I just purchase a P2K NYC E8 and it comes with a choice of two pilots. I’d like to replace the one that is installed with the alternate which has a smaller coupler opening. Unfortunately, the instructions don’t tell me how to do it and it isn’t readily apparent. I don’t want to force it off and risk damaging either the pilot or the shell. Does anyone know the trick to removing this pilot.
You will have to destroy the current on-the-model- pilot to take it off. No way around it.
David
I’d have to check, but I thought my E-8’s had the option of either having the pilot with the coupler sticking out thru an opening, or to put the doors over it to cover the opening (as was often done in the 40’s-50’s to make the engines look better).
http://www.rockisl.com/cgi-bin/display.asp?f=3&e=1&n=652-2a
I don’t remember an option for a pilot with a smaller coupler opening - but then maybe only certain units had that??
I don’t know about the new E8s, but the pilot on my E7 is simply snapped on, and will come off if the sides are spread. The pilots on the older E8s are just slipped onto the frame, and can be pulled right off once the shell is off. If the pilot on yours is part of the shell, look for any latches, and see if you can un-snap them with a screwdriver, or some other tool.
Which plow is used for passenger? I just got done modifying an older E8 shell to fit the sound frame and the results are great so now i have an Amtrak E8 with sound!
The pilot has very tiny built on tabs. I just wiggle mine “GENTLY” in a vertical motion to take it off.
On my E8 the pilot simply snaps off if you spread the sides a little. Use the reverse application to get the other one on. There’s nothing to it. It was the same with my E6.
You may want to check the prototype before swapping. EMD offered both a “passenger” and a “freight” pilot. Some RRs used the same pilot for both frieght and passenger E and F units. Check and see if there are other little differences between the two other than coupler hole size, especially the bottom corner contours.
Rick
Keep in mind too, that some railroads kept the ‘passenger’ pilot, but removed the coupler doors. Others simply replaced the entire pilot with a ‘freight’ version. When in doubt, check a photo of the unit you’re modeling.