Kato Charger Shell Removal? I Give Up!

[OrangeAnon]

Not really. While the transparent window pieces have 4 latching locations, the metal chassis only has 2 protruding tabs (left front and right rear).

Oh, good catch, I only looked at the glass latches, not the frame!

[tehachapifan]

Most (if not all) Kato  wide-body N scale locos only use 2 latches (on diagonally opposite corners), even if some have tabs on all 4 sides of the shell.

Not really. While the transparent window pieces have 4 latching locations, the metal chassis only has 2 protruding tabs (left front and right rear).

Oh, good catch, I only looked at the glass latches, not the frame!

It's rather interesting that the P42's have 4 window glazing latches and 2 frame lugs, while the Chargers have 2 window glazing latches and 4 frame lugs!

[peteski]

It's rather interesting that the P42's have 4 window glazing latches and 2 frame lugs, while the Chargers have 2 window glazing latches and 4 frame lugs!

It's because those are Kato models.  The do things they own unexplainable ways. 

[tehachapifan]

Wow....been fussing for about an hour again trying to get the shell back off. Forgot what I did last time. On a scale of 1 to 10 on difficulty, this is about a 15. Really hope nobody ever has to get into theirs for maintenance or anything. It's basically impossible. Once you separate the sill (which will by itself make you go mad) and pry the locking tab away from the frame, there's nothing to hold onto to lift the shell. I'm probably going to have to give up on custom lighting and sell it.

[tehachapifan]

OK, finally wrestled the shell off again. This time, I got my fingernails between the shell and frame as best as I could on one end, gently spread it apart and then began shaking the loco up and down until the frame started to drop out. Then did the same on the other end. Had to fuss a bunch with keeping the sill separated as I went. Still incredibly difficult.