Removing Locomotive Shell of Atlas Master HO H-16-44

[folkestonekeith]

I'm trying to remove the locomotive shell of two Atlas New Haven H-16-44 DCC-equipped locos in order to set the decoders to DCC mode by changing the position of the jumper plug. The Atlas instructions say "remove the locomotive shell by carefully lifting the shell from the frame" but don't give any hints on how this can be done.

So far I have not managed to remove the shells - all I've managed to do is break one of the front steps!! I've e:mailed Atlas for assistance but so far received no response.

Wonder if there is anyone out there who has succeeded where I have failed? If so could you let me know how you did it. Changing the position of the jumper plug on the GP38 was a doddle (just remove the fan housing!!) but the H-16-44 certainly isn't.

Many thanks in advance,

[dave9999]

Keith,
After reading you post I went to the train room and got mine. If you grip the long hood
about the middle of the loco. And remove the fuel tank, and grip where the fuel tank
was, then gently wiggle it apart. Be carefull of the wires that are connected to the
marker lights. Good luck, Dave

[folkestonekeith]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your input - got the fuel tank off (and that was well and truly fixed in place!!) and managed to wiggle-off the shell with the help of a letter opener!! Will move the jumper plug and change the Loco ID tomorrow - it's already 11.00pm over here and don't want to push my luck!! Once everything is back together I'll try the other one.

Can't understand why Atlas don't tell you to remove the fuel tank first....it would be a great help!!

Once again, Dave, many thanks for your help and assistance. Off to kip now!!

Keith