General guidance, because the Crab is not a body I have had apart. Check the footplate first, is it metal? (This is typical for Bach tender loco models introduced since the WD.) The usual construction is screw assembled, with plastic mouldings for the cab, the boiler and smokebox (can be two separate pieces) and cast metal weights and sometimes a cast metal backhead, screw attached and/or clipped to the metal footplate. Look for small crosshead screws on the underside of the footplate, and clips coming through the footplate. If the backhead is a separate metal piece it is sometimes used as a clamp to retain the boiler or cab mouldings. Basically loosen screws and disengage clips, then wiggle gently to see what is coming free...

 

*** Like the WD, the Crab body is a very tight fit - actually a stressful first "separation" as it seems to need so much force sometimes. The body fixing is clearly shown in the Bachmann assembly diagram though.

regards

Richard

 

Thanks guys, I will have another go when I get a chance. I guess I'll have to be a bit braver next time

Dave

 

Success

I just had another go at taking the crab apart - and it should have been much easier.

What I think had happened was that the previous owner of the loco had spilt glue when fitting the front steps - that would explain the poor finish on one of the cylinders and why the cylinder was stuck to the running plate casting. The parts separated with a worrying crack when I forced an old kitchen knife between them. Thankfully though it was just unwanted adhesive cracking and nothing else.

It was a bit of a disappointing purchase really. Described as "Immaculate" on Ebay it certainly wasn't. However I got some of the cost refunded and now have a interesting project for detailing. It also runs really well despite being supplied in a quite filthy condition.

So now I have another problem which belongs in another more general thread.

Thanks again,
Dave