a year ago are now mostly double that original price. In fact, some places are asking $300 to $400 for them!!

Hope this helps & Happy RRing,

Jerry

#11

Al Kramer currently has three truck Shays for $319.95. How can someone sell a pair of trucks for the top price Terry has posted and not be pointing a loaded gun at you? A friend needed a single truck for an Aristo dash-9 diesel. Local distributor quoted $300 with up to 12 months wait time. That is $300 for a SINGLE truck, not a pair. He finished up paying $240 for the truck. One can buy a dash-9 new for around $300-$350 complete (around $599 locally).

Reminds me of the old Detroit days. It was always said that American cars were cheap because Detroit made the money on selling spare parts. Same goes for our trains!