N-Scale quick Shell Removal

[MMODoubter]

LOL. Nice technique. How did you learn that?

Do you know of anyone selling painted shells? It would save me lots of money if I could buy shells and swap them for operating sessions.

[IMRROcom]

@MMODoubter : Atlas sells shels. Around $12.  Do you use Model Railroad Hobiest? I posted about doing that a few months ago, I'm Cheap.

[MMODoubter]

@IMRROcom Nope. I just had the idea from watching this video.

Thanks for the info.

[MMODoubter]

@IMRROcom Talk about CHEAP? I am now stockpiling plastic and cardboard from packaging for scratch-building all my structures. More money for the cool stuff - engines and track.

Just did a buying spree at the local dollar store for toothpicks, coffee sticks, and sticky gems (for signals and such).

[stevie65able]

It works! Tried it today on a Fox Valley ES44DC, shell came off quicker than you could say "strip tease". Take 2 cigars out of petty cash!

[IMRROcom]

@stevie65able:Thanks

[Nbuilder1]

Two dislikes run HO.

[virogue]

Awesome and most helpful! Thanks!

[IMRROcom]

@virogue: Thanks

[HowardJBeale]

It's like a magic trick. awesome!

[IMRROcom]

@HowardJBeale: Thanks

[stevie65able]

This would have to be one of the most helpful videos I have seen in a long time. I will definitely give this a try. Many thanks, IMRRO.

[IMRROcom]

@stevie65able: Glad to see someone get some use out of this.

[MrKeithsp]

Will a Athern fp45 work?

[IMRROcom]

@MrKeithsp: No, I think you need to remove the couplers 1st. Maybe and a new video...?

[peterandben]

Would this work with a Kato SD40 or RDC-2?

[IMRROcom]

@peterandben : Yes it works with the KATO SD40, Just make sure the DCC motor board tabs do not hang on the walkways. If so just poke them out of the way. I do now own a KATO RDC anything. Sorry on that one.

[peterandben]

@IMRROcom Thanks, I can't imagine why I would take the shell off anyway, I can't afford DCC.

[AlcoholicSemenStain]

@peterandben to lube the motor shafts and internal gearing

[swimmerB0B]

oh yeah, i forgot to say keep those shell dimples and frame bumps clean and greased (synthetic) and it makes R & R much easier..

[swimmerB0B]

tango- not true on the LL SD7- i just popped one of mine. it took me a couple of tries, but I found there's a perfect little ledge to lock the box onto and i drop just the loco end of the tool (box) while holding the other end down. pivoting this way keeps stuff from bouncing and it snaps right off. thanks IMMRROcom - i think the atlas/kato hood units would be a different technique. you have a good point there, tango.

[Thelegomaker1000]

could you do the kato n scale p42 genisis

[IMRROcom]

@Thelegomaker1000 I do not own a P42 Genisis and have no plans to buy one. If some one would send me one I would be glad to do a video.

[trackspike64]

still need help with that atlasmaster dcc system can u help u said u have used urs are you real familuar with it or no

[trackspike64]

what you have got to be kidding me ...thats crazy !!!!!  easy

[jhonny1392]

Zapping on YouTube I found your video. Your techinque is amazingly simple and the results are perfect !.

Thanks so much for sharing this technique with the rest of the world through YouTube. As TangoDancer307 says, this method could be well known in America, but not all over the world !

Thx again.

John, from Chile (SudAmerica).

[skylinrr34]

sweet locomotives

[BRND1966]

Another problem solved. Really simple and great!

[JohnnyNCindy]

Great Idea! Thanks For Sharing

[Scotm2]

I tried this on a Kato RS 2, Very slick.

Shell removed, and nothing broken. Thanks for this method.

[CSX6000]

Nice!

[TangoDancer307]

And I really want to say, Eric, thx for this great YouTube video, as well as your collection of other good YouTubes - great stuff you have here and shared with all of us. :-) John Sing

[TangoDancer307]

This is great explanation of long-known, but not widely known technique; thx for putting this on YouTube for us all. You may want to list locos that need modified technique, so that that those that don't know any better won't accidentally damage their pilots. This include: Kato F3, F7, E8, (use the 'toothpick' technique as the shells use positive-locking tabs; Athearn FP45/F45 (need to unscrew couplers); Lifelike SD7s - completely different method. Again, thx for the YouTube!

[NSTrainFan]

Well thats nifty.

[ohiosouthern]

I like the Utah Belt, I have always wanted one.

[IMRROcom]

I love the UTAH BELT EMD SD50's I have 2 of them. I need to finsih putting them together hand rails couplers etc.

[fieromike1945]

Slick!!

[metroredline]

Clever!

[coxsj]

Seems like this could break pilot details or couplers.

Would probably be better to rest the shell on something lower, say 1cm high. That will reduce the amount off travel at high speed/force which could break something.

[IMRROcom]

As long as you make sure the box is under the steps, it works every time. You can do more damge to the engine from tugging on it, sticking a small screwdriver in it, trying to pull it apart etc. If your little scared you can put a little pading inside the box. It will not matter as with gravity the speed will be the same, from 1cm to 1inch, your still lifting the loco over an inch before you let it go. So the speed of the inards will no change untell it hits the bottom of the box.