I’d like to get into my Athearn Genesis F units to alter the potentiometer. It would be nice to lower the volume even more so then I can with CVs. However I always seem to break something when I try to take shells off.
Is there a right way to do this with an Athearn Genesis F unit? Any screws need to be removed? Any tips? (My units are an ABBA Sound/DCC F3 if this matters any).
Also, once inside, I might add some figures in the lead A unit and repaint the interiors to a more prototypical (for Santa Fe) grey green. Any suggestions on a good interior green? Possibly something like this photo from Details West…but not as green.
I have several Genesis Fs. On the As it is best to remove the front coupler first. Then just spread the shell at the fuel tank. You might have to work the unit a bit, as the retaining tabs are actually part of the side porthole glazing-a’ la’ Stewart. The Bs need no coupler removal at all. Depending how much you wish to do to the units, you might wish to disconnect the headlights from the board-they have enough slack but it might be easier. This at least has been my experience with these units-and I have a bunch. Hope this helps.
I’ll quote directly from the Owner’s Guide (Although it would help if one could see the accompanying diagram):
“Unscrew and remove the front coupler (A-Unit only). Hold the locomotive as illustrated with the thumbs placed to avoid contact with delicate details such as fans and lift rings. Slide the nails of the middle fingers between the fuel tank and skirt. Spread the body outward, away from the chassis, while gently shaking the loco with a vertical motion, until the chassis slips free of its retainers, rotate the body forward and hold in a vertical position. Using tweezers, grip the headlight wire leads forward of the cab interior. Gently pull the excess wire forward through the cab interior until sufficient length is attained to allow the body to be rested alongside the chassis.”
Hope this helps and good luck.
Wayne
That WP F unit was done by one of our friends. I do not know what green HE used, but, I use Modelflex light green with some gray mixed in to lighten it. It comes out as that real light industrial green. Great interior color. YMMV.
Also we cut the interior floor and splice in a new piece to get the dashboards up to the windows like they belong. Athearn tooled them too short, but it is an easy fix.
Keith Turley/ Details West
Thanks all, pretty simple [:I] but I wanted to make sure.
Keith thanks for the paint advice and tips on fixing the interior. That WP lashup your friend modeled is a beauty too.
