Model Railroading > How do I open these engines?

I've misplaced the manuals, so like it says, how do I get the shells off these HO engines?
I've done it in the past, but the details escape me.
Atlas FM H15-44
Atlas RS-3
Proto2K GP30
Stewart Baldwin VO-1000
Thanks,
Clarence

Good thread idea, my mystery is the Kato SD45 in N scale....help!

Isn't Atlas the one with the coupler screws holding on the body?

NH2006 Wrote:
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> Good thread idea, my mystery is the Kato SD45 in N
> scale....help!


Just give it a pull it will lift right off.....like most nscale stuff.

Sugest you contact the manufacturer of your engines BEFORE you ruin the shells. Study carefully how they are attached. Some may have tabs or screws. Hunt for any screws and remove them making note where they came from. Slide a narrow screwdriver between the chassis and shell to trace to an area that may be holding it. Contact any of your friends who may have the same engine including the manual or maybe they already have pulled off the shells. Even some of the Athearn shells are tricky to remove, so take your time and be careful.

Good Luck,

Hal

Hi!

> Good thread idea, my mystery is the Kato SD45 in N
> scale....help!

Get a flat head jeweler's screw driver (the largest one from the RadioShack jeweler's set). Place the blade *gently* between the shell and the walkway about 1/4" from the back. Pry up gently, and the tab will come loose. Do not damage the tab! Repeat on the other side, then lever the shell up a bit. You can then remove the whole thing.

TB

tburzio Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi!
>
> > Good thread idea, my mystery is the Kato SD45 in
> N
> > scale....help!
>
> Get a flat head jeweler's screw driver (the
> largest one from the RadioShack jeweler's set).
> Place the blade *gently* between the shell and the
> walkway about 1/4" from the back. Pry up gently,
> and the tab will come loose. Do not damage the
> tab! Repeat on the other side, then lever the
> shell up a bit. You can then remove the whole
> thing.
>
> TB

Thanks a bunch! When I saw that the walkway was seperating, I decided to ask someone. Too expensive to to be a dummy on (unlike my Life Like crap). This engine sounds funny too, it didn't used to sound bad, so I wanted to see if needed some lube. Any other suggestions?

The P2K GP30 should have two screws near the center of the engine. If I remember right you have to pull the fuel tank off. It is just stuck on with sticky.

Hi!

> crap). This engine sounds funny too, it didn't
> used to sound bad, so I wanted to see if needed
> some lube. Any other suggestions?


A Kato makes a sound like the tin woodsman when it needs oil. You probably don't need to give it oil yet, but it depends on your mileage.

Use light lube oil, one drop on each of the bearings where the shaft comes out of the motor. One drop in the top of each gear tower. 100,000 scale miles before more oil!

A "strange noise" can also be a problem in reassembling the engine, but you intimated you haven't had the shell off yet.

TB

tburzio Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi!
>
> A Kato makes a sound like the tin woodsman when it
> needs oil. You probably don't need to give it oil
> yet, but it depends on your mileage.
>
> Use light lube oil, one drop on each of the
> bearings where the shaft comes out of the motor.
> One drop in the top of each gear tower. 100,000
> scale miles before more oil!
>
> A "strange noise" can also be a problem in
> reassembling the engine, but you intimated you
> haven't had the shell off yet.
>
> TB

That's the sound all right, and you are right, I have never taken the shells off. The only time I tried was after I heard this noise, but it was apparent to me that I didn't know enough. This will be their first lube jobs (after nearly 10 years..yikes, I don't feel that old...)

I use a hammer