Lionel 8506 - Tender interior access

[hielsie]

Trying to access interior of slope tender that comes with PRR 0-4-0 8506 loco (75). Has hex head screw in bottom center and plastic tabs inserts at either end. I want to avoid breaking something. Hielsie

[ADCX Rob]

For the 8506 & similar tenders, you need to flex the plastic floor of the tender outward/down in the center while freeing the long tab at the back from the tender shell(a slotted screwdriver is how I do it), then slide the shell off the front smaller tabs. Reverse to reassemble.

The hex screw & tab is to provide a solder point for center rail power to the tender backup light. The wire from the roller is now found in brittle/broken condition(being 45 years old) and should be replaced with a section of superflex.

The ground connection comes from the tether to the loco.

[hielsie]

Thank you. This gave me a clue as to how to access. However, I found instructions not quite correct for my tender. Bottom piece did not flex - very solid hard plastic. Tender body does flex easily without breaking. Pry out body at rear (long tab) and pull down using rear truck. Power does come from center roller contact on tender. There is a return ground wire from the tender to the loco (plugs together or could be soldered) - does not use drawbar as ground. The ground appears (by function) to be connected to e unit as the ground connection is only activated when engine is in reverse, thus having the tender light only working when in reverse as would be expected. Thanks again, couldn't have learned all this without first answer. Hielsie

[ADCX Rob]

hielsie

The ground appears (by function) to be connected to e unit as the ground connection is only activated when engine is in reverse, thus having the tender light only working when in reverse as would be expected...

If you open up the throttle, you will find that the backup light glows at higher settings in forward as well.

[hielsie]

Thanks I'll check it out.