Peter: I would take the top off. I have found the service manual - quite detailed and a fair amount of detail about the tape mechanism. You will need to join as a silver or gold member to access it. Let me know if you plan to join as I will make it a priority to scan it! It will take an evening!
I'll have a look of the recorder later this evening. Just to check how it looks like. I have opened the cover when changed the lamps but prefered not to touch the tape part. :)
I have been waiting for a strong reason to join as a silver or gold member, and I guess this would be one. I'll check it out. So I guess I would be joining soon, so the manual would be needed. No hurry! Thanks!
Bang & Olufsen - The art of controlling sound, picture and light