Atlas Master Underframes

[johnnetzlof]

I have an Atlas Master GP40 with a gray under frame I'd like to paint black, I'm assuming the Fuel & Air tanks and Truck sideframes come off some how, and I can paint them seperately, and then maybe brush by hand the actual frame to avoid screwing up delicate electronics?

Anyone done this and have any ideas?

[dtinut]

The fuel tank will come off - just grasp the tank firmly, and pull straight down (remove the shell first though) the air tanks are attached to the tank. Watch out for the details so they don't get trashed.

You can then paint the frame black.

[johnnetzlof]

Which brings my next question:

How do you remove the shell with out destroying anything???

[dtinut]

start by removing the couplers, then - grasp the shell (long hood) in the middle down by the walkway, squeeze, and rock while lifting away from the frame.

Ultimately - there are 3 sets of tabs, which are attached to the long hood-nose part, that fit thru the walkway, and interlock with the frame.

I can usually get the shell to release using the above method, but sometimes a tab won't release. Use a very small screwdriver or toothpick, and look around the trucks for the inside of the frame, wher the tabs come thru and latch. Here you can use a tool to release the offending tab.

Really - once the you have the shell off - you could glue the hood to the walkway, which allows you to cut off the part of the shell tab that catches on the frame bumps. (just the horizontal part) leave the rest of the tab, as it helps keep the shell properly placed. Then the couplers will be what keeps the shell attached.

Works fine for finished models, if you are still in the assembly/kitbash/rework mode, at least remove the center tabs, as they are the hardest to release from the frame.