How do you open the loco cover?

[PrairieTrains]

Just received my starter loco - it is a Walther's ALCO FA-1 Diesel. I was just wanting to open it up to see how much room there might be for a decoder, etc. Is there any easy way without breaking something?? I've attached a photo. Thank you for your help, Pat Patrick

 

[e-paw]

I have an older one from about 10 years ago. with a smaller fuel tank. Mine has 4 screws on the frame near the tank that hold the frame to the shell. if you pry off the tank they may be there.

 

[PrairieTrains]

The tanks do pry off but it is just solid plastic underneath. The only visible screws are on the couplers.

 

[logicman]

Hi, Patrick. (There's a lot of us Patricks about.):mrgreen:

It's not Walther's but may help.
4 separate exploded view pdfs - somewhat typical of
all manufacturers of this diesel type -

Welcome to the Aristo-Craft Trains Internet Depot >> Exploded Parts Diagrams >>

 

[eightyeightfan1]

I have one of those, just not in UP.
Here's a step by step.
Hope it helps.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

First, remove the coupler boxes. There's two screws on eachh side that hold the box in. The rear coupler is the same. Just remember the longer coupler box is the front.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

Next...remove the fuel tank. This is held by clips on the frame. Slight pry with a jewlers screwdriver should pop it right off.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

Next...theres four tabs, two on each side, that hold the glazing for the side porthole. Carefully pry on these, and at the same time lift the frame until the clips come undone from the frame.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

Now comes the hard part.
Carefully, at the point where the glazing clips are, lift the frame off the body. Its a good idea to alternate between the front and back, left and right side.You will get scratches on the frame, but thses will be hidden with the body back in place.
Take your time on this step.

 

[eightyeightfan1]

And there you have it!
Assembly is the reverse, except the body will slip right back on. Make sure you have the porthole glazing is in place.

 

[PrairieTrains]

Wow! Thank you! You guys are amazing. I'll carefully do this AFTER a good night's sleep. Is there room for a decoder and speaker?

 

[eightyeightfan1]

By the looks, a speaker maybe pushing it. But you might be able to get a replacement PC board for a DCC decoder.
Good luck...Let us know how you made out.

 

[jbaakko]

You should be able to fit a narrow rectangular speaker in there somewhere.

 

[PrairieTrains]

I'm new at this - but a speaker would be fluff (and really not necessary). I was wondering if just one of the small decoders would fit ok? You know, tip of little finger size with a bunch of wires sticking out of it ---