BACHMANN ‘SUBS’ ACCESS

I wish to fit lighting in some Bachmann Mk 1 Suburban carriages. However, I’m not sure how to remove the bodyshells. Should I leave well alone, as I don’t want to damage them?

David Kean, by email

George says: Bachmann Branchline’s ‘OO’ BR Suburban stock is deceptively easy to dismantle… but only if you’ve done it before and know where the hidden retaining clips are located. There are no obvious, outward signs, so it took me a while to work out how to do it for the first time. The fit of the parts can be quite tight, so care is required to avoid

damage to the plastic bodywork.

Reassembling the carriage is much easier, as everything simply clips back together. However, note that the inner clips are located off-centre, to ensure that the chassis is re-fitted the right way around. So be sure to check that the clips and slots align before trying to push the body and chassis together. 1 It’s not essential, but unscrewing the bogies allows easier access for dismantling. Be sure to keep the two small screws in a safe place.

2

Cut about 10 shims of 1mm thick plastic sheet and begin by pushing them between the coach sides and chassis. After inserting a few along one side and gently prising the bodysides open, it should be possible to see the retaining clips.

3

Repeat the shimming along the other side, manipulating the sides outwards slightly to disengage the clips. A little more force may be needed at the corners to free the ends. A flat screwdriver will help, but work carefully.

4

The body will then lift away, revealing the three retaining clips on each side of the chassis/body. The interior can be pulled out by gripping the moulded floor section with a set of pliers. Reassembly is simply a case of clipping the parts back together.