I bought a new/non running Spectrum 4-4-0 as another repair challenge.
It is the dcc model in the red box, item #80106.
It looks brand new in the box but someone has been into it.
First problem was easy to find inside the tender. the decoder had been removed and a jumper plug installed. The locomotive still did not run after plugging in a known good decoder. I also eliminated the possibility of a wiring problem in the tender by running this tender behind a known good loco.
The problem has to be in the locomotive either wiring or motor.
After looking at the parts breakdown I am attempting to remove the boiler and cab assemblies to get to the frame /motor.
I have removed the 2 small phillips screws under the cab and it seems to be loose but the boiler is still tight to the frame. I have also removed a screw under the leading truck between the cylinders.
What am I missing? It is not really clear from the parts breakdown what holds the boiler to the frame.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Okay, I just took a look at mine (Spectrum Item No 83406 4-4-0 Modern American Richmond DCC equipped Southern Green) you also need to remove the front trucks. The screw that holds the front trucks in place goes into the boiler as well. (I ran across this same issue with my 2-8-0 today as well)
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the reply Warflight but I had removed the screw under the front truck before I made my original post.
I have the cab off and removed 2 screws that come down from the top inside the cab into the running boards. The boiler still won't budge.
In the parts section of this site they show a complete chassis so I have been trying to study that for a clue as to what is still holding it together.
Dang... I am at a loss then.
I think you'll find in some cases.....it's paint holding everything so tightly. Damn stuff creeps in under the edges and works like a glue. Does the shell wiggle at all?
Also...there should be a screw straight up through the steam chest into the boiler. Not the front truck mounting screw..........but same area. Did you get it?
Sid
Thanks again for the replies.
As it turns out, I did have all the correct screws removed. It was just a really tight fit and possibly some paint as suggested.
After some prying and prodding I finally have the boiler/cab assembly off.
I tried to run it again with the same results. I will now need to remove the lower plate and split the frame to check the belt and drivetrain.