Hello All
I have a bachmann 4-6-0 from a starter set and I want to remove the bell from it to use it on a different loco trouble is I can’t get it off. The bell and frame around it is made of metal. I have tried to gently pry it out hoping it was just press fitted in but maybe not. Does anyone know if these bells are screwed in from inside the boiler or if they are in fact press fitted. I don’t want to break it.
Thanks
Todd
As I recall, mine were a press fit. You might try a gentle twisting motion as you’re pulling on it.
Todd,
With the boiler/cab removed, I put a 3/16" rod (about six inches long on the base of the bell, strike with hammer, until bell is free.
Barry
Barry Olsen said:
Todd,With the boiler/cab removed, I put a 3/16" rod (about six inches long on the base of the bell, strike with hammer, until bell is free.
Barry
Don’t force it, just get a bigger hammer, right Barry?
And hit it in the right direction.
Barry
Yes, some of those bells are really wedged in tight. I tried to remove the bell from my Bachmann saddle tank Porter to make room for the tank fill hatch. In the process I managed to break the bell’s harp frame off the base. JB Weld and carefull sanding made the bell presentable in its new location.
(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/davemeashey/Hatch003.jpg)
Best wishes, David Meashey
Might try this… We remove them all of the time to locate them where we want them… Just take a solding gun and just slowly heat the center of bell frame after removing the bell… It will come out real easy with a pr. of needle nose … Just take you time in heating the metal.
If you don’t have a solding gun, a solding iron will work. Lay a small screwdriver on the center of the bell frame and heat up the screwdriver about an inch or so up the screwdriver. Heat will transmit down the screwdriver enough to be able to get the bell fame out slowly…
So try not get to close to the plastic boiler with the soldering iron.
Very easy to do.
The Bells are pressed in…
That is a good idea Noel I jsut might have to try that. I have been busy fixing the hand car and the Aristo truck springs that the bell problem has been on the back burner maybe tomorrow I can heat up the solder gun and give your idea a shot. I don’t want to break this nice metal bell like Dave did.
Thanks guys
Todd
Did it!
That bell was sure stuck in there but with Noels tip of using the solder gun to heat things up a bit worked very well.
Noel you should submit that tip to Garden Railways for their “tips and tricks” column.
Todd
Tk’s Todd… Glad it worked… I have summitted a lot of stuff on “how to” to Garden Railroad maz. but they not interested in them.
When you get over 70, you kind of learn the hard way to fix or build things and then pass them on. That part of the hobby… Kind of like Jerry H. and myself on our live shows sometimes…
So we also summit the stuff here…
If you want to summit it to them go head. ok by me. You might get you something from them to go for your R.R. . Noel
Noel, if you submit the idea to Tips and Tricks and Marc the editor likes it he will put it on file and one fine day you will receive a check for $25. I have several things on file over at GR and it usually takes awhile but they do get around to printing them like how my coal plant was in the “If I’d Only Known” feature this past issue.
I say submit you never know. It is great to share ideas and get paid and of course to see your name in print.
Todd
If’n dey spels it rite.