Removing shell from body of Acela

[Texasgirl]

I have been trying for an hour to remove the shell from the chassis of an Acela engine to put in a decoder chip.  In your forum you say use a small flat ______ (which I take to mean screwdriver) and gently pry it off.  Can you give more specific instructions?  This just is not working. Thanks, Texasgirl

[jonathan]

Texasgirl,

The Acela locomotive shell is one of the more difficult shells to lift off.

On the rear of the locomotive should be a black, rectangular piece, which represents the cushioning around the rear door.  You should be able to remove this piece by gently pulling straight back.  There is a tab which hold the piece to the shell.

Also, the front nose piece, or 'cowling' is also held on in a similar manner.

I remove the above pieces before attempting to pry off the shell.

It has been a long time since I last removed the shell.  I remember it being a bit frustrating, but it can be done.  Be careful of the springs that operate the side doors.  I popped one of those loose the last time I removed the shell.

Using some toothpicks will help.  These can be slipped into the sides as you spread the sides of the shell.

The decoder installation is plug and play.

Hope this helps.  Again, I haven't done this in a long time.

Regards,

Jonathan