Minitrains Bagnall

[BobB]

Has anyone actually succeeded in getting the body off the recent Minitrains Bagnall loco, to allow modifications to the body shell?  Earlier posts give links to the Minitrains website, where there are instructions for removing the body from two different generations of Stainz locos, but the Bagnall seems to me to be different to both these.

Unscrewing the chimney releases the chassis and cylinders, which then slide backwards and forwards under the body (with the pistons coming out of the cylinders if you are not careful!).  After this, I am lost.  The boiler/tank unit is separate from the footplate/cab, but appears to be locked or clipped in place in the centre of the loco (probably by the diecast block on top of the chassis, visible in photos on the Minitrains website).  There is a limit to the force I think it prudent to apply...

Any suggestions?

Bob

[B.Meldon]

The chassis will be very reluctant to separate from the body.
It is a very tight fit.
Try gently moving the front, then the back, then the front again

[BobB]

It is a very tight fit. Try gently moving the front then the back

[B.Meldon]

The clip is in the middle of the chassis like the other Maintains locos so downward not sliding.
It is a very tight fit, only remove it if you are sure you need to do so as it can invalidate your warrantee if you make any obvious marks or damage.

If you want daylight under the boiler then both the body and the chassis will need alterations as this is where the chassis clip is located.

Brian Meldon

[BobB]

Thanks Brian - most helpful.  I think it is too late for the warranty - I've already made some structural changes to the body to make it into an interpretation of Excelsior in its 0-4-2T phase. 

I realise I can't get daylight under the boiler, but I want to reduce the visual impact of the "straight sides" below the boiler.  I may have to settle for adding some low-relief springs (or half springs), plus reverser reach rod on the LHS and toolbox on the RHS.   A strategically placed bucket on the footplate may help as well...

Bob

[Mac Strong]

Had this problem too. Remove the chimney. Hold the loco firmly in one hand and with the other use a small flat blade screwdriver or similar to push down on the top of the motor - not the flywheel - you will hear a distinct click. It may be apart then, but my experience is that the front end will need releasing, to do this I reattached the chimney by a couple of tuns and then push down on the chimney that unclips the front end. Unscrew the chimney completely and it should then come apart. Beware the cylinders and valve gear are loose, I kept them in place by using tape and taped them to the chassis. If the valve gear comes apart it is a fiddle to get them back together. I found on re-assembly that if the chimney is overtightened it can affect the position of the chassis and the running.

Mac

[BobB]

Mac,
Thanks for the very practical advice.  I've been away, so haven't tried it yet, but it looks to be just the sort of hint I was seeking.
Bob