45 Ton Diesel Side Rod Removal

[Gandy Dancer 1]

Hi-

Anyone out there familiar with the procedure to remove the side rods and counterweights?  It appears there are "plugs" covering the screws holding the side rods and counterweights on.  How to remove the plugs without disfiguring them so they can be replaced.
Thanks,
Bill

[Gandy Dancer 1]

I simply can't fathom that NOBODY out there has had the siderods off a Bachmann 45 ton diesel!!!!!!!!!!!!  If indeed nobody has what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Bill

[Kevin Strong]

Can't tell you how to just remove the side rods. For the counterweights, I drill a small hole in the center and insert a phillips screwdriver. (Usually it's because the bloody things are loose and need to be tightened.) If there's a way to remove the plugs without damaging them, I haven't a clue what it would be. However, most axles have a small dimple in the end in order to center them on a wheel lathe for turning the treads down, so a small hole in the center of the counterweight will be prototypical.

Later,

K

[Gandy Dancer 1]

Thanks Kevin for responding.  I'll give it a whirl and report back.

Bill