Atlas HO GE 8-40B Shell Removal

[bobaroo7]

Anyone have a " fool-proof " method of removing these shells?

Tried may methods but no luck and broke off front airtank

[pboilermaker]

Here's Atlas' shell removal help page:

Shell Removal Help

Here is the Dash 8-40B information:

"Removing the Shell of a DASH 8-40B/BW Locomotive

Take off your couplers off and don't forget the chain. However, do not remove the chain from the still or the brake cylinder. To remove the brake cylinder from the truck frame, use a small screw driver under the brake cylinder and lift upward slowly. Just let the brake cylinder and the chain hang down from the still and be careful of the hook on the still as it will break easily.

Next, remove the fuel tank. The fuel tank is two halves and they pull apart right down the middle. You might have to remove one air reservoir tank up front (nearest the cab). The middle tabs are under there though sometimes you can push the tabs inward without removing the air reservoir . There are tabs on the body, a total of six--two in the front (one tab on each side), middle and rear. They have to go inward, away from the frame tabs. Grab the bottom of the engine with one hand and with the other hand grab the shell near the radiator below it, in the rear, and using your pointer finger on one side and your thumb on the other, push inward so the tabs so they will clear the frame tabs. Repeat for the middle and the front tabs. If this does not work, turn the engine upside down and locate the tabs. Use a small screw driver to push the tabs (just a little) inward away from the frame, but don't let the screw driver go too far up you will damage the shell. Do this to all six tabs so they are clear of the frame tabs."

I have found that if you work from the front to the back, it is easier, but you have to release the clips hidden under the trucks.