Proto 2000 GP-7 body shell removal.

[Rosenblad]

Hi!

I plan to install a DCC decoder in my Proto 2000 GP7, but I have mislaid the instruction sheet explaining how to remove the body shell to gain access for decoder installation. I have written to Life-Like, but they are not willing to help me. Is there anyone out there who can tell me how the shell is removed, as I do not wi***o risk destroying this beautiful loco.

Best Regards,
Tom Rosenblad

[cspmo]

Remove the coupler pocket. Under the trucks you will see small screws one per trucks
remove the screws. Beware there are screws for the weight around the same area ,if I remember right, they are little bigger than the body mounting screws.

[Rosenblad]

Hi!

Thank you for your very quick response! I now have a a very sweet-running GP-7 with a Digitrax decoder installed!

Best Regards,
Tom

[AntonioFP45]

Tom,

Sorry to read that Life Like wasn't helpful. They are usually pretty good about stuff like this. One thing that I've found to be very helpufl: Always use the production number on the original box and include it in your e-mails or letters whenever you need an item like a locomotive part or instruction sheet.

Every loco has a unique number on the box, just like a fingerprint. This seems to be helpful in letting them know that your request is legitimate and not a "yahoo" trying to "sneak a fast one" on Life Like as there are a lot of these characters out there.

[Rosenblad]

Hi AntonioFP45!

Thank you for your reply! It's a great pleasure for me to announce that I had an e-mail from Life-Like today, requesting my address, so they could send me the instructions! I guess I was a little bit hasty. I'm truly sorry for that, and appologise.

That means I join the ranks of all those who praise Life-Like for their service! Very good indeed!

The production number on the original box would have been difficult to find too, because the instructions I needed were actually in the box that I mislaid!

Best Regards,
Tom

[rrinker]

Here's a tip - don't bother putting the screws in the middle back on. The coupler ones are plenty sufficient to hold the body shell on. I've got three of those now, all like that. It takes longer to get the screws out and coupler pockets off than it does to plug in the decoder.

--Randy

[Rosenblad]

Hi Randy!

Thank you for the tip. The coupler pockets are very sturdy. Probably among the best I've seen!

Best Regards,
Tom

[trainboyH16-44]

On a related topic, I also have mislaid my instructions, but for my P2K SD45. I have removed many screws, but have yet to dislodge the shell from the frame. Help?
Thanks,
Matthew Hicks

[rrinker]

Oh that one was a REAL pain. I gotto go take a look at it and see if I remember how I got it apart. The screws were hard enough to find.