N scale 44 & 70 tonner shell removal/ Z scale coupler conversion

[rwclarry]

Hi; Just joined here. I have both of these locos and run them quite a bit on my club's layout. I want to convert them to MT 905 z scale couplers.
I have two questions;
How do I get the shells off? I've tried spreading the shells at the fuel tank on the 44 tonner and almost get it but I worry about damaging it if I force it any more.

The second question is about that post on the bottom of the shell the stock coupler mounts on. The hole on the MT coupler box is too small to fit over the post. I've been tempted to clip the post off and hopefully use the Bachmann screw to mount it on the sill.  I think drilling a larger hole in the MT box will ruin it.
Any help/advice will be appreciated.
These are great little locos

[spookshow]

You have the right idea. To remove the shell, simply spread the sides apart to free it from the three "bumps" on each side of the chassis. It should pop off fairly readily at that point. When putting the shell back on, note the orientation of the big white arrows (one on the chassis and one inside the shell).



Cheers,
-Mark