Painting BLI SW7

[jecorbett]

I have a pair of BLI SW7 switchers that I would like to custom paint for my road. I need to remove the shells but I am concerned about damaging the fine detailed parts, mainly the railings. I'd appreciate any tips anyone might have for how to proceed with taking the shell off these locos. Also, is the bell easily removable and replaced. It looks like it might easily get broken when removing it. I've removed the shells from many diesels from various manufacturers but these look just a tad inimidating. I don't want to have to learn how to do it the hard way.

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of painting an undec. BLI SW7 right now. I still have to spray it with gloss coat for the decals, decal it, and then shoot the clear flat over the decals.

If you follow the exploded diagrams, it is not too difficult in general. The only handrails that *have* to be removed are the two at the cab end that go, respectively into the side of the cab and the frame. On my example, they are brass, and thus not likely to be damaged. Just pu***he bell out from the inside after you have the body shell off. You can also remove the horn if you wish. The windows are hard to get out without damaging them. Use a #17 Xacto blade with the bevel side down, or just mask the windows. Be sure to paint the inside of the cab and hood with flat black to make sure that the lights don't shine through the plastic. I hope that this helps. It seems that you will just need to pop some tabs lose to get the shell off.

Woodard
[C):-)]