looking for 3 truck parts for MDC Shays

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Help needed

I am rebuilding a 3 truck Shay and need a few parts. Does anyone know where we can buy them that might have some excess inventory or they have been re-made by possible another company.

i am basically looking for two (2) universal Drive pieces (female) that i need for the lineshaft gearing.

If anyone has any parts laying around I would buy them to get this completed.

Thanks for the help

Chris

2

Chris,

I’m a Shay Fan & Modeler, & Shay parts like that are, at times hard to find. Some vary in size from one another too. I’m in the same boat as I have a couple brass trucks to fit to an existing model, I will be making mine from scratch.

You may want to contact the following people;
Precision Scale (May have parts that could work).
Google Shay Fixer, (he runs a business around geared steam engines & is well regarded).

Also, if you are handy, you could make them with K&S square brass & then construct the universal with tube & rod. If they (K&S) don’t have the exact ID you need you may want to contact them directly for noncataloged items, or look at a metric part from another vendor/supplier.
Your connecting shaft size is the most important thing to determine what you will need.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your Shay Project!

EDIT: PS: Welcome to the forums!!!

3

North West short line made many replacement parts back in the day. I would contact them or at least check their web site…

4

Chris

David Hoffman bought up most of the remaining stock of MDC Shay parts a few years ago, after MDC was bought out by Horizon. According to his catalog, he produces Shay semi-kits using MDC, NWSL, and his own custom parts. The semi-kit means the mechanism is assembled and tested. NWSL gears and U-joints are used. It might be worth your while contacting him for the parts you want, or other MDC Shay parts and services.

David does not have a computer, period. Contact info is:

8682 US Hwy 61 North

Woodville, MS 39669-3502

(601) 888-3016

I do have a complete HO 3 truck Shay kit that I will exchange for an HOn3 2 truck kit. Contact me by PM.

Hope this helps.

Fred W