Any info about Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern Vanderbilt?

[mathi]

Hi!
I have an older 4-8-4 Northern Overland with Vandy tender and would like to get some more information about this loco. It seems to be from the third run with "white box" according to spookshow. The item number on the box is 53551 but I can't find any infos for this certain steamer, not even here on this hp.
The loco is a very well runner, not loud and pulls everthing I hook. In order to extend the power pickup to the tender and put a little weight in it (ok, not really necessary) I am looking for a way to open the tender. There is no screw or clip to find and the whole thing seems to be glued.
Where's the clue?

Regards
Mathi

[wm3798]

Did you try unscrewing the trucks?  If I recall, Bachmann uses long screws to secure the trucks that also hold the tender together.  Give that a try...

Lee

[mathi]

Thank you Lee!
I unscrewed both trucks but that didn't anything change except the trucks came off. The screws are holding nothing more than trucks and the drawbar.
I magnified all the edges of the tender body and chassis but there's no gap that could make it possible to separate it without damage.

Regards
Mathi

[wm3798]

Then I can only suggest a less subtle approach...


Lee

[mathi]

No Lee,
I'll rather do that to the neighbors cat which likes to sleep all nites on our chairs in the backyard and leaving some "passagueros" on the cushions. BTW: Is it really true they taste like chicken after 2 1/2 hours in the oven? ;D
I decided to leave the tender as it is. It doesn't really need any pickup extension and I don't want to disimprove this engine.

Regards
Mathi

[SkipGear]

I believe these are similar to the Rivarossi Vanderbilt and the shell is molded as a tube. The coal doors on the front of the tender are glued on to seal the shell. I have one apart at home, I will try and dig it up to see.

[SkipGear]

Confirmed. The shell is molded as a tube with covers both front and rear glued on. I have one in my box of tenders that is apart.