What's a BAchmann Spectrum 2 Truck Shay worth?

Garden Railroading
1

Hi!
I have an oppertunity to buy a slightly used Bachmann 2 Truck Shay # 81799 . Unlettered. I know that Bachmann doesn’t carry the presige that LGB or Aristo does. So what’s it worth? I see plenty of 3 Truck Shay’s on Ebay, not any 2 Trucks, are they simply not desired?
THX, Ted

2

You likely see more 3-trucks listed as that is the later run and is generally more available. The 2-truck was a fairly large production run (two separate runs, as I recall) and they might not be turning up because folks are holding on to them and using them regularly on their railroad.

It is worth what you are willing to pay for it.

When the 2-truck was in production or available from multiple outlets, I used to see “train show” prices of about $350.00 The ones I have seen at train shows lately have been priced a little higher than that in that they less common.

Bill

3

Do you think Bachmann will do another run? It’s one of my favorite locomotives but blows my budget…

You may want to take a look at this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170518476082&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

4

I have one of these, along with a Climax. The earliest production run, (mine) had problems with the motor blocks. (there is a motor in each bogie). These units had plastic inspection covers on the base. The plastic broke easily, the pick-up holders overheated and broke, dropping the little ball bearing that is supposed to rub on the back of each wheel, and the centre hubs of the wheels sometimes crumbled, or at least came loose, dropping the centre screw. I know because all of these happened to mine. Bachmann recognised the problem and produced a die-cast motor block/bogie, which you could buy as a replacement set for around $100. Consider this when buying, because you will want the die cast bogies if you are going to use it more than once. PS: I have run many real miles on my Shay since I changed the bogies and it is still going strong.

5

Yep, figure on replacing the trucks unless they have already been replaced with the “metal” ones.

The metal trucks were NEVER stock, there are 2 versions of plastic ones, so don’t be fooled.

Regards, Greg