Hi, I wnat to install lights to my fleet of Santa Fe streamlined passenger cars from Walthers. How do you open them up? I tried using the "twist" method, but it dosen't work!
Thanks,
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
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I wonder why you are having a problem with the twist method because that is what I have used.... If all else fails use the Walthers method of pushing in the tabs with a thin blade.
Perhaps there is a You-Tube video for opening Walthers cars. .
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Short answer: Verrrry carefully.
OK, that doesn't help much, does it. The twist method is the answer. On some cars you have to twist so much you're sure it is going to explode in your hands but it has never happened to me. I load chisel blades in several Xacto handles, then start twisting. As soon as a tiny gap opens up I insert one of the chisel blades into the gap to keep it from closing back up on me while I am working to open other parts of the car.
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr2A-QrqiPc You will see how much you can twist a car without breaking anything.
Good luck!
My car just won't budge. The roof just stays....
I DID IT! Just like you said, the roof pops off!
Thanks for the advice!
I've used the twist method, and yes it does work. But every time I've used it, I have busted at one or more tabs.
Hi Guys,
To avoid breaking tabs on Walthers passenger cars, just use the "Modified Twist" method that I describe in the Walthers Mainline Passenger Car thread I recently posted:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/249188.aspx
Occasionally when using either roof removal methiod (Twist or Modified Twist), one or two tabs may still cling on stubbornly. Good to keep a plastic wedge tool handy. Referring to the photo below, I've only had to use it on two cars. After "popping" the roofs with a twist method, I pushed gently against the stubborn tabs and had success.
Computer technicians refer to these nylon plastic wedge tools as "Spudgers". They're inexpensive and can be found at electronics supply businesses as well as on Amazon and Ebay.
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