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American Flyer 596 Water Tank

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  • Member since
    December 2009
  • From: Illinois
  • 63 posts
American Flyer 596 Water Tank
Posted by O-GaugeOscar on Friday, September 3, 2010 3:41 PM

Does anyone know where I can find instructions for replacing the light bulb inside the AF 596 water tank?  (Does the entire tank top come off or just the piece at the very center of the top?)  I would rather not subject my water tank to the bigger hammer/screwdriver theory!

Many thanks.

Mark
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • 28 posts
Posted by arnoldafl on Saturday, September 4, 2010 8:14 AM

Written instructions should be available in American Flyer service manuals that are available from various sources. Try portlines.com.

However to replace the bulb gently push or pull the top off the tank going around the tank and moving the top a little at a time. The light bulb socket is mounted inside the tank at the top. Don't try to take off the the red lens.

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • 4 posts
Posted by lionelrepairguy on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 6:35 AM

Oscar,

Did you ever get the top off the AF 596 water tank?  If so, can you tell me how it comes off?

I've got one that I'm working on, and I can't quite figure it out.  Any help you can offer will be appreciated.

thanks,

Charlie

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 9:04 PM

The top is just a friction fit and will come right off.  They were prone to rust on the inside particullary the earlier versions that were not painted on the inside, and it may makeit tough to get off, but it will come off

Jim

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • 4 posts
Posted by lionelrepairguy on Thursday, May 26, 2011 5:07 AM

Jim,

Thanks a bunch for your reply on this!  I really appreciate your help.

So the little knob on top is just for show?  It has nothing to do with holding the top on?

Charlie

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:25 PM

The top is a red lens that shines red.

Jim

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • 4 posts
Posted by lionelrepairguy on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 5:09 AM

Jim,

I got the top off!  Yeah the lens is just a bit of red plastic.  Had to replace all the wires as the insulation on the original wiring was stiff and cracking.

But got it done thanks to your help.

Charlie

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2 posts
Posted by Harry on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 2:38 PM

On my 596 the entire to comes off

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