I have several MTH PS2 diesels that I have purchased over the years starting around 2006. I do not have a layout but I am close to starting one which will be constructed using Atlas track with minimum curves of O-81. Most of my engines have scale wheels and fixed pilots. All the engines were purchased new and until now, none have been removed from the boxes. I decided to replace the batteries with BCR-2 units. The first engine I worked on was a GP38-2 which had hi-rail wheels. I removed the four body mount screws and the shell came off without much difficulty and I installed the BCR-2. My next attempt was with a scale wheel ES44AC engine (MTH #20-2823-2). I am having an issue getting this shell off. The instructions with the engine are kind of generic. I removed the screws for the body, front and rear pilots and I also disconnected and removed the speaker. Do I need to pry the shell away from the frame? Do I need to remove the fixed pilots (do they come right off or slide off horizontally?). I am afraid of breaking something off of the shell. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. After this engine I have six more diesels to do. Thanks for any assistance.
