Okay, a while back I picked up a Kato SD38-2. Tonight I thought I would start to assemble all the detail parts that came with it. I didn’t know Kato engines came this way, or believe me, I would have passed on it. I’ve removed the couplers, and have squeezed the shell at the tabs as directed, but this thing isn’t budgeing at all. Am I missing something, or is there a trick I don’t know about. I’m new at this and don’t want to break anything. Thanks for any suggestions you folks might have.
Tom
They’re a tight fit. Took me a bit to get mine off so I could install the SDH104K1B+FN04K1 Combo decoders in them.
Start with the rear set of tabs and squeeze firmly, and sort of rock the shell from side to side. It won’t actually move sideways, but the alternating pressure seemed to help get the tabs loose.
You’ll be able to tell when the rear tabs have started to come out. Now squeeze at the front set of tabs, continuing the side to side rocking, but keep pulling as if you want to lift the rear of the shell off first. This will keep you from levering the shell and snapping the rear tabs back in as you lift.
Once all the tabs are out lift the body straight off.
HTH,
Steve
Thanks Steve,
Your tip about rocking from side to side worked like a charm. Took just a couple of seconds and the shell slipped off.
Tom
There are instructions for a Kato EMD SD40-2 at the link below. Page 4 explains how to remove the body. Usually just squeezing firmly on both sides directly above the tab hooks will get ithe shell off. These hooks do break easily and need to be pushed in enough to clear the frame.
http://www.hoseeker.net/otherhotrains4.html
Larry