MDC

MDC Shay (updated 2/29/2000)

In this era of exciting new steam loco releases and subsequent disappointments, the MDC Shay is also a mixed bag.

The detail is ok, the operation is generally smooth, although there is a noticeable roll of the chassis from forward to reverse. The noise or chatter of the gearbox is offensive; we lubed it with no improvement.

You can probably replace the gears with North West Shortline substitutes for about $20.00 and several hours of labor. The MDC 2 truck Shay is DCC ready with the standard 2x4 NMRA socket. N scale decoders with NMRA plug and short HO scale decoders with the NMRA plug will fit.

We welcome comments or suggestions from readers; please write or call.