Dismantling Roco Coach(es)

[SamThomas]

I have a set of these Roco coaches which already have factory fitted lights (with bulbs).

Running DCC some of the bulbs have failed so I need to replace them - while the coaches are apart I'll retrofit LED strips & "stay alives", also, I may as well fit some passengers.

 

The problem is getting into them - I've tried springing the coach sides out but don't want to use too much force - does anyone know for certain how to gain access please ?

Edited May 12, 2021 by SamThomas
Typo.

[Allegheny1600]

Hi Sam,

There is usually a couple of ways of getting into Roco coaches, I don’t know which applies to this one.

 

1. Remove the corridor connection moulding, it should pop out or slide out.

Then carefully slide the roof off, takes a bit of doing but it will come.

 

2. (more likely) Make some tapered wedges from the likes of coffee stirrers, about 6 or even 8.

Very gently, prise the lower edge of the coach body, just above the solebar - if you look very closely, you can see a join between the two parts. Once you have all the wedges in place, the body should slide up and off the chassis BUT be careful of the wiring.

 

A third option may be to pull the buffers off before the body can be released, this may apply to the above methods but I think it’s method 2.

Edit: I am sure the join is between the white bodywork and the black solebar.

I hope this helps,

John

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by Allegheny1600
Add info

[SamThomas]

Thanks John,

 

I'll give the no.2 method a try & let you know how I get on.

 

Sam.

[SamThomas]

Thanks again to John for his help.

 

It was the second method, but when the control coach  body was away from the chassis I could see that the roof itself clips off  so I'll try that approach with the coaches.

 

So far, no actual wiring - I'll post up a couple of pictures.

 

Sam.

[Allegheny1600]

Hi Sam,

I’m glad it worked for you!

I’ve opened numerous coaches from various manufacturers belonging to several people so I couldn’t recall the exact method so I just listed the “secret” methods most manufacturers seem to use. “secret” as in the less obvious or hidden methods rather than the “open” method of screws or tabs.

Cheers,

John

[SamThomas]

Further to the earlier posts the roof unclips - close inspection reveals a join so I carefully inserted a sharp craft knife into the join & off popped the lid as per the later picture.

 

Thanks again John.

[Sir TophamHatt]

What coaches / control cars are these?

They look pretty nice.

[SamThomas]

13 hours ago, Sir TophamHatt said:

What coaches / control cars are these?

They look pretty nice.

I'm not too sure of the type (without looking & they are stored ATM), but I also have a set in orange & beige livery.

 

I bought the Toshiba ones many years ago because they looked nice & have never seen any since - they were not in Roco boxes.

 

Just done a quick search - looks like the catalogue number was 44020 for a 3-Car set & additional

coach was available.

Edited September 10, 2021 by SamThomas
Further info' added.