Kato N Scale ACL-42 Charger - Shell Removal, Etc...

Some have already received theirs and others like me are thinking about buying one of these. Below is a video from Kato with general information and the shell being removed at time stamp 2:00, and installation of the light kit also. Apparently from other members you have to be very careful removing the shell.



Looks like he is pulling down on the RED stripe in the video?



Now I want the Genesis P42 Midnight Blue and I think the ACL-42 Charger 50th also!

 

Yes, it's the red stripe on 302 and those in that paint, mine is 301 the Day One so it's the white stripe. Mine broke right in front of thr fuel tank on the left hand side. I snapped it back in place and dabbed some Tamiya thin cement around it to hold it into place. You can tell by the way it's being pulled down in the video that it has elasticity to it but can still be broken as it is very thin in some places. in2tech, thanks for posting the videos! The bottom one is the one I used to learn how to remove the shell. It really is a great looking and running locomotive.
Ralph

 

Arrrgh. Wouldn't a screw on each end be easier? But that would raise assembly costs. Being an old N Scaler, I miss the easy shell removal we once had.

 

Oh well, you know how engineers (not railroad) are. Each one of them has a better idea.



Doug

 

Ok, just an update. I just saw a video on YouTube: TREVORDERPER Kato ACL-42 shell removal. Excellent, excellent video on his way of removing the shell. After looking at his method of doing it, I think it's by far the best I've seen. in2tech, if you check this out, please tell me what you think.
Ralph

 

Unfortunately Kato pride themselves in making all their locos snap together, no screws at all. Precision Japanese Engineering.

 

Can you post a link to the video?

 

https://www.youtube.com/@trevorderper2881
MK, will this work?

 

That got me half way there which helped me find it. Thanks.

 

Remember the 'good old days' when shell removal was easy peazy ?? lol

 

So the picture I posted with the Red arrows was correct? Interesting! Also nice find.

 

Which Digitrax or TCS decoder goes in the ACL-42? I can't find a YT video showing the installation of any decoder?

 

in2tech, you might try calling Kato direct (847)-781-9500 and asking someone in customer service. I had a question about a part request and they were quite friendly and helpful. For some reason they don't answer the phone until after 2pm CST though but they may be able to answer that for you. Hope this helps,
Ralph

 

According to Digitrax's decoder selector tool on their web page, it takes a DN163k4A decoder.

 

Non-Sound Decoders:
Digitrax: DN163K4A
TCS: K1D4
NCE: N14K1

Sound Decoders:
ESU: LokSound 5 Micro Direct Kato USA (58741)
Digitrax: SDN144K1E

 

Here's how to install an ESU LokSound 58741 decoder in the ALC-42.



Hope this helps!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com