Need Help Servicing a 3rd Rail FL9

Mine had a battery inside, but i got it second hand. I dont think you remove all the screws. The wires leading to the shell/smoke unit are pretty short so be cautious taking the shell off.

Might want to go to this link for removing the shell.   https://ogrforum.com/topic/81537088361460975

Jonathan is among our experts on this subject.  My understanding is that there are six screws that need to be removed. The image below comes from the 3rd Rail FL9 (3 rail version) manual. The diagram at lower right is not particularly clear, but may provides some clues. No doubt there are people who have actually done it that can provide their advice.

Excellent tips, thank you. Six screws and the pilot did the trick; two of the screws hide near the fuel tank...  The nine volt Duracell (dated 2012) had just begun to leak, but leakage was contained in the plastic wrap of the battery. A close call.

That is what I found on my three 3 rail FL9s when I took them apart last weekend.  Just starting to oxidize at the base.  I don't need to tell you about the six screws as you already found that out!  My biggest challenge was getting all the wires back into the shell so they didn't get crimped when I put mine back together.  Send me an email and I can send you a PDF of the Owner's manual.  I scanned mine a while back. 

Save yourself some trouble down the road replace that battery with a BCR capacitor.

@FIXIT posted:

Save yourself some trouble down the road replace that battery with a BCR capacitor.

The ERR command system in 3 rail 3rd Rail locomotives does not have a charging circuit.  A BCR is not compatible.  What is required is a capacitor with a charging circuit.

@FIXIT posted:

Save yourself some trouble down the road replace that battery with a BCR capacitor.

Not on a ERR/Railsounds equipped model locomotive!

You need the :

YLB [Your Last Battery-by Gunrunner] or

Dalee Electronics Lionel BRLT or

The BCR WITH the additional charging circuit.