I do not recall now where I picked up the idea, but I can verify that the perfect tool for removing the shell or body of a locomotive, freight car, or passenger car is the same tool used to pry open cell phones and tablets. It is a very thin piece of metal. I use two of these tools:
The iSesame opening tool, which is a single thin blade.
The Prytech Pro Opening Tool kit which also contains a single think blade along with six other helpful tools for prying open models and tweezers.
You can find for these tools on Amazon.
Since using these tools I have not damaged any of the plastic clips designed to hold bodies to models. Nor have I broken any other parts.
Just thought I would share this tool idea.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday.
I've been using my fingernail as an extension of my finger all these years because I can feel the magnitude of force not to overdo it. It's somewhat tricky though. Perhaps I should look into one of those tools. Do you have a picture as I am very curious?
Thank you and have a happy and safe Holiday as well JDP
TF
I took a quick photograph of the tools and posted it to http://habitant.org/MRMforum/P1040530.JPG
Thanks for posting those JDP
I have a phenomenal set of tools, big and small but I don't have a set of those
Dumbfounded. I must admit I don't even know where to begin to know what all those are for! I'm sure they all are for something as sure as I'm sitting here, ...Interesting
Prytech Pro definitely gives me some kind of idea but I would be like a neanderthal like Tim the Toolman Taylor trying those tools for the very first time.
How well do they work? Are you happy with them?
I generally use rounded & tapered wood toothpicks as stop gaps - two on each side - to pry off a stubborn shell. Works great and doesn't mar the plastic either.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
That makes sense and sounds like it would work like a champion Tom. I just serviced and liquid bearings all my older locomotives fumbling with my fingernails and patience.
I will give that a try next time as it sounds like a really good idea.
For me, a lot of times it's the common sense I never think of
Thanks
Track fiddler How well do they work? Are you happy with them?
To be honest TF, I have only used the blade tool. I just slide it into the side and slowly pry with it as I work my way down the shell body. Having two of these blade tools helps because I use one to start and the other to slide down.
The other tools look like they can be used to pry slightly larger gaps then found on shells of locomotives and cars. I will have to give them a try next time I have to remove a shell body. It is just nice having an assortment of pyring tools.
Well, if you accomplish your objective with the tools, then I guess they were a worthwhile investment. Getting familiar with the tools and getting them to work like an extension of your hand is another thing.
And that's just it, using a tool enough times to become familiar with it. But I think you have a set of tools that nobody else here has. I would have to say that's kind of cool! I like new tools to experiment and get familiar with
There is a term for this kind of tool, and you can search Google or Amazon using it: "spudger". There may be no need to buy full toolkits optimized for opening certain kinds of electronic devices when the relatively broad, flat versions of these are all you need for shells... the trick is to find the kind that best suit your preferences for certain situations.
For those that make sculptures, there are small spatula sets. I have a set for roughing in and smoothing plaster. Or put a chamfer on a credit card and use that. stiff, but flexible to weasle open those sides just enough. Better than using it for its purpose
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Here are the tools for those of us that cannot see the image:
The name for the tool is a "spudger", and I have one, but never needed it to open a locomotive. Most of my models are Stewart Fs, Proto Geeps, Athearn Blue Box, or brass steamers. These all open pretty easily.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
NVSRRFor those that make sculptures, there are small spatula sets.
I have probably 40 various sculpting tools, including as few that look like spatulas.
The ones that look like they could be the most handy for shell removal are the plastic "clay sculpting tools". Amazon has a nice set that is a couple of dollars less than the PryTech set that JPD shared.
I think the PryTech set would work better, but I have not tried either one.
There are also these styles of metal tools for scupting. I use lots of these variants for sculpting green stuff (Kneadatite). It looks like a couple of these could be useful also.