PCM HO scale F3 Shell removal question

[simon1966]

I need to get the shell off of one of my PCM F3’s. With other brands a careful prising apart of the shell sides usually releases the shell, but not with this one. I have removed the coupler pockets and don’t want to force anything and cause damage. I wish that the manufacturers would provide guidance like this in their documentation.

Any help in how to get this shell off without damaging it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Oh and before anyone suggest contacting PCM tech support, the last time I asked them a question it took 4 days for them to respond, I would like to get this accomplished today if possible.

[CAZEPHYR]

I need to get the shell off of one of my PCM F3’s. With other brands a careful prising apart of the shell sides usually releases the shell, but not with this one. I have removed the coupler pockets and don’t want to force anything and cause damage. I wish that the manufacturers would provide guidance like this in their documentation.

Any help in how to get this shell off without damaging it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Oh and before anyone suggest contacting PCM tech support, the last time I asked them a question it took 4 days for them to respond, I would like to get this accomplished today if possible.

I have some of the PCM F3’s and after the couplers are removed, simply widen the shell in the middle of the frame and this unlatches the shell and allows the chassis to slip out under its own weight. They do fit tight, but I removed one of mine last month and that is the proper way.

Go for it.

[cacole]

I phoned PCM because I was afraid of breaking something, and they told me to do exactly as CAZEPHYR says. Remove the couplers, spread the sides apart in the middle, and gently shake until the mechanism slides out of the shell.

[simon1966]

Thanks. It is so much easier to approach when you know for sure that this is the way to do it. Mine is real tight and I did not want to force anything.