Large Scale Central

Wiring New metal Bachmann Shay trucks

Modeling Motive Power
#1

As i understand it, I have one of the 2nd run original Shays. It came with the 6 screw bottom plate but had the front/rear LED lights. I’m replacing the trucks with the newer metal one. Up to now, it has run straight DC. But while doing all this, I’m going RC so need to separate the track motor. The new metal ones come with the round connectors for the newer Shay but it appears that it would be pretty easy to modify the circuit board in the trucks meant for the older. There are 2 extra solder points and if you break the board trace which combines the track & motor connection. I know I have to run the extra set of wires no matter what. The other option is to use the 4 plunger setup meant for the newer Shays and some how attach the upper circular board to he chassis after soldering the 4 wires.

My question is has anyone done either of these and experiences.

#2

On this page, wiring tips to do what you want.

http://www.elmassian.com/trains/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/shay

Greg

#3

I glanced at Greg’s page and didn’t see mention of bypassing Bachmann’s contacts. I would recommend gutting the trucks of all the track pick up contacts and hard wiring the motors. Here’s how I did my 2nd generation trucks…

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/post3/CVSRy5-35.JPG)

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/post3/CVSRy5-37.JPG)

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/post3/CVSRy5-38.JPG)

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/post3/CVSRy5-39.JPG)

(http://lsc.cvsry.com/post3/CVSRy5-40.JPG)

#4

In the rewiring section on my page:

“Note that the track pickups are connected to the motors at the trucks. For battery power, you can use the existing wires and remove the ball bearing power pickups.”

Easy and reverseable… also suggested by TOC… no new wires or holes to drill.

Greg

#5

Reverseable, yes. Bulletproof; I don’t know. I have never been a fan of the way Bachmann passes power to their trucks. I like the reliability of a hard wire connection, but agree it’s not for everyone.

EDIT to add: In my case the trucks had been abused and all of the power pickup components were melted, so I had no choice. With new trucks just removing the track power pickup may be enough.

#6

It would appear that either I am totally missing something in y’all’s comments, or y’all are not familiar with the metal truck replacement part 88999. These are then new metal replacement trucks that will work with either the new 38 ton or older 36? ton. If you look at pages 9/10 and 13 it shows these boards. I know this is the newer Shay, but in the 88999 kit are both boards.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/LARGE_SCALE_38-TON_2-TRUCK_SHAY.pdf

The motor and track pickups are already separated so no need to mess with. In my case my RC is track power for now.

#7

Mickey, hey thanks. I have the new metal trucks, and replacing the crappy plastic trucks on my first generation, Ely Thomas, Shay is on the “to do” list.

#8

When get to my computer I’ll post some pics and I think it will be clearer.

#9

Mickey, as Jon said don’t use the power pickups they provide. Hard wire it. It eliminates a connection point and can be done to any of the trucks.

Terry

#10

Terry Burr said:

Mickey, as Jon said don’t use the power pickups they provide. Hard wire it. It eliminates a connection point and can be done to any of the trucks.

Terry

I did that to my Climax, and she runs a LOT better after that modification.

#11

In the old Shay, it’s the electrical contact between the top plate and the truck that I don’t trust. Looking at the link you posted it seems they have made this even worse in the new model by using a PC board with 4 contact points. The 45 Ton diesel had a similar arrangement that I cut out and wire around as well.

If you follow their instructions it will work fine. Question is, for how long?