Is there any way to safely remove the truck sideframes from an HO scale Kato SD38-2, similar to what is shown in the diagram below?
I want to use an airbru***o weather them without gunking-up the wheels.
Feedback appreciated as always…
This is more difficult to describe than to do.
Kato’s sideframes are made of a tough engineering plastic and are made to snap in and unsnap out.
The posts have notches that snap into place inside the truck. At the ends of the sideframe are 2 tabs (w/square holes) that wrap around the truck and are kept in place by 2 square bumps.
Turn the loco upside down.
Use a flat headed screw driver to lift/release the tab at one end of the side frame from the truck , then slide the screwdriver between the back of the sideframe (near one of the posts) and the copper colored metal bar (this holds the wheels and makes the electrical connections) and give the screwdriver a little twist. You should hear and feel a click and that post should be released. Repeat this at the other post, then lift the other end tab from the end of the truck.
I hope this makes sense.
Thanks Jay!
I think I remember seeing those tabs when I examined my loco earlier, but I wasn’t exactly sure what they were for. With your instructions and a correct-sized screwdriver, I should be able to do this - I’ll keep you posted.