Is it an old style cupola caboose? If so, the Roco cabooses have the four tabs as you describe and they have to be pushed aside so they unhook from the floor and then then floor lifts up. Does yours have plastic covers over the coupler box? If so, there are two studs that stick into the sides of the box and you can just stick a knife blade in there and pry it off. You don't really have to remove the body. This is assuming they are made like Atlas cabooses from Roco. If not, forget my instructions. Doug
It has the four tabs as you say. I thought someone might have a good technique for releasing these tabs. The coupler box has the metal retainer that is crimped on the opposite side so I do need to remove the shell.
I was hoping someone would have a good technique on releasing these tabs. I've tried a number of methods to no avail.
I no longer have a Minitrix old time caboose to look at, so I'm completely winging it here, but if the four tabs protrude through the floor and they want to be brought toward the centerline to release, is there a way you can hold the caboose upside down with one hand and use a pair of needlenose pliers to pinch the tabs toward the center, one pair at a time, pushing up the floor with thumb and forefinger? Watch thy fingers to prevent a pinch if the pliers slip. I wish manufacturers didn't build stuff this way. I'm constantly frustrated at getting locomotive shells off. I long for simple assembly screws.
I can move both tabs on an end at the same time while prying and/or pushing but nothing seems to release. The caboose with its end of car paraphernalia adds to the issue.
You couldn't post a picture of the car, bottom and side/top views, could you? I am having a hard time visualizing the use of the metal retainer instead of the plastic as I believe the ones I have are all the plastic retainer type. EDIT: This post is nuts. Forget it. Doug
Bah! I am officially red-faced now. My old Atlas ones have the metal retainers, too. My memory was faulty. Let me look at the tabs on one and I'll get back. Doug
OK, assuming the Trix ones were made like the Atlas ones, because the other cars were made the same way between the two importers, the end railing/ladder assemblies can be removed. There are two little studs sticking down into the floor. Pry it off with a sharp knife. They will then be out of the way. Then you should be able to get the sharp knife under the end door to put a little upward pressure on the body. When the tabs are pushed toward the center of the car, the body should release from the floor. In fact, the body on the one I have here released without having to push on the tabs at all. Doug
