Proto GP shell removal help

[Gene P.]

I was wondering if anyone know the trick to removing the shell of a proto 2000 GP38-2 shell? The instructions weren't helpful in that area. Thanks in advance!!

[HOplasserem80c]

there should be some swrews behind the trucks or it just clips on and off

[Guilford Guy]

Gene- If its anything like the GP30's unscrew the coupler box screws and slide teh coupler boxes out. then there are also 2 screws between the front truck and the fuel tank which should be removed. Then just carefully slide the shell off the chassis.

[lanny]

Alex is correct ... the Proto GP38-2 must have the couplers carefully removed, and then you will find at least two other screws near the fuel tank (hard to see) that must be removed. Really look over everything carefully to make sure all screws have been removed ... that puppy is a 'pain' to find and remove all the screws, but once you have, the body comes off quite easily. "Very gently" is the word when removing anything on a Proto 2K.

lanny nicolet

[Gene P.]

Thanks for the help, off to work now, but I'll make another attempt this evening. Man, these DCC upgrades are addictive!

[FFJOHNL312]

Gene:
Since you are doing a GP38-2, I will let you know that there may be an issue where the numberboards are wired in such a way that when the decoder is installed, you can fry it. Do a search at Tony's Train Exchange for the advisory.
John Loesch

[FFJOHNL312]

Gene:

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/loconews/life-p2k-wiring.htm

John Loesch

[Guilford Guy]

Alex is correct ... the Proto GP38-2 must have the couplers carefully removed, and then you will find at least two other screws near the fuel tank (hard to see) that must be removed. Really look over everything carefully to make sure all screws have been removed ... that puppy is a 'pain' to find and remove all the screws, but once you have, the body comes off quite easily. "Very gently" is the word when removing anything on a Proto 2K.

lanny nicolet

just to add to lanny's post- when you remove the coupler boxes there are 2 more screws the below where the coupler box was that should NOT be removed unless you wish to take the metal weight off to access the motor+trucks.

[lanny]

Thanks for adding the note on the screws NOT to be removed, GG!

I have, at times, done just that ... removed screws thinking that would make a shell come off more easily, only to find that I loosened the motor or some other frusrtatingly difficult item to get back in to original condition!

lanny nicolet

[Guilford Guy]

and there is one screw under each coupler just to clarify...