shell removal & disassembly light 4-8-2 & light 2-8-2 (mountain, mikado)

[BayDraw]

Can anyone provide any tips regarding shell removal for the light mountain 4-8-2 (version from around 2012, I think) and for the light mikado 2-8-2 (current version)? I've looked at the parts diagrams, but would appreciate any suggestions beyond what they provide. Also, if you have any tips on further disassembly for cleaning and lubrication, I'd appreciate it. Thanks very much.

[jonathan]

USRA Light Mikado:

1. Swing the boiler stays away from the smokebox.

2. Remove two screws under the cab.

3. Remove one screw underneath/between the steam cylinders.  This will not loosen the steam chest.

Shell may be a bit sticky, but should lift off at this point.

I recall taking a rag or paper towel and wiping out the excess lubricant.  I don't think the locomotive needed any lubrication at all. It was greased plenty from the factory.

Don't own a light mountain.

Regards,

Jonathan

[BayDraw]

Thanks Jonathan for the information on light mikado 2-8-2 shell removal.

For others interested, the light mountain 4-8-2 shell removal process was essentially the same:

1.  Gently pull the boiler stays out of the front sides of the boiler/smoke box (tweezers recommended for this).

2.  Remove the drawbar screw under the cab.

3.  Remove the screw underneath the lead truck, between the steam cylinders.

4.  Gently wiggle and pull the shell up and forward.