Removing Handrails and Grab Irons

[Anonymous]

I recently bought a Black Proto 2000 Missouri Pacific SW9/1200 which I intend to repaint and detail (black, because it was the closest I could find to undecorate on EBay). I am having problems removing the handrails, grab irons, etc. to repaint the switcher and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for how I should go about removing the handrails, grab irons, etc. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Nathan A. Erdman
Fort Atkinson, WI

[Anonymous]

Try using just a drop of super glue debonder, applied with a toothpick on the inside of the shell where the grab or rail comes through. This should loosen it so you can pull it out.

[Anonymous]

Hi there Nathan!!

I have repainted so many Proto 2000 loco's in my time that I think I deserve a medal....Ha Ha! The good thing about the way they attach there detail parts is the fact that they don't glue them. By now you probably think I am a nut, but don't stop reading just yet!

I have removed grab irons, hand rails,exaust fans and everything else from GP30's to SD60's and have not found any of these items glue in yet.

What they do when they install a part(say a grab iron)is that they pu***he grab 'home' and from the inside of the shell they use a small soldering iron to fuse the grab iron plastic to the plastic shell. This is really good because if you want to remove them for any reason, then all you do is pu***hem out with a pin from the inside of the shell. This has alway's worked for me, so you should not have much trouble. If you do, just drop me a line!

See you later.

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