Hornby/Rivarossi HR2158 FS Class 741 - Decoder Fitting, Help Required

[Mike at C&M]

This loco accepts a 21-pin decoder within the tender. However, nowhere in the instructions is there information on how to remove the tender body from the chassis. 

 

There are a large number of wires feeding into the tender body, both from the tender carrying bogies, and through wired from the locomotive, and with no obvious screws to undo to free the tender body, I am somewhat reluctant start 'attacking' the tender in the hope I may stumble upon how to get into it.

 

Is anyone able to guide me as to how to 'break into' the tender to install the decoder.

 

Thank you, in anticipation.

 

[bgman]

Sorry I don't know this particular loco but maybe a call to Hornby might be worth a try in the first instance ?

 

All the best with it.

[RAF96]

Hi It looks like that tender top box just lifts off to give access to the decoder socket

[Mike at C&M]

Thanks RAFHAAA96.

 

It certainly isn't a case of lifting off the wooden section on top of the tender, but a closer examination of the way the tender body sits on the chassis suggests it may be a case of gently prising the tender body free of locating lugs to raise the body clear of the chassis.

 

EDIT: See next post for the answer.

 

I know what I am going to be doing this afternoon.

[Mike at C&M]

Easy when you know how.

 

The wooden coal rails on the top of the tender simply lift off, they are a separate moulding.

 

The coal bunker, which stands proud of the rest of the tender body, is squeezed from the sides between the fingers, which helps release the lugs which hold it into place. Lift the coal bunker up vertically.

 

Underneath is the circuit board, with the 21-pin socket within easy reach.

 

Thank you to RAFHAAA96 for posting the above diagram.