MDC/ROUNDHOUSE locomotive rebuilds

[doctorwayne]

I use the same procedure as Lutz, and the boilers are easily removed whenever necessary. You do need to place the removed boiler in a manner so that the extended portion of the handrails doesn't get damaged while you're working on the rest of the locomotive. I find that an Athearn Blue Box, or even a small block of wood works well to keep them from getting distorted: simply set the boiler crosswise on the box or wood with the front end handrails hanging free.
As you can see, many of my locomotives have such handrails:















It does help to prevent accidental bending of the front handrail extensions and also eases re-assembly of boiler and mechanism if you use sturdy wire rather than soft brass. I prefer .015" or .020" music wire, but phosphor bronze or half-hard brass wire will also work well.

Wayne