Rapido N FP9A - Swap out traction tires?

[Dwight in Toronto]

We have a good discussion thread going on a few problems with these new Rapido locos.  Although there was some dialogue around working on the loco drive wheels, I wasn’t sure on how to gain access to them, and was hoping someone could provide insight on:
a) how to safely remove the body shell (I removed both front & rear couplers, and tried gently prying the body sides apart, but the chassis refuses to budge … I’m paranoid about ruining something since all the fine detail is so fragile; better to learn from someone who knows what’s what here)
b) how to gain access to the driven wheels (I would like to swap the factory installed traction tire wheel/axle for the all-metal wheel-set that was provided in the wee parts bag)

Thanks in advance to any and all who respond!

[Narlie]

Dwight
Brush up on your French and watch this video.https://www.facebook.com/StationBelmont/videos/354047909804178/
You don't need to take off the shell. Also it is not necessary to remove the couplers when you do.

Quote from Rapido:" It's easy to remove the frame from the shell, no screwdrivers required, gently pry the shell open by the fuel tank and gently shake the frame out over some foam for gentle landing."

It does work, I just used my fingers.
 
Good luck.
Dave B

[dangerboy81]

You don't have to take the shell off to get to the trucks though. The bottom of the trucks comes off, there is a clip at each end. Just undo 1 end with a small flat screwdriver.
Edit: Or watch Narlie's video, LOL. He shows you how!

[peteski]

Removal and disassembly of the truck was discussed in another recent thread in this forum section.

Good starting point of the discussion is here: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=52757.msg722424#msg722424

[Dwight in Toronto]

Narlie … mon amie … tres bien!  Merci boucoup!  Excuse moi, si vous plait - mon francais est terrible!

Seriously, thanks so much for that.  You made it look so easy, but I’m still not clear on where to best do the prying.  A close-up of where to place a knifeblade or fine screwdriver would be helpful.

I saw your post from Rapido about using your fingers to remove the shell - I tried that, but the chassis did not budge at all.  I’m paranoid about breaking something!

Peteski, I did indeed see the content that you kindly referred back to, but I was hoping that someone might have, or be able to come up with, something better/clearer/more descriptive.  Hence, I started this topic.  I still think that me, and likely others, would benefit from a somewhat more detailed “pictorial tutorial”, just to avoid learning the hard (expensive) way!

But, good stuff so far - thanks guys!

[peteski]

If all you want to do is swap the wheelset, then all you have to to is to remove the gear cover at the bottom of the truck.  Unsnap the gear cover at either end of the truck, and the gear cover will simply lift off.  Replace the wheelset, then snap the gear cover back on.  Very simple. No video or pictorial tutorial that I know of.

[dangerboy81]

Some photos from when I was messing around with mine. click the photos to make them bigger.

[dangerboy81]

Hope this shows you how the bottom of the trucks comes off.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Ok guys, you’re all the best!

Everything is good with respect to swapping out the traction tire getup for the metal wheel set.  I carefully popped off the gear cover as instructed, and the wheel changeout was then easy peasy.  Thanks so much for your patience, encouragement, and excellent supportive video & photos.

I haven’t made any re-attempt to remove the body shell, since the wheel swap (thankfully) didn’t require it … better to quit while ahead!