2-6-6-2 sand dome removal

[Rick Lynch]

I have the Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2 and the motor is not working. I have put track power to the two pins of the plug and it won't go. Will that even work, or do I need to be able to put track power through the tender pick up wheels and then on to the motor? I need to remove the boiler shell to test the motor. I see on the exploded view that the sand domes have to come off to get to the two screws. I have been using my spudgers to try to get under the sand domes to pop them off, but to no avail. I know better than to grab the sand domes with a pair of pliers. Can Anybody tell me how you do it?

[jonathan]

Rick,

It's been a while.  As I recall, only one dome had to come off.  And I was able to pull it off using my fingernails on both sides at once. Surprisingly little pressure was required.  Don't use a tool.  The dome may be a bit sticky due to age.  Be patient.

As for lack of motor response.  I had the same issue.  There was a bad solder joint from the red motor wire to a small circuit board in front of the cab.  Simple fix.  Don't know if you have the same problem.

If you search 2-6-6-2 and my name (jonathan), using the search button on this forum, I believe I posted some photos and descriptions of the work I performed on this loco.  Good luck.

Regards,

Jonathan