How to access interior of MTH coach to fix lighting?

swivel the trucks around and look in recesses. There are a lot of screws not readily seen.

Dale H

Thanks for your quick reply Dale.  I only found two screws at each end about half an inch apart (one recessed which is bigger than the screw at the end) under the couplers.  I have undone them, but still can't get anything to release.  Should I expect the roof to release or the chassis panel?  Sorry to sound so dim, but this has got me puzzled.  I obviously need help from a fine product of the Cleveland Public School system! (I'm not being sarcastic).  Best wishes, David

Dave

which cars are they from MTH? 

Very easy to miss screws. 

Dale H

Can you post a pic of the car.  That will help as there are a couple of different types.

Doug

If they are RailKing cars then you have to pop the tops with your thumbs while squeezing the sides

Thanks very much everyone.  Will attach a picture - sorry it's not a good one, but had to use flash 'cos it's dark outside here now.  Hope this helps and I do appreciate your input.  You guys are very lucky in that there is such a range of O scale stuff available for you.  Until relatively recently O scale was virtually dead in the water here.  Now Bassett Lowke has been revived and we have ACE O gauge. 

From the MTH manual, hope you can read it, As Paul said, it takes a twisting motion

Mort

That's really kind, Mort - thanks very much. The page from the manual looks very clear. I shall tackle it in the morning when I can better see what I'm doing and will let you know how I get on.  Goodnight everyone and thanks for all your help. 

Some of them take somewhat scary force to get the top to pop, I found that out when upgrading the lighting.

Hi David, I just wonted to say that I had the same problem when I went to add people to my RK cars. You would think that the procedure for a simple thing like changing a lamp would be a bit more obvious, but I guess it makes for a better looking car.

Oh well, we live and learn.

With a combination of all your advice and encouragement and Mort's page from the handbook, I made a bolder approach to the problem and with a mighty twist the roof suddenly popped off (and the lights now work).  Weeks of head-scratching - problem solved, thanks to you fellas. 

 This is the most helpful forum I have ever come across - previous ones sometimes treat you like an idiot because you don't know things.  Perhaps the hobby in the US is so big that there isn't the back-biting attitude.  Dunno!  Anyway, many thanks and have a great Christmas and New Year.  Will attach a picture of one of the UK ACE engines which I mentioned in a previous reply.  Best wishes, David

David,

You have made an old lady very happy. That is one beautiful looking West Country. 

I thought those released from the bottom of the car. There are several screws in the bottom including two screws that are hidden by the coupler.

Scott Smith

Cool locomotive, don't the Brit's believe in headlights?

Nicole - glad you like the West Country Class Bulleid Pacific - in England we call that Class "Spam cans" for obvious reasons.  Apparently it was made like that with a smooth casing so that it could go through the coach wash.  Glad you're not dead yet - nor are we!

 Sorry it didn't have headlights fitted, Gunrunner John.  We'll try to put a couple of more pictures up of some of my locos which do have headlights.  The black tank loco was rebuilt from scrap and converted to 3 rail from clockwork.  I think it looks cute. 

Thanks again all you guys for your help and interest. You were right - that it needed some confidence to squeeze the coach just enough to get the roof to release.  Have a great Christmas.  Best wishes, David

Very nice stuff, the little clockwork conversion is great. The European stuff looks so different from what we're used to, I have to have a couple just to turn heads!