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No lights working on running Atlas GP 7 #8210 (Kato drive) yellow box

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SAK
  • Member since
    July 2011
  • 7 posts
No lights working on running Atlas GP 7 #8210 (Kato drive) yellow box
Posted by SAK on Monday, May 11, 2020 5:36 PM

Hello, I recently acquired an old Atlas GP 7 that was made in Japan. Nice model. It's almost appears brand new. It runs well, but I discovered that the lights don't work when moving.

I am guessing that the connection is loose or the bulb is shot because it is so old. 

How do I take the shell off without damaging the hand rails that came on it? I was able to loosen the front tabs by the cab, but I cannot figure out where the other tabs are to release.

Any help would be great. Keeping it in DC for now.

 

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, May 11, 2020 7:51 PM

I have just a few of the Atlas/Kato (made in Japan) locos, and they run as good as my new Kato's

Here's a link to the Atlas parts diagram.  They have instructions on removing the shell.  There are two clips on the body shell, one at the nose, and the other at the back of the long hood, the walkways and handrails are seperate.

Post edited to show the right picture.

Mike.

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Ontario Canada
  • 3,574 posts
Posted by Mark R. on Monday, May 11, 2020 9:49 PM

mbinsewi

I have just a few of the Atlas/Kato (made in Japan) locos, and they run as good as my new Kato's

Here's a link to the parts diagram:  They have instructions on removing the shell.  There are two clips on the body shell, one at the nose, and the other at the back of the long hood, the walkways and handrails are seperate.

 

That link goes to an expired ad on Facebook marketplace. (?)

Mark.

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 6:58 AM

Mark R.
That link goes to an expired ad on Facebook marketplace. (?)

OOOOPS!  Laugh.  Come on! just trying to sell a chair, I need all the exposure I can get!  Laugh

Thanks Mark, all fixed.  Embarrassed

Now you'll have to go edit your post, as the link embedded in the quote, still shows the chair.

Mike.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 11:10 AM

On the old Atlas GP-7s, the frame and walkways are one metal piece that generally isn't all that easy to remove. Best way to get inside is disconnect the handrails from the cab (be sure to disconnect the ones to the elevated walkways on either side of the cab). Then you can lift up the body and cab from the chassis / frame.

Keep in mind if it's a very old one it probably doesn't have a "constant lighting" lightboard, so you might have to get the engine running fairly fast in order to get enough DC power to be able to see the headlights.

Stix
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 12:36 PM

 If it's the old Kato one, there is a plastic 'circuit board' with a single light bulb, and light pipes to the actual headlight lens areas. There is no direction or constant lighting, so yes, it does have to be running fairly fast to get a bright light out of them. It may be easier to see if it is lighting up or not after the shell is removed.

                                       --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

SAK
  • Member since
    July 2011
  • 7 posts
Posted by SAK on Monday, June 22, 2020 7:27 AM

Thank you for the responses. 

For an unknown reason, the lights came on one day while using the unit with one of my sons. The lights have remained on ever since.  The lights are decently bright. 

Steve

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