Anyone have a solution for front coupler removal???

Sure well, as a "crazy 'scale' guy", that really isn't the recommended method for requesting help.

 

My I suggest you visit the 3-Eail SCALE Forum to learn some options?

Modifying ones locomotive is purely a matter of choice. The aforementioned coupler can be a tad distracting, but it may be possible to remove it and replace it with a very realistic and prototypical coupler that may be less offensive. Short of that, if you remove the coupler altogether, the locomotive might actually look less realistic in my opinion.

 

Pete

Remove the shell, remove the truck from the frame, and that coupler can be removed easily. It's not that difficult. There's probably only 4 screws that hold the shell on, maybe 6, depending on the engine.

Are you asking two questions:  first, how to remove the coupler; and, second, how to cover the hole in the pilot after the coupler is removed?

 

LOS has given you the answer to your first question.  As for the pilot, start a new thread here or in 3RS or 2RS and ask how to eliminate the hole in your now, or soon to be, coupler-less pilot.  This is one of those situations where it would be helpful to submit the same question on all of these forums. 

Remove the coupler and fashion a plate to cover the opening just like this one.
http://www.burlingtonroute.com...lle_il_calzephyr.jpg
I have a few F units that I'm going to do the same thing with.

There's various ways to eliminate that ugly coupler and make your engines look better

 

E and F units are some of the easier diesels to do.

Well, it is straightforward.  Just remove the coupler, first.  I don't know how your particular loco is assembled, but they are all put together with screws, etc., so just remove it.  

 

Then, make a piece to fill the hole it when through.  I've done that several times.  Usually I make a plastic piece that fits in the hole, sort of, and use Loktite repair putty from behind to epoxy it in place, then auto body filler in front sanding smooth and painted.  

 

Below is the first effort I did, early on, where I just inserted the piece of plastic, filled any gaps/seams, and left it flat, and just painted it as I wanted.  It looks better than a lobster claw, anyway, but as I said, a little body putty filler and work can make is smooth as if the claw was never there. 

 

That looks great Lee.

I agree, looks great Lee.

There are many styles of snow plows. Each can be modified to fit. Maybe one of the crew on the scale side can point you in the right direction.

 

God Bless,

"Pappy"

"...get it out of there with brute force" is disturbing. I don't know what this means, but

is there actually somewhere in this country that screwdrivers are unknown?

Sadly, probably.

Exactly!  What is wrong with just taking it apart the way it was put together?  Remove the coupler.  They come off without trauma - really!  These things were put together a part at a time, just take it apart the same way.  Then work to fill the hole.

Didn't mean to offend any of the 3RS guys - I have nothing but the deepest admiration for your work!   I don't have that kind of attention to detail and/or patience when it comes to my trains.  I wish I did - some of the examples posted above are awesome!

 

Yes, I've heard of the "screw driver".  I used to build super-computers "one part at a time" - I've likely turned more than most around some of the most delicate, insanely expensive electronics imaginable.  If you used to work for NASA, you may have me beat, or some of my stuff was controlling your stuff   I've popped a few couplers on my N-Scale engines as well - they just aren't powered, but my goodness are they ever SMALL.

 

My HO Proto E8's that I used to run had a nice solution where they actually supplied a painted filler piece for the pilot - probably cost them all of $1.00 and it worked well.  Was hoping to stumble on to something like that - a parts kit from someone who had already invented this particular wheel so to speak.  

 

Oddly enough, they don't bother me on my other diesel locos - I think its that sweet, smooth-curved front end that gets... well... "violated" by that lobster claw