I need to replace the bulb and reattach the wire on an “Eagle” passenger car. I can’t figure out how to remove the roof to get access to the bulb. Anybody know? Attached is a photo of the car for ID purposes.
Thanks,
Bill
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On my American Flyer "America" car there is a wire loop on the roof ends that releases the roof catch latch.
If it is missing you may have to pry it off.
Originally Posted by totrainyard:
On my American Flyer "America" car there is a wire loop on the roof ends that releases the roof catch latch.
If it is missing you may have to pry it off.
Thanks for the info but I don't see any wire loop on this car or on the observation car either. I've been trying to pry it off without success.
I can always tell visitors that it doesn't light up because it's a sleeping car!
Bill
Bill, here is what totrainyard is talking about. Not a very good picture, I apologize, I just grabbed it off the internet.
Under the roof, this is what it looks like: there is a piece of sheet metal that pivots on the eyelet rivet. One end is attached to the piece of heavy wire that extends out through the end of the car, with the loop on the end that totrainyard mentioned. When you push that wire rod into the car, the piece if sheet metal inside pivots and the other end of it juts out just beyond the side of the car, to catch the roof and hold it. Pull the wire rod out, and it pivots the other way, freeing the top, as shown in the picture.
sometimes the wire rod becomes detached, and that may have happened to yours. But the mechanism under the roof is still there. You'll need to get those little sheet metal tabs to pivot, one way or another. You might be able to reach up through the end door into the vestibule with a small screwdriver and pull the sheet metal tab that way?
(click on the photo to enlarge it).
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Not all Flyer wide gauge cars have the cam locking device that is shown above. I have the matching Eagle observation car and there is no locking device. The roof is held in place by tension. Squeeze the sides of the car in the middle and pull the roof up. If it hasn't been taken off in a while the fit can be quite tight. I just tried mine and it is very tight. The sides of the roof fit into a ridge at the top of the sides of the car. Be patient and gentle and it will come lose.
Greg
Originally Posted by Greg J. Turinetti:
Not all Flyer wide gauge cars have the cam locking device that is shown above. I have the matching Eagle observation car and there is no locking device. The roof is held in place by tension. Squeeze the sides of the car in the middle and pull the roof up. If it hasn't been taken off in a while the fit can be quite tight. I just tried mine and it is very tight. The sides of the roof fit into a ridge at the top of the sides of the car. Be patient and gentle and it will come lose.
Greg
Greg,
You were right as there is no evidence of any type of roof removal mechanism on my 2 "Eagle" cars. So with the help of two extra hands from my wife we were able to get the roof off by squeezing the sides. Thanks to all for their help.
Bill
