Have a problem trying to get the body off the frame to replace the coupler. It appears ( believe it or not) that the frame has been glued on the platform ends and cannot get this apart to expose the coupler box. Has anyone encountered this problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. John
I had the same problems John, Thats why I dont care for some of this RTR stuff as they seem to glue everything together. Atlas in this case. I had to just break the glue joints and hope not to tear too much up. I did notice there were 3 pins on the bottom of the end ladder sprue that pin into the underframe. And of course it was glued as well.
Tom, As it sits right now the easiest way was to take the center beam off by backing the screw out therefore the coupler pocket is one piece with the center beam. The screw cannot be taken out BECAUSE it was screwed in from the inside, and the body is glued to the underframe. Nothing like good quality control. I am going to inform Athearn on this, I need a good laugh. John
Ken, at the end of the last truck axel on both trucks, those shiny spots are the end of the screws. They were screwed from the inside. The body is glued to the frame and there is no separation line where the frame and end of platform ends meet
I had the same problem. My solution was to cut the center beam near beyond the screw with a razor saw and replace the coupler box. -Bob T.
I have the same Athearn Frisco cab and just took a look at it. I now also see what the problem is! Crazy - no way to get at the couplers. I would agree with Bob T's suggestion - cut off the coupler boxes and replace with a Kadee #242 box. Tom - No cushion drawbars on these guys. They were ex- ATSF cabs, bought from them in 1969 & 1971. Frisco made some modifications, but used regular coupler drawbars. BTW, the cars were usually seen on leaf spring caboose trucks. Use the Tichy #3051 truck as a quick fix. Ken
