I recently purchased two new HO Scale GTW Atlas GP40-2 Silver Series Diesel locos. I have them both running DCC with one of them having a simple DCC 8-pin decoder, and the other one with an MRC decoder with sound (w/Synchro Diesel #1626). My question is how can I get the body off without damaging it!!!..I want to be able to mount the 20mm speaker for the decoder’s sounds to work.
I was able to find an instruction sheet for removing the body off of a GP40 from Atlas’ website, but am still unable to get the body shell off my GP40-2.
Just wondering if you have found the best way to remove the shell. I just got this same loco and am having the same issue. It doesn’t help thhat I am very inexperienced at this process. Thanks.
I haven’t received any of the GP40-2s yet and not sure if Atlas has changed their mounting method from many previous units. The link above is for their GP38/40s. This is basically the same procedure as the older Atlas/Kato GPs and RSs. I don’t see any reason that the disassembly would be done differently on a minor mold change to a Dash2 unit.
Where stating about the handrail/cab handrail removal, I find that even some of the subborn ones can be removed by prying w/ the tip of a #11 blade. The latches @ the hood to side sills can sometimes be tricky, but with a gentle squeeze on the hood they will release. The shell doesn’t always come straight up so some slight rocking of the hood/s may be required. I will sometimes end up w/ the crew getting knocked out of their seats (mountings on the battery box).
I don’t know why the link to Atlas states the removal of the fuel tank (short of less damage to details) the side sills will lift off the frame clear of the chassis w/o interfering with the tank at all.
Since Atlas hasn’t updated the shell removal in the link, Just use care if trying to follow the older procedure. I really doubt that it would be any different.
You will also find that having one sound engine and one w/o that some serious speed and starting values will need work. These units will normally run absolutely perfect together if the decoders are compatible. I have quite a few of these w/ the “Dual Mode” decder. Never had any issues except when trying to use a simple NCE or even a 125p. The dual mode act differently and speedmatching was nec. The MRC will not run well with the non sound unit. I personally wouldn’t even use a MRC, they seem to have a number of issues as compared to QSI, Soundtrax, Tsumami or Loksound ones. Maybe others familiar with your mix can give you some help on setting up, the CV values to at least minimize some problems.
Edit: I can’t seem to link directly to that Atlas page.
Rob Pisani has informed that the newer runs of the GP38/40 and the 40-2 in question is that same procedure for shell removal. Atlas has eliminated the hood tabs on the newer run. It is only a press fit to the walkways. So removal of the coupler boxes and lifting the hood/cab is all that is needed.