I am about to remove the trucks from my N scale Doodlebug and would like to know if I need to remove the shell in order to re-install the drive truck?
You must remove the shell. There is a driveshaft that goes from the motor to the front truck.
I agree. It's pretty much impossible to get that driveshaft reconnected without removing the shell. Best way to do it is to also unscrew the PC board so that you can access it from the top -
(http://www.spookshow.net/loco/files/bachdccdood.jpg)
(http://www.spookshow.net/loco/files/bachdoodtruck.jpg)
-Mark
Got it... Thank you... I have read on this site that by adjusting the tightness of the "screws" on the drive truck that you can improve the slow sped performance of the Doodlebug... IE from somewhat jerky to smooth...That's my goal...