Removing Bachman body shell

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, I’m trying to find out if there is a way to carefully remove the main body of a Bachman 4 bay hopper in order to add more weight to the car. Right now it weighs 3 ounces, but at 7.5" in length, it should be 6.5 ounces according to NMRA standards. I’ve noticed “tabs” on the underside, but am afraid I will break it by forcing the main shell off the outside frames and ends. Any ideas??

Thanks

JRP

2

Is this a cylindrical hopper?

If you get an answer let me know was thinking of just drilling a small hole in the bottom and just adding sand then sealing the hole.

3

It has been awhile but on the Bachmann covred hoppers I just pryed away and had no breakage.

I do not remember ever breaking a tab off on any rolling stock. They are pretty tuff and sort of meant for kids to play with. But as most of know, the kids are 50’s to 60 year range! [swg]

Cuda Ken

4

Joe, not a bad idea…I may just do that. Should work.

Thanks.

JRP

5

You can only put sand in it if it’s a sand hopper.[:-^]

6

I use soupy plaster for weighting cars. It free forms to the shape and is easily wiped off if it leaks out.

7

How do you get it in, and how do you know how much to put in (doesnt it lose weight when dry?)