Help! Need Guidance for Shell Removal-Athearn SD40-2 RTR

[htgguy]

I am trying to install a decoder in a DCC-ready late production SD40-2 Athearn RTR model. I have disassembled numerous locomotives but this one has me stumped. I have to say the documentation that came with the model is dreadful at best. I have removed the coupler pockets but the shell is still stubbornly stuck to the frame. I am almost sure there are other screws to remove (I know this is true of the GP40X model as I just installed a sound decoder in one of them) but the screws that exist in real life are not shown on the parts drawing. As such I can't puzzle out what to remove next. 

Anyone have any advice before I smash this thing on the concrete floor? I'm super disappointed in Athearn's lack of any guidance on this issue. 

Thanks, Jim

[RR_Mel]

I buy the Athearn SD40-2s for their frames, the shells just pop off there are two small round keepers on each side of the frame that fit into holes on the shell near the inside wheels on the trucks.

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[gmpullman]

There may be some help here:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Athearn/SD40-2%20WK/SD40-2_WK.htm

and here...

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/202585.aspx

 

 

Good Luck, Ed

[htgguy]

Mel, I think what you are describing is the Blue Box version of the SD40-2. I have a couple of them as well and the shells come off like you describe. The engine that is giving me problems now is designed differently. Jim

[htgguy]

gmpullman

There may be some help here:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Athearn/SD40-2%20WK/SD40-2_WK.htm

and here...

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/202585.aspx

 

 

Good Luck, Ed

 

Ed, I found that while searching the web, and tried it out. No go. That's how I figured it should work, but the shell is still held on by something else. Wish I could figure out what. Thanks for your help. 

Jim

[csxns]

htgguy

before I smash this thing on the concrete floor?

That might be a great idea.

[htgguy]

Weel, it turns out there are two undocumented screws through the bottom of the frame into the walkways. both are near the fuel tank, one on each side of the locomotive. Not sure how I will get them back in as they are a bugger to access but once they were out the shell slipped right off. Hopefully this will be helpful to someone someday. 

Jim

[zstripe]

The paint itself may well be holding it in place.....those models are put together sometimes with the paint not fully cured and will act like adhesive when removing the shell for the first time when paint is fully cured.....It has happened to Me on several models, not only Athearn. They also may have tape holding the wires away from the motor parts.....which I have also found on some, which sticks to the inside top on shell.

I have used very fine jewlers flat blade screw drivers and My favorite is a #17 dull exacto chizel blade to pry them off........the #17 blade is on the expensive side, but the thin blade is very strong, never had one break in all the years I have used them.

Patience...they say is a virtue.......only children smash their toys when frustrated..LOL!

Good Luck! 

Frank

EDIT: I see You have found the solution....You must have been typing at the same time I was. The infamous hidden screws......Have also been there...................

 

[Anonymous]

Doesnt the dynamic brake blister pop off on these?  

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Athearn/SD40-2/SD40-2.html

 

For putting the screw back in, try the tool that Cody Grivno demoed on Cody's office for holding screws (five finger tool from Micromark).   Possibly also a magnet or magnetic screw driver might be helpful.