I bought this kit about 15 years ago while I was in the USAF and it's been in storage since then. If I remember correctly, there was a book/manual for detailing this model and getting it to run well. Can someone steer me towards this? I have heard some stories from other modelers about how this kit is a pain to build and run reliably. Why would this be? Any info is appreciated. ------------------ Enjoy our hobby! Mark
Hi Mark, Ah, the old MDC shay trick. First, DO NOT OPEN the box until you have the book: The MDC Shay Handbook Jeff Johnson OSO Publishing Co ISBN#0-9647521-1-5 Retail $17.95 Read the book 3 or 4 times before you start. There is an error on the Line shafts on page 17. One of them is wrong. Forgot which one . You will have to invest in the NWSL stuff. Don't even waste your time with the stock stuff. Get the Echo Mountain wipers, a must. They have a new phone # (503)452-8234. Think of replacing the open frame motor. I bought one last summer (came with a can motor) and am in the process of converting it to Sn3 with a V&T Shops conversion. Every thing doing with the drive is NWSL. I moved the motor back and installed a flywheel. I can put on the test track powered by a MRC Tech 4 and watch the motor turn at 5 RPM . Yes it can be done, but it takes a lot of time and TLC. I probably have 30 to 40 hours just in the drive train. Have fun. ------------------ Jim Harrawood Utah Rails
I bought and built the MDC 2 truck shay at least 15 years ago - probably longer- right after it was released. As I remember, it was very tough to build and get running properly but I managed to get it rail worthy. I ran very slow (as the prototype) but proved very reliable over the years. There were no NWSL goodies back then so it was built with the stock parts and some detail goodies. I was pleased with it but it met a misterious demise while my wife and I were away and the only one home was my teenage son (and friends I'm sure). To date have never found the front truck or cab. Aren't teenagers great?! ------------------
It sounds like you and I are in the same boat...I bought the same kit about 15 years ago, with some MDC detail parts and a new boiler to backdate the kit. To date, I have opened the box 3 times...oogled momentarily and then remembered all of the tales of terror involved in building the kit!! I see the book advertized occassionally, but now that MDC is offering these things already built...I think the kit may come up for sale at auction. I love building engine kits, and I don't want a project like this one to change my mind. Good luck and Happy Modeling!!
