How do you disassemble Kato's SD70ace frame?

[Jbub]

I've been able to figure out the shell disassembly but the screwless frame not so much. I'm wanting to install sound but need to mill/cut the frame for the speaker and caps. I've read @RBrodzinsky thread on the basic install. Two other questions though, first s it better to use 2 LEDs for the ditch lights with the light pipe cut closer to the ditch lights or a single with some sort of light block between the headlight pipe and ditch light pipe. These are UP locos so no flashing needed. And second is more of a request to anyone who  knows of a Rio Grande,  CNW or Katy heritage unit for sale in good condition and reasonably priced,  please let me know.
Thanks for any help
Jbub

[RBrodzinsky]

Before you disassemble further, make sure you watch Mike Fifer's excellent video on the trucks for this beast:

The frame comes apart very easily. First remove the fuel tank.  Then the plastic bottom (walkway) part of the shell pulls off, and the frame opens up.  Really nothing to it (but I was very leery of it my first time, too).

[ryan_wilkerson]

I've been able to figure out the shell disassembly but the screwless frame not so much. I'm wanting to install sound but need to mill/cut the frame for the speaker and caps. I've read @RBrodzinsky thread on the basic install. Two other questions though, first s it better to use 2 LEDs for the ditch lights with the light pipe cut closer to the ditch lights or a single with some sort of light block between the headlight pipe and ditch light pipe. These are UP locos so no flashing needed. And second is more of a request to anyone who  knows of a Rio Grande,  CNW or Katy heritage unit for sale in good condition and reasonably priced,  please let me know.
Thanks for any help
Jbub

Unfortunately "reasonably priced" is tought with the UP heritage locomotives. It would be nice if FVM ran them one day or Kato to rerun them.

[Jbub]

I found the other 3 for 90 each new a couple weeks ago. I hope Kato does a re-run and includes the spirit of 43 heritage unit also. BLI is doing a run of them with the new unit, but I'm not a fan of their decoders. If they did a Dcc ready version I would just get those.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Seems like a good deal
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KATO-N-SCALE-UNION-PACIFIC-HERITAGE-COMPLETE-SET/253272916329?hash=item3af83e0169:g:1ZMAAOSw~vpaFfAK

[ryan_wilkerson]

It was a deal...sold quickly. Buyer might not need them all so check ebay in about a week!

[Big Train]

Just be real careful when removing the sill from around the mechanism after the shell is removed. The sill is the part underneath the walkway and above the fuel tank. There isn't much material where the sill locates next the fuel tank and can break easily. This locomotive seems a lot more delicate than other Kato  designs and requires a gentler touch during disassembly/assembly.

[ns737]

HI I have a katy  that I would sell to you. it runs great and looks great. but it is missing the small walkway part behind the conducters side of the cab. when I got it was a basket case. I put it all back together and had to replace the motor and one truck. and found that one part was missing. I will let it go for 65.00+ shipping if you would like it.

[Jbub]

Before you disassemble further, make sure you watch Mike Fifer's excellent video on the trucks for this beast:

The frame comes apart very easily. First remove the fuel tank.  Then the plastic bottom (walkway) part of the shell pulls off, and the frame opens up.  Really nothing to it (but I was very leery of it my first time, too).

Thanks Rick, I had watched that video before and I goofed big time even after your warning and Mikes. I had the truck off with the cap still in the frame. The worm and universal were still there and for some stupid reason (tired I guess) I put a battery to it and the parts went flying  Luckily I was able to find them all and reassemble it. I also found a part off of another loco on the floor that I hadn't noticed go missing so I guess it was serendipitous.

But for the life of me I can't see where to get the fuel tank off. I don't see any apparent seams to put a toothpick or jewels screwdriver in to pop it off. I really don't want to break this because it's a hard to find heritage unit. I hate prying things too. I

Also, looking at your photo's in your install thread, did you mount LED's behind the Ditch lights? I really don't like the amber yellow Kato put in these so I'll have to get new light pipes.

And @ns737  I'm really considering your offer, I'll let you know

Thanks
Jbub

[RBrodzinsky]

On my SD70, I chose not add separate LEDs for the ditch lights. Since UP doesn't (didn't) have them flash with the horn, I saw no reason to add additional LEDs (this was one of my first Sound installs with ditch lights).  If I were doing it today, I would add two 0402 Warm White SMD LEDs, one behind each light, cutting the light pipes.  And, yes, I bought the clear pipes from Kato to replace the yellow/orange stock light pipe.

Just put your thumb on one side of the tank, with the pad near the top of it, and pull down.

[JanesCustomTrain]

But for the life of me I can't see where to get the fuel tank off. I don't see any apparent seams to put a toothpick or jewels screwdriver in to pop it off. I really don't want to break this because it's a hard to find heritage unit. I hate prying things too.
Thanks
Jbub

No screwdriver or toothpick needed to remove the fueltank and underbody, it's one piece. You hold the drive in one hand and you remove the fueltank underbody with the other hand.

This is the fueltank / underbody from the Mid Production SD40-2 but you get the idea what you will remove on your SD70ACe.

http://www.katousa.com/images/924055.jpg

Jane

[Jbub]

Thank you Jane!!! I wasn't getting that the fuel tanks and sill(?) were all one part. Things would bend and I would get worried. All is well now

Jbub

[Jbub]

@ns737  pm sent

[ns737]

I sent you a message. did you get it?ED

[Jbub]

I sent you a message. did you get it?ED

I didn't, but i just sent you another pm