Looking for any procedures on how to do this safely without causing damage. I like to remove the crewmen from dummy units completely and would like to replace the MTH standard-issue crewmen in some of my powered engines. The last time I removed one crewman from a dummy unit, I ended up cracking the frame of the engine in the process of doing so. That engineer was really glued (figuratively and literally) to the engine. 
-Ed Abbot
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Three thoughts: First, solidly glued pieces can often be loosened by slow, steady wiggling. However, it sounds like the figures in question might be too solidly glued for this to work.
Second, if the figure is glued in with cyanoacrylate (super glue), a commercial super glue remover might dissolve the bond without destroying the plastic.
Finally, if you don't mind destroying the figure, you can cut it up with a Dremel tool and scrape away the remains to make way for the new figure.
It also occurs to me that I've seen MTH engineer figures that were cast in one piece with the seat. In that case you could cut the seat off at the bottom with a razor saw or Dremel tool, if you can get access.
Ed, I have done this several times with good success. Assuming the crew figures are in fact separate pieces that are glued to the seat, I have had good luck using an Exacto knife fitted with a rectangular, flat blade (looks like a tiny wood chisel). I simply get it started under the figure and then slowly wiggle it back and forth while applying some forward pressure. Basically you end up slicing through the glue without damaging the figures or seats. I'm guessing a single-edged razor blade may also do the trick. Whatever glue remnants remain on either the figure or the seat can be easily sanded off.
My eyes and hands AIN't what they used to be, so when I try to do some intricate repair, or replacement, work I wind up breaking things!!!
This is known as 'PROGRESS!'
'Progress' of growing old, feeble and useless!!!
Ralph
This sounds crazy but works every time for me. I take a wooden track tie and butt it right up against the back of the seat and the side of the body. Then I take a small hammer and give it a short, sharp, shock (wack) which usually pops them straight (and clean off) on the first hit. I hate figures in dummy units, so I've been using this method for years.
Stack
Get Verdana Turbine in a low cut short dress on an overpass they go under.... they'll fall right out of their seats!
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