Separating body from chassis

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am trying to install a DCC decoder in my Proto 2000 Series GP-7 that I purchased back in 2002. I have removed all visible screws including the coupler screws and the two very small ones under the removable gas tanks. I have tried to gently pry the body apart, but it won’t budge. I hesitate to put too much pressure and force it too far apart. Is there a trick to separating the two pieces ? My older Athearns come apart quite easily, but those are just held on by tabs.

Thanks for the assistance.

Frank

“Keeping Dreams on Track Around the Magic Kingdom”

2

Rotate the trucks and see if there are screws hidden under them. I’ve run across this on some P2K GP’s.

3

Check to see if you have small “tabs” runing down each side of the frame, some of them were held on by the coupler pockets as well, nothing “standard” going on here.

Mark

WGAS

4

Thanks Jeffery,

I didn’t find any screws when I rotated the trucks, but, low and behold, there were the tabs that released the body. Now all I have to do is remove the old module and plug in the DCC module and wrap it with electrical tape. Unfortunately that will have to wait til tomorrow and a trip to WalMart. Can’t believe I’m out of black tape. That’s two things a man ought to have at all times: Electrical tape and a can of WD-40.

Have a great night and thanks again for the tip.

Frank

“Keeping Dreams on Track Around the Magic Kingdom”

5

Thanks Mark,

I didn’t see the tabs on the side, but there they were hiding under the trucks. Thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated. I’m relatively new to the active side of the hobby (obsession). Have been collecting and planning and building structures mostly.

Have a blessed evening.

Frank

“Keeping Dreams on Track Around the Magic Kingdom”

6

Glad you found them and glad to be of help. We have to be of use for something on this forum besides bickering over the ever present DC vs DCC squabbles. ;-]

Mark

WGAS

7

I beg to differ: Duct Tape [:P]

8

I would suggest that you not put electrical tape over the main body of the decoder but rather a thin strip holding the wires in place and a second thin strip across the top of the decoder to anchor it. Putting tape across the main part of it can cause the decoder to overheat and fail. Been there and done that.