What are the issues besides possibly voiding warranty? How does one detach various lights?
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Has no one done this ?
I have the older E7 model and I know there are two screws that double as step holder and the shell. they are under the fuel tank. Not sure about the E9 cause I have not bought a set yet. 
I don't believe you will void your warranty if you take the shell off. How does Lionel expect us to get the battery in.
Most of the lights have simple 2 prong miniconnectors that plug into the boards or have transition connectors for service.
Why do you need to unplug the lights?
I had an older set of NYC F3's and the cab lights were so bright. I just cut one wire and wrapped the pair in electrical tape.
To Forrest:
I strongly suggest one or two things to do.
1-Refer to the instruction book that comes with the locomotive as to the location of the screws that hold the body to the frame.
or
2-Contact the Lionel Service Department. This is one of the things that they are there for to assist you. I personally have removed the body shells from every diesel locomotive that I have ever owned in the past 60 years and while some of the screws are harder to get at then others I have done then all.
Screw determination is easy. What happens after the shell is unscrewed is what I am trying to learn.
As an aside, I was told by a customer service person on the phone that removing the shell of a powered F3B would void the warranty
As an aside, I was told by a customer service person on the phone that removing the shell of a powered F3B would void the warranty
Once you remove the screws most of the lights have just enough wire length to lay the shell near the chassis so you can unplug the connectors to the shell. Its pretty straight forward for a B unit.
The powered A in some engines are tricky around the Cab interface to flywheel area.
Sometimes the antenna plate will rub on top of the flywheel.
Originally Posted by Forrest Jerome:
Screw determination is easy. What happens after the shell is unscrewed is what I am trying to learn.
Lets think about this for a bit, Forest. First, how do you suppose they got it assembled in the first place? There just HAS to be sufficient slack in the various wires to all the various lights mounted within the body shell. Thus, one should be able to slowly remove the body shell and see how all that extra wire length is stowed inside.
