Thought I’d finally get around to this! Not long ago, I was given a rather nice N scale E8 by Kato. Good runner, fine detailing etc. However, it’s in the wrong paint scheme. Southern green just looks a bit odd around Penn Central black locomotives. What I’d like to do, is to strip and repaint the shell, plus do a little body work (that is, to plug some of the porthole windows). How easy is it to take a Kato engine apart? Thanks in advance!
To remove the shell, just spread the sides.
In terms of stripping, Katos are very difficult. There are methods that work, but they tend to leave the plastic brittle. You may consider sourcing out a Penn Central shell or an Undec shell…can be found here…
David B