Hey gang - My undec AC4400 came in today, and as I'm looking at it, it is way different and more complex than the good 'ol Dash 9, as some of you have mentioned. Can anyone provide a step by step on how to take the shell apart, so I don't break something? Thanks!
It's really not that much different, other than removing the cab/walkway sides. The cab/walkway sides have a peg on either side that lock into the lower base of the main walkways, or just behind the steps on either side. You basically want to slide the cab forward while squeezing in on the pegs, which should release them and allow the cab to slide forward. You should then be able to lift the cab up and off. If you intend to remove the headlight glass BE CAREFUL not to be forceful. I busted a pair of these when trying to remove the cab interior of which they were attached. Reassembly is a bit of a trick on the AC inverter bank side. I haven't done this in 3 months so maybe someone can provide more insight on the assembly and dis-assembly. Good Luck!!
during the renumbering process of my 56 ac4400 i had to disasseble / assemble all the shells. it's a real pita..... ok, i'll try to describe it. 1. remove the shell from the drive 2. remove the detail parts on the bottom of the shell 3. use a toothpick to release the handrails from the cab (following steps are for right hand people...) 4. turn the loco upside down, cab to the right 5. use the nail of your right thumb and gently push it into the little gap on the walkway where the body and the cab meet. this should disengage the peg 6. gently slide the cab forward a bit not more than 1/16" 7. now turn the loco so the cab faces to the left. still upside down. repeat 5 and 6 on the right side of the loco. this time you'll use the nail of your left thumb. once you have 1/16" gaps on both sides proceed with 8 8. GENTLY (!!) slide the cab forward and lift the front part. take care not to break the pilot hand rails. the pegs sometimes catch the handrails. so work slowly and take care. as soon as you got the spare parts i'll teach you how to assemble the loco sorry for my poor description. english is not my mothers tongue.....
took me almost an hour to get a cp rail AC4400 apart to detail the night before last.....the hardest part of the whole detailing process!
Sandro & ac60 - thanks for the tips. We may complain about this unit being tough to disassemble, but at least it comes apart (and isn't glued together like another recent release!).
No you are right Jere,the SD90's are a hard one,mainly the cab section.The -9's are pretty easy compared!Just take note which way the ditch light/clear plastic peice goes,had me going for abit
Well I'm gunna wait abit till Craig from BLMA releases his detail kit for late model GE loco's,cab & roof grabs etc. will be worth the wait!
