I know this is a Lionel forum, but Lionel inherited a lot of K-line stuff and there's no separate K-line forum, so I'm trying this. I bought a scale K-line K-4, 3876 back when a third party was dumping them, around 2006. I've run it infrequently since then, usually at Christmas, because I didn't have a layout with big enough curves. Recently, I've completed most of the trackwork for my new layout and I've run this engine. The second time I put it out, smoke started billowing from underneath and oddly, the fast acting circuit breaker did not kick in. I'm trying to take the engine apart to assess the damage and to possibly replace the electronics with an electric rr unit. Here's the problem: I can unscrew the rear of the chassis under the cab, but it is unclear how to release the front. There are two holes in the bottom of the cylinders that, in other K-line engines, have screws to hold the front end down. There are no screws here, and I'm wondering if the manufacturer just riveted the front down since they were trying to unload their inventory. Before I try to drill out whatever is in the cylinder holes, I want to ask if anyone has experience in taking apart a K-4, and if I'm on the right track. Thanks for any insights or suggestions!
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