Atlas 8-40BW Body removal

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi

I have an Atlas “Silver Series” 8-40BW loco and I’m attempting to install a DCC decoder in it. I removed the roof radiator panel expecting to find an extender board directly beneath it as shown in the diagram supplied with the loco. Unfortunatley there wasn’t one. [:(]

I’ve just spent two hours desprately trying to remove the loco’s body to gain access to the DCC socket and can’t get the body to come off. [banghead] Atlas’s web site has no instructions posted for removing the body. I’m assumming it’s the usual “grip the body and gently squeeze to release the tabs easing it gently back and forth” method. It just wont come off. I’m thinking of going to the workshop for a two pound hammer, can anybody offer any advice with this problem or is the hammer a good idea.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2

First put the hammer down.

The shell is a press fit on its frame. remove both couplers, use a small screwdriver between the frame and the shell, wiggle it gently to budge the shell and it will come off easily. Start from the back of the engine.

Jack W.

3

Hi Jack,

Thanks for that info. I’ll try that when I get home from work this evening. I take it that the whole body, including the walkways, comes off then?

Regards

Dave

4

According to hoseeker.net, the Spartan-cab 8-40B has separate walkways. The wide-cab is probably the same. I think most modern Atlas hood units have separate walkways, as my Atlas ALCo C424 has separate walkways from the body. My SD26 might also, but I’m too afraid to take it apart- I already tried. Ended up knocking a roof-mounted air tank off its mountings and had to glue it back in place. Atlas really should have instructions on how to disassemble their locos, the exploded drawings aren’t enough.

5

Atlas does provide some assembly sheets for their products, just look at the “parts” section from their website: http://www.atlasrr.com/hoparts.htm

Here is a direct link to the item you need, I hope you have Acrobat reader installed: http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/HO%20B40-8%20DIESEL%20LOCO%20CHINA2.pdf

The diagram doesn’t show the relationship of the shell and frame, but it gives you the parts and general idea of what is included in your loco.

Here is a diagram showing the 8-40B version, maybe it’s the same method of shell install for your engine: http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/HO%20DASH8%20DIESEL%20LOCO%20CHINA1.pdf

Good luck.

6

Remove the coupler pockets and then look for where the body clips to the frame, you will see the little tabs if you look at it from the bottom. Gently squeeze that area on both sides starting from the back and work to the front, the body SHOULD just pop off. I’ve used this method on Atlas GP40’s and RS3’s and it only takes a few seconds.

7

I learned the hard way and broke at least 3 of 4 plastic clips. I agree the Atlas model 8-40’s are a real pain the first time. Also later on when you forgot how you eventually removed it the first time usually months later. Good luck.

Tom

8

Hi Again

Thanks to everyone who’s responded to my post. I haven’t had time to have another go at taking the body off, yet, but I’ll let you know how I get on with it.

Isn’t it great how the internet allows you to get help from all over the planet, never ceases to amaze me…[8D]

Regards to all

Dave

9

Well did you have any luck getting it off yet?

10

Hi,

Haven’t had the time yet. Will have another go at it this evening. Watch this space… [;)]

Regards

Dave