Removing the Shell from a Walthers Trainline Alco FA

[garya]

I have a few of these units.  I don't remember it being all that difficult to remove the frame.  I used toothpicks under the tabs and the shell lifted off.

[richhotrain]

Shock Control

So, I've tried everything.  The instructions to gently squeeze at key points did not work.  It's as if it is super-glued on there.  It also looks like I may have bent the little tabs out of shape.  Should I just chalk it up to experience and move on, or is there a plan B? 

You're not alone. Check out this video of a guy trying to remove the shell from the frame. He basically went nuts. LOL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrVnhuLQaA

After watching that video, it made me think of my problems trying to remove the shell from an Athearn Genesis F7A on more than one occasion. I used a series of strategically spaced toothpicks to separate and hold that separation. You and the video guy both noted that the shell seemed to be welded to the frame, so removal will require time and patience.

Rich

[Overmod]

Lastspikemike

just press in at the porthole windows and the frame drops out, apparently.

Porthole windows on Alco FAs?

I'd think that the fatter kind of spudger would work for this; four of them inserted between frame and bodyside distributing the bending over more plastic, and levering the part with the 'hook tabs' away from the slots.  That should be able to clear any swelling at the sides.  You could then pry on the ends if anything is 'stuck' there, with the tabs held released, to get the extraction started past the hooks, then pull the spudgers out to get more freedom...

[Shock Control]

Lastspikemike

About halfway down the thread:

just press in at the porthole windows and the frame drops out, apparently. The windows are part of a one piece clear plastic panel moulding which includes those four clips at the bottom. 

Thanks.  I tried this, and no-go.  Thankfully I didn't pay much for it.  Perhaps one of the dumber model engine designs I've encountered.

[Shock Control]

So, I've tried everything.  The instructions to gently squeeze at key points did not work.  It's as if it is super-glued on there.  It also looks like I may have bent the little tabs out of shape.  Should I just chalk it up to experience and move on, or is there a plan B?