This year I took apart a set of 607/608 cars as part of a custom project I wanted to do. I documented it on my blog (https://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/2022/09/custom-lionel-607608-passenger-train.html) and perhaps that will help you.
The biggest issue I had was getting the window panel inserts reinstalled. Removing them was easy by unbending the tabs at the bottom through the broken clear plastic window holes, but reinstalling them and bending the bottom tabs back into position was near impossible once the new clear plastic window inserts were installed. There just isn't an easy way to do it (I guess I could have used an L-shaped tool to bend them over).
Had I completely disassembled the coaches it might have been easier. Likewise, had I assembled everything and added the window glazing LAST it also might have been easier. Don't know. But the process scared me off attempting any more projects like this for a while.
Anyway, take a look at my website and you will see what I mean.
Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/
I live in queens NY all the big stores have it but you can find it on Amazon. Really worth it no bad chemicals.
I've used that method but as noted, its hard to find powdered detergent.
I've been using oven cleaner which works great also.
shamusmcc get some powered laundry dertengent
You can still find powdered laundry detergent? All I've been seeing lately is the liquid kind, although in all honesty I haven't been looking for the powdered.
Good tip!
Hi, This is my first post on this site. I took apart a set of the 607 608 cars about a month ago. I didn't take the bottoms off but did take the window seats out. I got a couple of long picks and had to go thru some windows to get to tabs and it worked ok. Only broke two tabs. Out them on the same way. I don't know how you plan on stripping the paint but I found the easiest way and it works great for prewar metal is to get some powered laundry dertengent (about a cup) and boil it with car inside for about 5 minutes. I couldn't believe how good it works.
Just like many of the MPC era passenger cars ,when at the factory ,the parts snap into place and really lock in.Shouid you find yourself in the situation that the car has to be disassembled to change out a burned out bulb , difficulty can arise and broken tabs and damage can result.
I don't have any advice to give because it sounds like you're pretty much "there." One thing to remember though is when those cars were built they were never intended to be taken apart again. They can be taken apart but as you've found it's not easy, and be careful bending those tabs so they don't break.
My , for what it's worth? If it were mine I'd get some good-quality masking tape and do some creative masking on the trucks, couplers, and windows (after you remove the glazing) and anywhere else you need to. But that's just me.
Anyone have any tips on taking apart a 607 passenger car? I've got a set of them I'm looking to restore and I'm trying to tear them down to prep for painting. I got one apart but it wasn't pretty. Seems the tabs you need to bend to get the bottom out are below the seat and window assembly. No way to get the tabs for the seat and window assembly without removing the bottom of the car first, As far as I could see it's nearly impossible to get the tabs bent up to on either the seat and window assembly or the floor assembly to remove the floor.
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