Hello,
I just received a BLI SD9 for a song, and I’d like to paint the trucks’ side frames, as the prototype it’s modeled after didn’t have black trucks or fuel tank. The problem I’m running into is that I can’t figure out how to get them apart.
I’ve looked at the exploded view included in the box and it appears they pop off like Proto 2000 side frames do, but they aren’t moving with light to moderate pressure. I don’t want to break them, after all.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I’m assuming it is HO scale,you didn’t mention,It appears,that you have to remove the bottom cover,there are two plastic pins,that hold the side frames on… In any event, removing the bottom cover you will see how they are held together… Best done in a cradle,with the engine on it’s back… Just remember,if you happen to have a axle come out,make sure you put it back in the same way,because, one side is insulated…
I’m sure,that there is someone,here on the forums,that have done this before,to that engine…
Good luck,
Frank
Sorry, it is indeed HO.
I thought to remove the bottom as well, however from looking at the trucks and from the exploded view, it looks as if the bottom cover clips are actually on the sides of the gear cases, and blocked by the side frames.
Thanks for the reply Frank
Tim
I’ve never seen one of the P2K SD9 locos but from what’s been said it sounds like it has Kato trucks. If this is the case you have to pry the bottom plate of the truck up to release those pins. I know it looks like there’s no point where the bottom plate joins the truck body but it’s there. When you have the plate pried up gently pull the side frames out before you let the plate back down. If you don’t it will lock the side frames in place again.
It’s actually a Broadway Limited Imports BlueLine SD9. I haven’t had a P2k SD9 in ages, so I don’t know if they’d be similar or not.
All of my P1k and P2k (heck, even Trainline) Geep’s trucks open easily.
Tim
Tim,
From what I see, is the,bottom cover, has two pins on each side,that go into the side frames to hold them in place…If you can remove the cover with out messing anything up, do so and you will see what I mean…
Good Luck,
Frank
Jeff,
I just took the side frame off one of my P2k’s and did not have to do anything with the bottom cover,just took a flat head screw driver and gently pried from the center of the truck and it came right off… The one that the OP has,going from the diagram I looked at,is totally different…
Cheers,
Frank
If your not sure or don’t find an easy solution, just paint the sideframes on the truck. I wouldn’t chance breaking a clip/ latch on a perfectly good truck. Wheels can also be done while running on a test track.
On the P1K/P2K’s there were two primary truck types used. The Kato and Athearn clone. On the Athearn SD type the side frames have two pins that are pushed into the side of the truck. These can be removed easily by prying them out as you did. On the Kato type it’s more involved. If they’re pried out without being released the pins will snap off inside the truck.
The exploded view diagram for what I believe to be your locomotive is here: http://www.broadway-limited.com/support/explodedview/BlueLine%20SD7%20SD9%20Exploded%20View%20Diagram.pdf
Maybe someone can take a look at it and give you some advice without having to guess how it is put together.
Looks to me after, blowing up the diagram,as big as I can that,the two rectangular pins,on the side frames, go through the metal pick-ups and into the two female, rectangular pieces on the truck side… If I had it in my hands,that would be the first thing I would try,with a small flat head screw driver, with the engine on it’s back…
Cheers,
Frank
And you would snap the pins off inside the truck. From what I can see in the diagram those are Kato type trucks. The trucks bottom plate must be pried up to free the pins.
On the front and rear of each truck there’s a slight gap. It’s very hard to see but it’s there. With a small flat blade screwdriver find the gap and push the screwdriver into it then pry up the plate. It won’t come off so you’ll have to hold the plate up while gently pull the side frames out. Release the plate then repeat for the rear of the truck.
Jeff,
I’ll have to agree with you,for one I don’t have one of those… But I’M sure I could figure it out,if I had it in my fat hands…
Cheers,
Frank
Here’s a couple of photos of one I have. It’s on an Atlas Trainmaster but the truck type is near identical.
Those pics look pretty close to the BLI trucks. I’ll see if I can pop them open in a similar manner. Thanks! Tim
Jeff,
I just wanted to follow up (after ages) and thank you; my trucks popped open exactly as the ones on your Trainmaster.
Thank you again, my BNSF Heritage I SD9s finally look right.
Tim