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How to Remove a Proto 2000 Shell

Life-Like Proto 2000 model railroad equipment is manufactured in the United States by Wm. K. Walthers Inc. Proto 2000 realistic and detailed HO gauge model railroad locomotives and cars remain appreciated by serious model railroad enthusiasts. Both Walthers and third-party parts makers produce parts and upgrades for Proto 2000 locomotives. You can customize your Proto 2000 locomotive by changing its outer shell to one of a different design or appearance. You also need to remove the shell to add electronic controls, to the engine power train assembly. Some Proto 2000 shells snap off whereas others are held by screws.

Things You'll Need

2 small jeweler's flat screwdrivers
1 small jeweler's Philips head screwdriver
Toothpicks (optional instead of one of the flat screwdrivers)

Instructions

Steam Locomotive Tender Shells
- 1
  Unscrew each of the four screws at each of the four corners at the base of the tender of your Proto 2000 0-8-0 or 2000 0-6-0 model steam locomotive.
- 2
  Remove the screws and carefully set them aside.
- 3
  Pull the shell up gently to remove it and reveal the circuitry of your locomotive.
Proto 2000 E Models
- 4
  Turn the locomotive upside-down and remove the front coupler screw in front of the wheel assembly. Pull the front coupler away from the wheel assembly.
- 5
  Turn the locomotive onto one side and gently insert a small, flat screwdriver between the shell and the chassis of the locomotive. Pull the screwdriver very gently toward you to release the shell tabs.
- 6
  Keep the screwdriver in place or insert toothpicks to hold the shell open if you do not have a second screwdriver. Turn the locomotive onto the other side and repeat Step 2 for the tabs on the second side.
- 7
  Lift the shell upward and off the locomotive circuitry and motor housing.
Proto 2000 "GP" Models
- 8
  Turn the locomotive upside-down. Remove the front and rear couplers with a small Philips- head screwdriver.
- 9
  Turn the locomotive right-side up. Remove the screw on the fuel tank cover and the screws near the motor mount on each side of the locomotive.
- 10
  Gently slip the shell off by pulling it upward and off the housing.
Proto 2000 RS27 Model
- 11
  Turn the locomotive upside-down.
- 12
  Remove the front and rear wheel couplings with a Philips-head screwdriver.
- 13
  Remove each of the two screws located below each wheel assembly.
- 14
  Pull the chassis and housing up and out of the shell.
FA1, E8/9 and 2-8-8-2 Y3 Models
- 15
  Unsnap the two tabs at each side of the base of the FA1 shell from their holding indentations and grasp the top center of the shell. Slide the shell forward so that it clears the front coupler. Once it clears, pull the shell upward and lift it off the chassis.
- 16
  Locate the two tabs above each side of the fuel tank of the E 8/9 locomotive and snap them away from the circles that hold them. Gently grasp the shell at the top center and lift it straight off the chassis.
- 17
  Remove the front coupler of the Proto 2-8-8-2 Y3 tender with a Philips-head screwdriver and simply slip the shell off the chassis.

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