Bachmann geared Locos - advice for a novice please

[Fitz Orchard]

As I have begun to learn my way back into G gauge after many years away I have become fascinated by the geared Shay and Climax locos and would love to get (at least) one. Their history is amazing and I just think that the mechanical actions must make them even more fascinating to watch running.
I am a complete novice having only ever purchased new LGB locos in the distant past. As I have read more about these locos it seems likely that pre-owned Bachmann will be have to be my target - I am never going to shell out over £4k for an LGB one which I would be frightened to ever run!
I have also come across a number of threads and discussions about issues with the Bachmann Shays - problems with Muzak castings on motor blocks, broken truck frames and transmission/broken gear issues. It seems that these problems are most likely to occur in 'early' models and that later versions have improved - or is it just that early ones are older and have been used more?
Several of you are obviously great fans of these locos so I am not put off but if I am to embark on searching for one how can I limit the risk of getting a problem one - is there an age maximum to be guided by and how to diagnose from inspection if the problems exist?
Obviously only buying after a detailed inspection and test running would be ideal so perhaps I should avoid e-bay - or even sites like Footplate (who have several examples available)?
Any sage guidance from enthusiastic experts would be very gratefully received.
Thanks all
Fitz (David)

 

[PhilP]

I would be less concerned buying from Footplate, although 'stuff' that has only gone through the 'warehouse' (rather than been in the shop) might be slightly more questionable?

I have had many items from them, and only one has gone back, with the minimum of fuss.

Almost anything can be fixed. But it can be expensive, as Bachmann Europe, do not keep parts. - This means spares have to come from the USA, for these models.

PhilP.

 

[dunnyrail]

I did buy and sold a Bachmann Shay oh and a Climax as well from USA many moons ago, I seam to remember that I bought a few differing kinds of Lubricant for the differing parts. All gone off and gone now.

 

[FatherMcD]

I did buy and sold a Bachmann Shay oh and a Climax as well from USA many moons ago, I seam to remember that I bought a few differing kinds of Lubricant for the differing parts. All gone off and gone now.

I bought a Climax years ago that I haven't even run yet! It was on a closeout sale from a major retailer here in the US and thus at a great price. For a couple of years now it has been a shelf queen. One thing I noted is that the manual makes a point of lubricating multiple places before running it for the first time. And there are a lot of places to lube!! I think that has put me off. Anyone have a spare tuit?