Everybody has had their Intermountain FT's for several months now, however I held out for the NP paint scheme. They just arrived today, and I think they look great! However, I cannot run them yet, until they are converted, which breings me to the topic question... How do you get the shell off? I already broke the fuel tank, thinking that it pry's off like Atlas, Kato, and Lifelike. It turns out that the shell has to come off before the fuel tank. It was awful kind of Intermountain to inclose an exploded view of the loco...NOT! So, all you experienced types out there, before i continue with the shell removal, I'll wait to hear from some of you. Just when you think you've seen everything they throw you for a loop.
Robert- A while back, Bob Russell had posted on the frame screws that held the shells up higher than they were supposed to sit. (On the first IM FT releases.) I don't recall what all he wrote. But am wondering if he described anything there? Perhaps a search of older threads for this subject? And see if he did say anything? Wish I knew. But have yet to get my FTs. Too many other goodies keep nibbling away at my small hobby budget! Boxcab E50
The A unit shell can be tricky to get off. Here's how its done. Remove the pilot coupler and rear drawbar. take a small thin screwdriver and insert it in the rear of the shell and slowly work the shell up. Then insert the screwdriver first on one side of the shell below the cab area and work it up a little then go to the other side and do the same. Keep moving around the shell working it up as you go, just go slow and it will come off. The B unit has a thin layer of rubber glue on the shell sides so it stays attached to the frame. Insert a hobby knife between the shell side and the frame (around the tank area) and work the knife back and forth. As you seperate the shell from the frame insert a toothpick so the frame can't contact the glue again thats on the shell. Once you have the shell sides clear of the frame the shell will drop right off very easy.
