Removing the bodysheel from the latest run Atlas GP38-2

[Northshorer]

 I've just got a new Atlas N GP38-2 (South Shore) latest release, and it runs beautifully on DC, but want to install a decoder. The chassis looks very different from the earlier Atlas locos I have,  but how does the bodyshell come off?? Release the clips like the older locos??

I don't want to damage anything, so would like some advice before I start

Regards David Milburn
(North Yorkshire, UK)

[peteski]

David, you might get some useful info on https://spookshow.net/loco/llgp38.html

I don't remember any clips ever being used on any of the Atlas GP38(-2) production runs.  Photos of the newest chassis on the above web page seem to confirm that.   The shell is held by small "bumps" on the side of the chassis which fit into concave depressions on the inside of the shell.



It is press-fit, but I have noticed in many similarly designed locos that the shell is rather tight fit onto the chassis, so it might seem that it is held by some sort of clips.  Adding to the problem is the fact that there is nothing to grab onto to separate the shell and the chassis.  You can't really pull by the trucks. Maybe pull the fuel tank off and try to grab the chassis there.

[mu26aeh]

See video below

Only thing I do different is I put my hand over the locomotive to hold it against the jewel case, and smack case against the work bench so locomotive won't move or fall over instead of just dropping it.

Obviously do not use this method if couples are attached to chassis/thru pilot ie Intermountain F units etc

[Northshorer]

Thanks for the replies, got the shell off - it was a much tighter fit than usual, and with the chassis being narrower difficult to find places to ease it apart. I'm not putting it back on again until decoder fitted and tested!

Regards David