Life Like NW2 shell removal

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Can anyone tell me the “right” way to remove the shell from a Life Like NW2? In case I don’t have the model correct, it’s a small diesel switcher.

Thanks,
Jim

2

I didn’t know LL did an NW2… I do know however that with my SW units, the couplers have to be removed to take the shell off… I believe (it’s been awhile) that there are small clips (not removable) holding the shell down on to the chassis. You carefully spread the bottom of the shell enough to pull the chassis out of the shell… Oh, btw, you need 5 hands to do it, again IIRC…

If it’s the Kato NW2??

Good luck,
Jeff

3

I do have a Kato NW2, which was also a challenge, but now that I understand it, it’s easier - obvious places to pry and only 2 hands required. This other one is a Life Like, and it’s almost the same shell, but certainly may not be an NW2. May be a SW1200.

Jim

4

I have one that is partially disassembled… If you still need it, I’ll post some pictures of how to get it apart later on today or in the morning…

Jeff

5

Jeff,
A picture sounds like a lot of work, but a couple hints would be good. I need to take this one apart to replace a bulb, and it’s got a “whistle” in one direction (and it doesn’t have a sound chip!).
Thanks,
Jim

6

Jim, Sorry about the delay, pictures were no trouble at all… In this particular loco, the lighting board has been removed but you can see, I think, how the bulbs are installed… To remove the shell, there are 5 clips that come from the body and clip on the frame… 2 in the front, 2 under the rear trucks, and one in the rear of the body just under the cab.

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/jjmel/Model%20Trains/P1060619m.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/jjmel/Model%20Trains/P1060614m.jpg[/image]

The trick is to release the front 4 and then tilt the body off of the chassis… The rear one may need a little coaxing. You want to be careful with this as the tabs CAN break (as you can see, I’ve broken one of them off and the one adjacent to it is also cracked loose) but once you get it started, the shell will just lift right off. Like I said, you need 5 hands to do this… 2 with the kato and a lot more patience [:D].

Good luck,
Jeff

7

Thanks for the photos. I’ve developed a technique: hold he shell with multiple finger nails, maybe separating slightly, and rap knuckles on the work bench. The sudden stop tends to pop the frame out of the shell in one painless swoop.

I took the loco apart yesterday (in many, many pieces!) and cleaned and lubricated it. I seemed to have solved the whistle problem. It runs good now.

The light bulb I blew is a bit of a problem. I don’t seem to be able to find a replacement. It is a “Grain of Wheat” bulb, 3.2mm dia, and draws about 70ma at 1.5 volts. It is normally driven by the voltage accross two diodes (1.2 volts). Do you have any clue where I can get a replacement?

Thanks,
Jim