NWSL Shay kit

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Has anyone had experience with the NWSL replacement gear kit for the Spectrum 3 truck Shay

Is it worth the money?

How difficult is it to install?

Thanks and Happy Holidays

2

Check with Geared Steam.

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2012/06/repairing-bachmann-shay-line-shaft.html

Rich

3

I’ve also used the NWSL Shay gears on my Spectrum Shay. Half of the plastic Bachmann gears were cracked, so the quality steel parts from NWSL were definitely worth it! They are very tiny, and they have to be pressed on straight, so on a difficulty scale of 1 to 5, I’d give them a 4. Working on the Shay is not like working on an Athearn, and you really have to take your time.

4

Yeah, but Darth; isn’t that how we learn? Also, we get to experience much about this hobby that otherwise would go unnoticed.

RIch

5

That’s very true, we can’t really learn things until we actually try.[:D] I was mostly just giving a warning that the regear kit is somewhat difficult, so it’s best not to rush it. My Shay is running smoothly with 6 axles instead of 2 or 3, so I’m happy with the results!

6

I had no problem with the warning. I found out it was good advice. Some get too excited about doing the job and bend the shaft.

Years ago I did some NWSL motor, flywheel and gear mods and got the same from someone. He also told me to slightly chamfer the shaft end so there was negligible interference when the shaft was pushed in. This is a light press fit usually but it does not take much misalignment to bend a shaft.

Rich