Here is a picture of the replacement transistor installed on the main board of the BC-8500XLT radio. Notice that the flat side of the transistor faces the front panel.
To replace the transistor, follow these instructions:
Remove the 5 screws holding the top cover and carefully slide the top cover back.
Unplug the two pin speaker connector and now the top cover can be completely removed and set aside.
Remove the 5 screws holding the bottom cover, slip it off and set it aside.
There are 5 screws holding the front control panel onto the radio frame: 4 flat heads and one pan head. Remove those screws and carefully slip a small straight slot screwdriver underneath the release tabs on each side of the panel. Panel slides straight off, but you only need to move it just enough to get your soldering iron and solder sucker into the area around Q 46.
Now unsolder and replace Q 46. Be sure to resolder resistor R 256 next to the transistor also.
Now reassemble and enjoy your radio and lighted display!