How to Disassemble Proto 2000 2-8-4 Berkshire?

[Trainman440]

Does anyone know how to disassemble a Proto 2000 2-8-4 Berkshire?

I have a short in mine, everytime I put the engine on the track my DCC system shorts. 

Ive isolated the problem to the drivers. When placing the tender alone on the track(with the engine disconnected) it dosent short. The front and trailing trucks dont cause it either, so its something inside the engine. 

Either way, I want to know how to disassemble this model. Im up for a challenge!

Charles

[gmpullman]

Hi, Charles

It has been a few years since I've opened either of my P2K Berks. I don't recall any tricks to it, though, unlike their 2-10-2 which has a hidden screw under the steam dome.

Here are exploded views if that is any help.

IMG_0001_zps7e52ed54 by Edmund, on Flickr

IMG_0002_zpsb7bec1e8 by Edmund, on Flickr

Later this evening I can take a look at mine and see if I recall the procedure I used to open 'er up. I do recall that the screw hidden in the stack only removes the weight in the smokebox.

Good Luck, Ed

[Trainman440]

Nevermind I got it figured out. For anyone with the same issue, here's how:
1. Flip the engine upside down and remove the screw underneath the cab. 

2. Remove the boilderfront, and remove the single screw. 
3 remove the screw in the smoke stack. 
4. With the engine upsidedown, remove the firebox ashpan cover pieces. They are press fit. 
5. slowly pull off the shell from the rear of the engine, near the cab. 

Thanks anyway, Ed!
Charles

[Redvdub1]

great post.  I asked the same question several years ago...no one knew how to do it.  One respondent said he did it but it was pure *****...I think he snapped it apart.  Can you remove the whole boiler and expose the motor ????

 

[Trainman440]

Yes, you remove the entire shell, exposing the motor, and the 2 weights that hold everything together. These are held by crews. Literally everything can then be taken apart, and it separates to like 200 pieces. I dont plan to do that however. 

Charles