04-07-2024, 09:43 PM
I built a two truck MDC shay a few years ago. It was orginally an ho model and I found the parts online to convert it to HOn3. The only difference between the HO and HOn3 shays are some of the truck parts.
I regeared the drivetrain using NWSL kits, swaped in a can motor and changed the pick-ups on the trucks. I also modified the frame to accept kadee HOn3 couplers.
The real secret to building one of these and getting it to run right (besides tons of patience) is to bench test it after adding each new part to the drivetrain for at least 15 minues to check for binds in the drive.
I didn't convert it to DCC as it's used on a 5 foot switching layout and it was just easier to leave it DC. I think you might be able to squeeze a small decoder into the engine but a speaker would be a stretch. I should point out that even with regearing, the engine is still fairly noisy due to the large gear reduction in the drvetrain.
Hope this helps
I regeared the drivetrain using NWSL kits, swaped in a can motor and changed the pick-ups on the trucks. I also modified the frame to accept kadee HOn3 couplers.
The real secret to building one of these and getting it to run right (besides tons of patience) is to bench test it after adding each new part to the drivetrain for at least 15 minues to check for binds in the drive.
I didn't convert it to DCC as it's used on a 5 foot switching layout and it was just easier to leave it DC. I think you might be able to squeeze a small decoder into the engine but a speaker would be a stretch. I should point out that even with regearing, the engine is still fairly noisy due to the large gear reduction in the drvetrain.
Hope this helps