Opening a F7a

[RouxBDoo]

Hi, I was looking to see if I could change the shell on a F7a NS, (like comes in the Thoroughbred set).  I took the small black screws out of what looks to be a fuel tank.  Then when I attempted to remove the phillips screws from the 4 posts, there is NO budging them.  I finally gave up and reattached the black screws that hold the board in and now it doesn't run.  The motor is running but the wheels aren't connecting.  The only solution I can think of is taking the chassis out and reattaching what's come loose.  Anyone else had problems with these screws???  I don't want to strip them but they won't budge.

Help!

Tim

[jbrock27]

Not trying to be flip here, but are you sure you are using the correct size Phillips head screwdriver to try to remove them?  I either use the larger of the Phillips size out of a jewelers set or a small Craftsman Phillips head, #0. 

[RouxBDoo]

Hey JBrock, thanks and yes. I tried several sizes.  Several seemed to seat perfectly, but still would not budge.

[jbrock27]

You're welcome.  Sorry that did not provide any help.  
Can you shine a light, like from a small flashlight, down each of the holes to tell the condition of the screw heads?  And do any of them  turn at all or no?

[bapguy]

 Put the screw driver on the screw head and give it a whack with a small hammer. This might help loosen the screws.  Joe

[jbrock27]

Unless you had a foam engine cradle or something similar to hold the loco in, I would be very wary of doing that.

[RouxBDoo]

Hey guys thanks for the info, especially the hammer idea, Hah.  I finally got the screws out, turns out they were turning they were just stripped in the plastic posts and not moving (the screw heads were fine).  I got a magnetic screw driver and turned the shell right-side up, and they all came out.

I do appreciate your responses.

Timmy

[jbrock27]

Very good!  Glad you solved it