My Bachmann Shay makes a clicking noise (seems to be coming from the rear truck) and stutters a bit with each click. This is a problem when starting the engine, but less pronounced when it is moving. I'm not sure of the cause. I know it happened when I had put the locomotive back in the box when I did some work on the layout and I didn't want the locomotive to get injured. Anyone with ideas on how to address and remedy this problem, I'm all ears. Thanks and regards,
Might check for a small rock from ballast wedged in a gear tooth on one of the axles. Lay it upside down, and apply the lowest voltage that will slowly turn the wheels. Lay one end of a track section on one of the end axles, and use alligator clips to get power. Tap a nail into a board to keep the track in place at the other end. Apply some current, and watch each axle as it rotates, to see if one hesitates during rotation. Also note if the 'click' is in synchronization with the axle's rotation speed, or the worm drive shaft. If it is in time with the axles, then check in the axle gear teeth, but it could also be between the axle and the motor shaft. Observe the 'U' joints to see if any of them seem to 'hop' as they rotate. One of those shafts could have been damaged from handling. Just thoughts off the top of my flat head.
