atlas s-2 shell removal

[atcguy]

I just purchased a older Atlas s-2 and want to install a dcc decoder. How do you remove the body shell to get to the chassis?

[Meyblc]

the body is in 2 pieces. First you will want to gently but firmly squeeze the cab of the locomotive from the front and rear of the cad. What you are trying to do is allow a locking tab on each side of the cab (right below the side windows) to unlock. Once you have done this, gently pull up and the cab will come off the engine.

Next you will gently lift up on the main body of the engine where it meets with the cab. The body has a locking tab at the front of the body right below the head light. Lifting from the rear of the body will allow the body to simply swing up and unlock the tab. Remove the body.

One of the best decoders for this locomotive is made by NCE out of New York. I just installed 2of these on my S-2's and they work great. They come as a kit with the material needed to isolate the motor from the frame, the teflon screw as well as 2 LED's. Not a bad deal for $25.00.

Good Luck.

[Meyblc]

OK, I just found the paperwork for the decoder that i described above. It is called the ATLS4 decoder built and sold by NCE Corp out of Webster NY. This decoder is specifically designed to fit the Atlas S1, S2 S3 and S4 locomotives with the Roco drive.

Hope this helps....

Michael

[SeeYou190]

I know I am digging up an old thread here.

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I need to remove the body from my S-2, and this thread had the instructions, and they worked great.

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My question is... How do you get the window glass out of the cab without breaking it? Any ideas?

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-Kevin

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[Overmod]

I think your best bet is heat.  Don't use a lot and keep the hair-dryer nozzle moving.  Suspect you will have to bow the cab walls out at the same time you push the windows in.

This might be a good time to review the 'best material for windows' thread as you might want to 'adapt' the glazing to look better or be easier to take down in future...

[BigDaddy]

I always assumed they were glued in. 

[mbinsewi]

HOSeeker shows it as a seperate part.  Maybe you have to gently spread the sides while you push in on the glazing.

Getting the glass out of an Athearn BB can be the same way.

Mike.

[SeeYou190]

Whew... I managed to get the windows out...

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It turns out two things...

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1) The headlight is a seperate part, so that explains why I could not get it to to press in and release the windows!

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2): The press fit between the glass and inner the cab sides is very tight. I had to insert a jeweler's screwdriver at the lower part of the window casting and create enough clearance to get a pair of serrated needle nose pliers in there to grab ahold of it.

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Once it had moved downward about 1/4 inch I could insert screwdrivers through the windows and push down on the top of it.

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At the bottom of the cab it caught on the tabs. I had to pry the cab sides away while pushing on the top of the windows. I really could have used a couple more hands here.

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In the end it was a success. Thank you for the tips, encouragement, and input.

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-Kevin

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