NWSL Gears for MDC 2 Truck Shay

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m trying to sneak in between storms here, so this has to be short. Bought an MDC Shay, didn’t move, returned it, new one arrived, same problem.

Removed 3 of 4 running gear gears, eliminated loop, it still won’t move, one of three axles is turning, the axle gears are split and need replaced.

NWSL sells a Partial Re-Gear kit to fix this, but I want to get everything done at once so:

  1. What and where is a Bull gear?

  2. Does the factory MDC Bull Gear need to be replaced with the NWSL Bull Gear?

  3. I don’t see a need for a puller, as the axle gears are broken and will come off easily. What about a tool to get the new gears on?

  4. What tools are needed to replace the Bull Gear?

Thanks for any help you can give.

2

Check walthers.com

In fact, try this link. http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=&scale=H&manu=NorthWest+Short+Line&item=&keywords=shay&instock=Y&split=30&Submit=Search

3

The bull gear is the large gear located inside the gear housing and once the halves of the housing are separated the gear is easily removed.
If you are using NWSL regear kit I would recommend replacing the bull also.
Make sure all your gears and jack shafts turn smoothly in the trucks aand along the side frames, if there is even a slight binding then it can be a problem. Use 600 grit sand paper to remove and burrs and smooth the teeth for free turning.
Hope this helps if not see if you can find the book MDC Shay by Jeff Johnston, its out of print but can be found on ebay and RR book sellers

4

I have a few of the MDC shays, and these can be great running loco’s if tweeked right. Regearing is a must for them and remotoring makes them top notch then. The split gear problem is common on them. I don’t know why they split, but going NWSL regear is your best bet. Good luck on the rework, its worth it though.

5

The MDC Shay was so troublesome that a book was written just for the MDC shay called (appropriately enough) The MDC Shay Handbook by Jeff Johnston. As it’s been said, It’s out of print and may take some time to find a copy for sale.
I think Jays Trains might have some.
Caboose Hobbies shows they still have it in stock.
Wayn’s Trains list it.
There is a section on improving the performance of the MDC Shay in the Model Railroader book, Steam Locomotives: Projects & Ideas.

6

It costs so much to regear and remotor an MDC Shay that you’re better off just purchasing a Bachmann Spectrum instead.

7

Thanks, guys, good information.

Cacole, I have a Spectrum, but the Silverton RR never had a three truck, just a two truck, this one:

The MDC isn’ t perfect, but it’s a lot closer than the Spectrum.

Bob, thanks for the Bull Gear info, I will order that too.

So…do I need a puller to get the old Bull Gear loose? Do I need a press to get the new axle gears and Bull Gear into place? Any other tools that I need from NWSL? I’d like to get this all ordered at once.

8

I’ve never had to use a puller, the bull gear will just come rightout when you split the case. On the axle gears I use a small vise, sit the axle upright in the vise but don’t clamp down tight and gently tap the axle down through the gear, reverse for putting new ones on.

9

Excellent, thanks. I’ll order those gears tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again for the info.