Taking the shell off of a HO scale Atlas High Nose GP40 locomotive

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello,

I have a question. Has anyone had success in taking off the shell on this model without running the risk of damaging the shell? I have tried a couple of times, but stopped when it looked like I was just going to break something. I may have missed some screws or the proper pressure point. It has been over a year since I have owned it and I know it needs to have a look see to see if I need to lightly oil some gears.

Thanks!
Steve

2

I haven’t had experience with the high hood version of this model, but I would imagine that it’s the same basic construction as the low hood version. Based on that assumption, this is how I did it. First, I removed the coupler boxes from both ends and set them aside. Then I tried to pull the shell off and found that it didn’t want to move. A friend of mine told me to try something else. I took a flat bladed screwdriver and placed the end between the bottom of the shell and the top of the underframe. Using a gentle twisting action, I gradually move the sheel off the underframe a little at a time. It still took a little bit to get the shell all the way off, but once I had it started it wasn’t too bad. For what it’s worth, I’ve used the same technique on Athearn Geneses units that had the same problem.

3

Thats what I did with my low hood version GO Train locomotives but I used a butter knife instead of a screwdriver. The butter knife gave a little more leverage.

4

The Atlas shell is installed very much like a Kato. I assume we are talking about the newer China models. The older Rocco GP38-40s are snapped on to the lugs like an Athearn. The catches between the walkways and hood create a lock/ jam fit to the chassis. You need to use care when separating as not to damage the latches or distorting the sub base/ battery boxes. The cab has a very tight clearance to the cab floor/ interior detail. Remove the handrails or at least separate the rail at the cab. Good luck an use care, It took me a bit of struggling at first.
Bob K.

5

I have a high hood GP38 and removed it the same way Glen1 did just take your time and work the small screwdriver around the chassis. it will finally come loose they really are a little difficult to remove.

6

thanks! this is helpful.