Is there a trick to getting the shell off an Athearn F45? Do I have to remove the couplers first or something? The LL GP60 was hard, but this seems even harder. Thanks in advance for your advice.
Try this: "As for the shell, remove the couplers first, and you may want to convert the McHenry's to Micro-Trains. Next I just tap the bottom of the front pilot a little on the index finger on my other hand , and after a couple of taps, the shell is loose and will wiggle right off." I found this on the Atlas forum Otherwise, Remove the couplers first, there are four nubs on the chassis directly above the center axle of each truck. GENTLY slide a toothpick between the shell and the chassis from the bottom side in line with the center axle on each of the trucks on both sides. The chassis should just slide out. Hope that helps.
Thanks, taking off the couplers was the trick. Used the toothpicks too, only needed two around the front truck to get it started. Interesting design. Kinda regretting not having a sound version now that I read that the Tsunami for this is not available separately.
