I have a Bachmann Spectrum C40-8 that I got years and years and years ago. My Father got it for me for Christmas back when Spectrum was new. Anyway, the other day I tried to take it apart to investigate potentially DCCing it. The 2 screws inside the fuel tank had their phillips heads nearly stripped and would not budge. There is very little space to work with as well. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to remove these screws and get to the mech?
home depot sells a little box of screw removers that are cross threaded. the screws in the tank will be destroyed and require replacement but they'll be out. You could also see if you have some strong glue, and something for leverage. Glue the leverage to the screw, allow to set, and twist out.
You can use a cutoff wheel in a Dremel tool to cut a slot in the screw, then use a slotted screwdriver to remove the screws.
I have had luck two ways: Super glue the tip of a screwdriver and place it onto the screw. Press the the scredriver onto the screw and wiggle it to get it in the remaining head and put pressure onto the back of the screwdriver with the palm of your hand whilst holding the BODY with your other. Wait a few minutes until the glue sets and then begin to SLOWLY unscrew-keeping pressure with your palm downward, gently turning. Please note, sometimes it works better if you try and tighten the screw first and DO NOT put too much SG on the screwdriver head or ANY on the screw. Capillary action happens most when you do not want it to. Apply Walthers Goo to the tip of the screwdriver, and with a toothpick apply some to the center of the screw. WAIT. Contact cements work best with time. Then, position the screwdriver using the method above and give it a try. Laquer thinner will remove the Goo from the screwdriver. Another method I have used on automotive engines (thanks Phil Cohoon-RIP) is to take a very pointed object-in this case a brad nail-and place the loco upside down in a vise. Pad it however you choose and tighten it. Take the brad, position it slightly off-center, and using a small hammer start tapping it at a slight offset from center,counter clockwise and the screw will work loose. Finish removing with a screwdriver or needlenose pliers. Mark
Gah, I forgot about this thread till today. I didn't thing you could get screw removers for screws so small. I may try the superglue method. I can't use a cut off wheel, because the screws are surrounded by the fuel tank weight/frame.
Go to your local Auto Parts store and get a small tube of Valve Grinding compound. Put a dab on the tip of your screwdriver and remove the screws.
