[soapbox] Fellow Forum Folks, I need some mechanical/technical help regarding an Atlas U36C locomotive I bought several years ago. I have had great success painting and decaling undecorated bodies as of late and wish to change my Atlas U36C from the ugly Kodachrome scheme to a BN paint job. Trouble is I cannot figure out how to separate the body from the chasis. Can anybody tell me how this is done? I cannot locate the data sheet that (may or may not have) came with the locomotive[banghead] I’ve tried prying and squeezing but just can’t get it apart. HELPPPPPPPPPP!!![D)]
I am unfamiliar with that particular unit.
But, Are there any tiny screws hidden in the most unlikeliest and definitely not obvious places? They are the ones you gotta look out for. I have found some tiny screws in the most unlikeliest places on some models. WHo’d a thunk to look deep down into the smoke stack to find a screw that is the key to getting it apart for instance. SOme screws to take apart a diesel I have are under the couplers. the couplers must be taken out/off first to get at the other screws to make it come apart.
It is frustrating to find that screw taht is the “key” to get it apart.
Just a few thoughts.
This unit should be similar to the Atlas U33/U36C instruction shown here: http://www.hoseeker.org/assemblyexplosionAtlas/Assembly%20Explosion%20Atlas%20U33C%2036C.jpg
You need to remove the couplers by removing the pin that holds them and then sliding them out through the pilot. The body should then be free to be pulled off. You might need to pry somewhere inconspicicous to get the shell started.
You’ll notice on the drawing that there are three rectangular slotted tabs on the bottom edge of the body shell on each side that engage mating locations on the frame. These are the points where you have to squeeze the shell. Be careful with the handrails.
Hi
There are three tabs on each side of the body. One on each end & one in the middle. Each tab has a rectangular slot that fits over a protrusion from the frame. If you can’t remove the body by squeezing the sides, try prying each tab open with a small screwdriver and use a toothpick or a piece of plastic strip to keep it open. Do that with each one and the body should slide right off.
Good luck!
Jim
Maxman, This was the one. Thank you very much, we are now waiting for the paint shop to open in the morning.