Shell removal for an Atlas RS1

First, you get a large glass of whiskey........

@Alan Wood posted:

I used to talk to Bill Seratelli at Atlas for advice like this but I heard he retired.

Bill did a repair on my Atlas O RS-1 in December 2023. If he retired, it's recently.

MELGAR

May not be so easy to describe but you have to remove six screws on the underside. A pair under the ends of each hood plus a pair under the long hood near the cab. Then pull out the handrails that fit into the cab. Locking tabs under the cab have to be released plus a pair under one of the hoods (which one???). If it has TAS boards they create a lot of friction on the long hood so pull gently.

Pete

Not sure if this any help from Atlas’ site. The 6 screws I’m guessing are the six larger holes in the chassis. From what I can remember from years ago. You have to search out the screws by pivoting the trucks. It takes a very thin shanked screwdriver to access them.

@NJCJOE posted:

First, you get a large glass of whiskey........

Single malt I hope....

@Alan Wood posted:

Hello All

I have an Atlas RS1 and the rear light stopped working.

I was wondering if anybody had any tips for removing the shell?

I used to talk to Bill Seratelli at Atlas for advice like this but I heard he retired.

I saw him at his desk this afternoon, so if he has retired it is within the past hour or two.

I wrote the attached step-by-step instructions back in 2004, mostly for myself so I wouldn't forget.  It's complex.

@Bob posted:

I wrote the attached step-by-step instructions back in 2004, mostly for myself so I wouldn't forget.  It's complex.

Thanks Bob,very helpful...joe

I disassembled an Atlas RS-1 yesterday and really wish I’d have found this thread before starting. I eventually got it apart, made the necessary repair then got it reassembled but the entire process took close to four hours including several epithets, one peeled finger nail, a skinned knuckle and having to get up and walk away at one point to allow frustration to subside. A half a fifth of single malt would have been appropriate!

How these models were mass produced is a mystery to me!

Curt

PS to @Bob Bartizek; thank you for the instructions! I’ve printed a copy for future reference.

I've always maintained that Atlas stuff, especially the narrow body diesels, was not made to be repaired.

Sounds like the RS1 disassembly is very similar to if not identical to the RS3.

I had to open one up recently....lot's of fun.

Took 4 attempts to get the cab and interior shield to fit back in the right place.