Hello Everyone,
Can someone explain how to open up an Atlas Heavyweight passenger car so that lights can be fitted. I've tried what is the normal ways by removing the trucks and and couplings, there appears to be no other screws on the underside. The roof does not seem to want to move and I don't want start levering it off for fear of damage. So any ideas would be very welcome.
Many thanks in advance Colin U.K.
Colin,These cars (which are the old Branchline cars) are built sort of like a bathtub. The floor and vestibules are all one piece. The sides of the car are attached to the "bathtub" and then the roof goes on top of that.The only real way to get into an Atlas heavyweight car is by taking the roof off. If they've glued it on too well, you might be out of luck. The inside of the roof bottom will have a flange for the inside of the car side to fit against.
Hi Paul,
This sounds like real fun,I don't think!! This was a Xmas present so I am loathed to interfere too much but I will have good look at the roof and see what I can do. If this is indeed a former Branchline kit I already have one that I built, some while ago.
Thankyou Paul for the info
Kind regards Colin
For the ones I've built, there's not been any need to cement the roof in place, as it's a good fit, but not too difficult to remove. If the roof doesn't afford a good place to grip, (and hasn't been cemented in-place) you might try poking a screwdriver in the end door of the vestibule(s) to displace the roof enough to be able to grip it.
Wayne
CP ModellerCan someone explain how to open up an Atlas Heavyweight passenger car so that lights can be fitted.
HO or N scale?
If in N scale...
I had a couple of Atlas N scale heavyweights when I was in N scale 30 years ago. The roof and windows were one piece clear plastic casting like Rivarossi. They might have even been made by Rivarossi.
There are tabs cast into the ends of the roof/window casting that go into recessed in the body casting. These were very difficult to remove, and a lot of force was required.
Given the age they must be by now, I would be worried of cracking the plastic body casting trying to get the roof off.
Edit: Nevermind. I see the title of the thread says HO scale.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Hi Wayne and Paul,
We have a good result. I tried sliding an X-acto chisel blade in the centre just above the vestible and gently twisted the blade, there was some resistance at first, then it began to open up a little, enough to then slide the blade in above the side/end door and then the roof released there, then all the way along. It took about a minute in all. So grateful for your help, it would have easier if Atlas gave the advice that you have both done. They obviously don't want people to interfere with their products. It can now be lit and with some travellers.
Once again, many thanks for your input.
Kind regards and have a Happy and Safe New Year, Colin U.K.