how can I disassemble the 381E engine in order to get inside the cab area? I want to install a light.
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Not for the faint of heart. The cab is secured with tabs to the frame that must be straightened. Also, the piping on either side of the cab will fall out when the cab is removed from the frame. The trick is to reassemble everything without scratching it and not break any tabs. The Lionel version was made the same way. I really hate servicing them...
If they are metal tabs, prior to bending the tabs straight try; 1) heating each tab up with the end of a soldering iron/pencil (carefully not touch/melt anything else). 2) carefully bend the tab straight-up. 3) when reassembling reheat each tab and bend back in place. This is a good practice to prevent tabs from breaking off the frame. Hope this is of help to you.
Jon G posted:Not for the faint of heart. The cab is secured with tabs to the frame that must be straightened. Also, the piping on either side of the cab will fall out when the cab is removed from the frame. The trick is to reassemble everything without scratching it and not break any tabs. The Lionel version was made the same way. I really hate servicing them...
I agree wholeheartedly. I had to service my MTH 381E and when I had to reassemble the piping I couldn't help but scratch the finish on the engine's body even though I exercised a great deal of patience and took a great deal of time to do it. A real bummer. Luckily my tabs remained intact. Good luck if you have to do it.
