Removing Polar Express Observation Car Roof Body

[ARRCDSPR]

Hello Everyone,

I am having a small problem and thought I would ask the "Oldheads" for help.

I want to make this -



Look like this -



I can't stand having the red rear of train marker not be lit up. So I found a helpful post on this forum on how to add a red LED to the end of train marker. But my problem is when I try and do this -



I don't know if my fingers are too big or my brain is too slow, I can't figure out how to remove this roof body. I have removed the screws and I have been careful not to damage the plastic but this sucker is just not coming off. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

SMK

[nitroboy]

It is VERY difficult to do. You have to push in on the windows marked in the instructions and pull up on the roof. I have had a heck of a time removing the roofs on mine to put some weight in the cars. It can be done, but be prepared to swear.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Usually it is the windows without the passenger shadows and yes it is very difficult.

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ARRCDSPR

Hello Everyone,

I am having a small problem and thought I would ask the "Oldheads" for help.

I want to make this -



Look like this -



I can't stand having the red rear of train marker not be lit up. So I found a helpful post on this forum on how to add a red LED to the end of train marker. But my problem is when I try and do this -



I don't know if my fingers are too big or my brain is too slow, I can't figure out how to remove this roof body. I have removed the screws and I have been careful not to damage the plastic but this sucker is just not coming off. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

SMK

SMK,

Practice on one of the other cars first...

...and the secret seems to be to squeeze the windows in from the bottom or sides instead of trying to reach over the top... hold the car in front of you with the windows facing to your left & right between your hands.

Press in on the "notched" rear windows with both index fingers using a pushing up motion at the same time to "unlock" the raised tabs from the windows. Switch to the front windows and do the same. Repeat on back windows again... usually by this time you have opened up the roof enough to get a grip on the roof panel and raise it straight up & out of the car.

Over 30 years using this method and I've never cracked a window frame/strut.

You will be impressed how neat & orderly the wiring is done at the factory on the Polar Express cars.

Rob

[Frank53]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ARRCDSPR


I want to make this -



Look like this -

you and me both. I was very disappointed in this -the red light being one and the lack of the three overheads on the deck being the other. I also want to do that.

[Anonymous]

There's a trick used for OO scale cars that might help here - for some types that have a similar construction the recommended technique is to obtain a few suitably-sized pieces of thin card, push in the windows indicated, then slide the pieces of card between the bodyside and the windows. This will disengage the windows from the shell without bending them much, and should allow you to simply slide the roof/window moulding out. Hope this is of use!

[ARRCDSPR]

Thanks everyone for your help, the card trick worked great. Anyway, my girlfriend bought me an interesting book that I thought I would pass along. I am about half way through and even though it is mostly about HO scale, it is a fun and quick read. It is called "Playing with Trains (A Passion Beyond Scale)" by Sam Posey. Thanks again and talk to ya down the track.

[Anonymous]

I would like to know what you end up doing to activate the rear, red light.

If it's easy to do, I would love to copy you!

[lionelsoni]

Could these be the threads?
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=32505
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33338