I have a number of HO Atlas Trainman GP38-2 engines. Just wondering if anyone has specific tips for removing the shell. Looks like the couplers have to come off, and then what? It’s probably simple & straightforward, but hopefully I can gain a few insights and avoid any damage from lack of experience. Thanks in advance!
Decided to bump this back up. Must not be too many people running the Trainman engines. I must say, it operates very smoothly, but obviously lacks the detail found in the master series locomotives.
check hoseeker.net There are diagrams of different makes/manufactures.
Thanks for the tip. I did check the site (this particular engine is not listed). In fact, I do have the original parts diagram, but it doesn’t clearly outline how the body seperates from the chassis. Guess I’ll just have to dive into it.
Don’t have a GP only have a trainman rs-32 , so on the rs-32 , yes remove the couplers, from there on out , on this model you squeeze the hood and it releases , three parts on mine the nose, the cab, and the long hood all come off seperately. I suggest you carefully remove the handrails before disassembling too. Don’t know if I’m helping on your model or not.
Thanks Jerry.
Why are you removing the shell? Is it to install a decoder? If so, just just remove the dynamic brake blister as the plug is just benieth it.
David B
It’s been a long time since I did it but if I recall correctly all you have to do is take the screw out of the coupler pocket and remove the coupler pocket and the shell comes off. It’s different than the Master GP38, there are no tabs holding anything and it’s a 1 piece shell. Good Luck.
Music to my ears - sounds very straightforward. The reason for removing the shell is to problem solve a very loose front wheel truck. The whole assembly allows the body to float much too far to the left & right. There’s a bit of a detent, so it stays centered, but it’s not right per my other samples of this engine. Otherwise, it runs perfectly, so it seems worth the effort to (hopefully) make it right.