Hi all,
I am trying to get the shell off an HO Spectrum 2-8-0 I just got so I can do some basic maintenance. I have looked at the exploded diagram that came with it and have removed the screw that goes through the rear drawbar, the screw holding on the leading wheel set, and the screw under this. The rear of the shell lifts up, but the front of the boiler won’t budge and I can’t find any other screws that look like they hold the shell on. What am I missing? Thanks.
until someone more knowledgable of this engine replies, you could see if there is a screw at the bottom of the smokestack. -rob
To remove the boiler/cab assembly, remove the drawbar screw and pull the upper ends of the front steps away from the smokebox.
Disconnect the power reverse from the valve gear, then remove the lead truck and its spring, and the screw thus revealed.
The rear of the cab/boiler assembly can then be lifted and pushed forward so that the smokebox can slide free of the interior weight.
I haven't disassembled one recently, but that's how I recall the procedure. Mine are a little more involved, since I've added an additional air reservoir on the pilots, and the piping for them needs to be removed, too, as they connect to the main reservoirs...
Wayne
Thanks for the info doctorwayne. I have tried everything you mentioned, however, the smoke box still won’t budge. I will keep trying, but suggestions anyone?
Union Pacific 428 I will keep trying, but suggestions anyone?
Maybe
Although pretty much the same procedure Wayne mentioned:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/70621/859489.aspx
Or this, with pictures:
https://tonystrains.com/download/bach280_dec_inst.pdf
Good Luck, Ed
Wow, Ed! That loco in your second link initially looked pretty-much the same as the Bachmann Consolidations that I have, but the drawbar set-up is completely different, as is that open-frame motor. It almost looks as if it's the N scale version, although the last photo showing how to lift and rotate the body shell is spot-on.
OOPS! Another duplicate post.
doctorwayne It almost looks as if it's the N scale version, although the last photo showing how to lift and rotate the body shell is spot-on.
Oh boy! You're right, Wayne. Looking at the tender wheels gives it away, too! N scale. Hopefully UP will be able to figure out where the hang up is and get his boiler off.
This TCS page is good but only shows the tender
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/bachmann-spectrum-baldwin-2-8-0/dp2x-uk
The Tony's link that I listed didn't mention scale and I didn't take the time to look close enough.
This is the exploded view of the DCC ready version:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H114X-IS001.PDF
Just as a refresher and so anyone else here can follow along.
Regards, Ed
Ed, your second link is pretty-much what I see with my DC versions.
I also think that I made a mistake in my dis-assembly instructions: there's no need to remove the lead truck if you wish only to remove the boiler/cab assembly, as the screw hidden by the lead truck fastens the weight to the running gear - it has nothing to do with shell removal, but may allow the boiler to lift the front end of the weight, which may hinder pushing the boiler forward.If that's the case, and the screw that runs up through the cylinder/smokebox saddle has been removed, then also remove the screw near the rear of the loco, located just ahead of the one which holds the drawbar in place.
That will allow the boiler/cab assembly, along with the weight, including the motor and gearbox, to be lifted from the chassis as a unit.Free of the running gear, the boiler shell, with the cab-end lifted, should slip right off of the weight.And to the O.P., my apologies for mistakenly directing removal of that screw at the front without mentioning the one at the rear. Neither the front screw nor the lead truck needs to be removed for removing only the boiler shell.There is only one screw, that for the drawbar, which holds the boiler shell in place. A lip at the bottom front of the smokebox is what holds the front of the shell in place. Look from the side of the smokebox, where you've pulled-out the mounting plugs for the front steps to the running boards, and you'll see the lip of which I speak, and also the front end of the weight - the boiler shell needs to move forward, perhaps 3/16" at most, to come free.
Hi!
I dont know if you got it off yet but I'll reply anyways.
Over the years, I've owned 10 of these models(sold 3, and 2 are incomplete), so I have a ton experience with these engines.
First, remove the front leading truck, and spring. Then remove the screw that's hidden underneath the front wheel. Next, remove the drawbar screw. Remove the 2 handrails that go from the smokebox to the pilot.
After that, tug on the cab, and the back of the shell should lift off. (the front should stay in place) This may take a little force, if it is the first time this engine is opened up.
Then slide the shell forward, clearing the weight from the back, and pull it up.
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So thanks everyone for your info and advice. Much appreciated. STILL can’t get the shell off. Went over all the steps again and still no luck! It still sticks on the front of the boiler...if I can’t get it to budge soon, I might see if the LHS has any luck with it. Thanks again.
Yea, the for the front, you have to slide the shell forward.
After you lift the back up completely, slide the shell forward from the chassis, then lift it up.
The drawbar screw at the rear is the only screw holding the boiler shell in place. The front end of the shell is held in place by the steps leading up to the running boards - pull the top of the steps away from the smokebox until the protruding nubs at the top inboard-side of the steps are clear of the smokebox.While it has little to do with holding the boiler shell in place, also disconnect the actuating lever of the power reverse (on the engineer's side of the boiler) from the valve gear - a nub on its back plugs into a hole in the top of the reversing link....
If it's not disconnected, you will have either difficulty lifting the rear of the cab/boiler assembly or will break the lever on the power reverse.
Once the rear end of cab/boiler is lifted clear of the boiler weight, simply push the cab/boiler assembly towards the front - it needs to move only 1/8" or 3/16" for you to be able to lift it completely free from the chassis.