Next to removing the shell from the frame, I consider removing the cover plate on diesel trucks as the most tense of all diesel locomotive maintainence.
It seems that the older the locomotive, the more difficult it is to pry up that cover. My biggest fear, of course, is damaging or outright breaking the cover plate, especially since most of my locomotives were purchased in 2004-2006 time frame and parts are no longer available.
So, my question is, what tools do you use to remove that plate? I always wish that I had rubber tipped forceps to grasp the cover plate.
Your suggestions and advice would be appreciated.
Rich
Alton Junction
Yeah, I also have that fear when I open these up. I use a small, flat screwdriver, applying pressure on one side of the plate to pry it open, one side at a time. I look forward to hearing about other methods.
Simon
snjroy Yeah, I also have that fear when I open these up. I use a small, flat screwdriver, applying pressure on one side of the plate to pry it open, one side at a time. I look forward to hearing about other methods. Simon
My father was an electronics device repairman. Radios, TVs, etc. Weather Radars was his main job.
I inhertied a bunch of small screwdrivers. Like miniscrewdrivers. My favorite looks like a mini-me version of a big screwdriver, with the long silver blade and a little plastic handle at one end. Seems to work better than the typical jewelers set, but its about the same size.
The corners have been filed roundish so that they do not marr the gears if you have to dig around a little. The longer handle/blade helps the tip enter at a flatter angle with more leverage to pry.
You could probably file down a screw driver blade to thin it if the cover seam is too tight.
- Douglas
On some locomotives, such as Kato, you have to be real carefull, as the cover also has splines on it that hold the side frames in place.
Athearn is the easiest, and I think Protos are the same. Some have a little clip on the side, hidden by the wheels and side frame, like Atlas.
Mike.
My You Tube
I use a piece of brass about .015" thick bent into a sharp "J" shape. Sharpen the short leg on the inside of the bend and solder a piece of tubing to the long leg for a handle. The bend has to be fairly tight to fit between the sideframe and the gearbox.
Hook the sharp edge under the U shaped retainer clip and move the handle slightly toward the opposite side of the gearbox and pull up slightly to release the clip. Insert a tooth pick under the gearbox cover to hold it open and then release the clip on the other end of the truck.
Nark Vinski
richhotrainsometimes, the cover plate is on so tight that I resort to a spade shaped blade on my Xacto knife to open that space up a little. I try to do that on both sides of the cover plate to reduce the stress on it.
I use either a small screwdriver or a no-longer-sharp #11 X-Acto blade, in the X-Acto handle...works well, and hasn't damaged anything.
Wayne
I use a set of curved tip tweezers to catch both clips at the same time. Insert the tips between the axle and the cover sides and use the axle as the fulcrum. Releases both ends in a matter of seconds.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
richhotrainSo, my question is, what tools do you use to remove that plate?
Rich,
I asked this same question in here years ago.
I think it was Ed that suggested I buy a set of "SPUDGERS" from Amazon, and use these for small prying jobs.
I did, and they have worked perfectly.
I cannot get to mine to take a picture right now. but the set is similar to this:
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions. These ideas and suggestions are similar to the method that I have been using, but with a variety of different implements and tools.
I have been using tiny screwdriver blades and a spade-shaped blade mounted on an Xacto knife to pry open both ends of the cover plate. But, the center of that cover plate often stays stuck in place as the ends are pried up.
For that reason, I fear if I put too much pressure on the ends, the center of the cover plate will crack. Maybe the cover plates are strong enough and pliable enough to withstand the pressure until they pop off the gearbox. I will just have to exercise extreme patience and care.
Mark R.I use a set of curved tip tweezers to catch both clips at the same time. Insert the tips between the axle and the cover sides and use the axle as the fulcrum.
^^^THIS^^^
Works great.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Mark R. I use a set of curved tip tweezers to catch both clips at the same time. Insert the tips between the axle and the cover sides and use the axle as the fulcrum. Releases both ends in a matter of seconds. Mark.
Not seeing the actual trucks and clips, I'll add this: When it comes to tricky removal operations where it seems that when you get one side undone, then go for the other side, the first snaps back down...
My first go-to. I keep a box of regular ol' round tooth picks on hand. You can gently and controlingly wedge , not pry the tight fitting parts just away from their snap tabs, and leave in there to hold it open as you then use another to release the other side. You then might even use another to wedge the plate off under the truck frame until it's free.
Some diesel bodies do the same thing, seems you get the right tab(s) cleared, go for the left, the right snaps back in. Again, just leave the first toothpick or 2 in there.
The wood is easier on the finish or delicate parts too than a sharp metal tool.
Dan