Dapol B4 “Caen” Question

[ATME]

I have thought about adding some small lead strips inside the side tanks, but have noticed a small plastic “box” inside one tank. Has anyone ever removed it, is it possible to remove it? what purpose does it have? see pic below, thanks.

 

 

[No Decorum]

12 hours ago, ATME said:

I have thought about adding some small lead strips inside the side tanks, but have noticed a small plastic “box” inside one tank. Has anyone ever removed it, is it possible to remove it? what purpose does it have? see pic below, thanks.

 

 

That looks like the type of speaker Dapol fits to small locos.

[ATME]

I did wonder if it was a receptacle for a speaker (there are no wires poking out and appears empty). The loco was bought secondhand and appeared unused. However, a wheel fell off the axle first time out,  and needed a decoder fitting.

New set of wheels have arrived from DCC Supplies who have an impressive set of spares for Dapol locos, if a little expensive? A decoder that Hattons says fits these locos - on its way.

[ATME]

A further question - (having read other threads on the B4), is, when did the axle design change? The wheelset spares I received today do not fit due to the leading axle having and extra brass bearing in the centre of the axle. I presume this is the compensating axle which my version of Caen did not have. 

At £15 a pair, they will get returned assuming DCC can supply the correct set? If not, I guess I will have to try and cut out the brass bearing rather than try and mill out the chassis block to locate the central brass bearing. 

If as a last resort I have to glue the original wheel back on the old axle, can anyone recommend the best glue?

 

thanks