Best way to re-align seperated shells?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have an old athearn GP50 shell that was razor sawed into two pieces(and quite cleanly I might add!). After test fitting it to a chassis, I’m sure that it could be put back together. The only problem is that one end of the shell is squeezed together and it makes it difficult to keep aligned when re-attaching the two halves. Any suggestions on keeping it straight while the glue dries?

Thanks , R.W.

2

You have to make a jig to put in in while it dries.

You can do that with simple 1x4 boards or plywood strips glued and screwed into a U shape long enough to support the body.

Once in the jig you will see just how well or poorly they were cut, make adjustments and then glue it.

3

I’ll try that, gvdobler. Thanks!

4

RW,
After following gvdobler’s advice on glueing the shell, glue styrene reinforcements to the inside. Use a thickness that is strong enough but won’t interfere with the frame or motor.
About 1/16" max.
Bob K.

5

Thanks Bob. Was thinking about doing something like that, as well. Now to figure out how the shell will be attached to the frame. I must have been planning on making the locomotive into an SD50 or something because the tabs that snap into the frame are missing. Whew, this project seems like it’s getting a little out of hand.