Hi Guys
I had a post on here a couple months ago about my walthers gp-9 shell that cracked and warped the loco shell. Well I got the chassis replaced and went to put the shell back on thinking it was okay but closer inspection shows its still slightly warped at both ends. Is there a way that a shell can be straightened? maybe with hot water or blow dryer? and tips would be great
Jeremy
I would be afraid to rely on heat unless I knew what I was doing. I would place the shell over the frame fit as best as can be and then place weights over the edge(s) that need to be adjusted. That, also, could be a recipe for disaster, but if you support the weights with some thought to not unduly stressing any one area too much, the weight might in time get the warp to reduce considerably. At some point, the tabs should do the rest. Make time the greater tool, not the weight. Try something intuitively safe, but substantial in mass that can be placed safely over the warped part, and then let time do the rest. If you are brave, place the whole in an oven and turn up the temp to about 120 deg F, no more, and watch it like a hawk. If you do this, start with a light weight, maybe half a pound.
Crandell
Contact Walthers for a replacement shell. Earl is out…
Not sure how it is warped, a twist or are pilots distorted? If it is just a twist, hot water and twisting to even over bending may bring it back. If it is a drooping or otherwise distorted pilot or bow of the shell, it may be quite difficult to fix. I had problems w/ a couple older (yellow box) Atlas RS’sthat had “weak” drooping pilot/ walkways. That was more of a design flaw being a very thin shell for body mounted couplers.
Hope you can fix, or a new shell may be in order.
I remember your original post. Get another shell. A Walthers GP9 shell can be had on Ebay for $10.