Atlas decoder install

[simisal]

I have a couple of Atlas Master HO engines, SD-35 and SDP-35 with 4 function decoder in them. I want to remove those decoders and place sound decoders in the engines. Now what should be the simple part has me stumped. Not sure how Atlas mounted the bodies or how to remove them. The diagram that came with the engines shows the components but no screws or how to remove the shell. If anyone can straigten me out I would appreciate it.
Thanks
simisal

[dgwinup]

I don't know about those two locomotives in particular, but most manufacturers' shells are held in place by tabs on the frame engaging slots in the shell. Look along the loco side sills or the base of the loco body and you will spot the tabs barely sticking in the slots. Use your fingernails or small screwdrivers to gently pull the loco body away from the tabs and the chassis should slide out of the shell. (Don't do this over a concrete floor!) Be careful of any wiring that may be attached inside the shell, such as for headlights and numberboards.

Some engines are also held together with tabs through slots on the chassis located above the fuel tanks. Some fuel tanks pry off, others are held by screws.

A careful examination should reveal the method used on your engines.

Hope this helps.

Darrell, just quiet...for now

[folkestonekeith]

My suggestion would be to e:mail Atlas and ask them - I had problems getting the bodies of my fleet of H16-44s so I sent them an e:mail and within couple of days got a response from the guys at Atlas telling me what to do.

Also when moving the body as suggested by Darrell I find it useful to ease some thin plasticard offcuts into the side of the body as you release the tabs - this stops the body snapping back together as you move to the next tab.

[simisal]

Darrell, basically you were right. After removing the couplers, I had to detach the floorboard. The tabs are on it. The body is separate and if not careful you would pull the railings and other items free. Somebody on the Atlas web site told me what to do. I tried that before but the floorboard is so tight I was afraid of breaking something and not sure what I was doing was right.. Thanks for the help.
simisal