Piko 218 cab windows

Miamigo259

Miamigo259

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I've just started a conversion job on a Piko class 218 diesel.

The cab windows seem rather well glued in. I really want to remove them from the bodyshell, but don't want to break the things!
Has anyone got any good suggestions for softening the glue they are held in with???
 
If they are superglued in, I think you can get a debonder from your (or maybe mine) local model shop Steve?
 
I did a repaint job on my 218, from memory I think that they popped out Ok with just some of the joins broken. No problem when I superglued them back in.
JonD
 
The debonder may mist your windows permanently.
 
This might do the job, but there is a downside...

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pugwash said:
This might do the job, but there is a downside...
Click to expand...
Could just imagine the H & S response in the UK to setting one of those off in what appears to be a "public place" !

Do flamethrowers count under the "right to bear arms" of the US Constitution?!
 
That should de-mist the wimdows:rolf:
 
Having tried various things today I think the windows will have to stay put....................the bigger problem is getting rid of some of the bodyside grilles!

Looks like I've got a long job on here, but will post some photos to another thread once I actually start getting somewhere with the conversion........... Linea Belgrano Sur loco 1404 may be a long time coming!
 
Those Grills and Side Windows are not too difficult to get rid of, even loosing a couple of the doors. I ground them off with a Mini Grinder to just below the main body work then filled the resultant mess of bodging (after cleaning up) with Car Body Filler. When cleaned up and smoothed with Wet and Dry you can hardly notice where they were. I made mine 218 look a bit like a Bulgarian Class 76 or 76. Here is what I turned it into (a 750mm Gauge NG loco). The prototypes were based on the 218's:-

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As you can see I have made a few changes - and I had no difficulties getting the windows out. Good luck with your conversion and please post some pics when you have finished.
JonD
 
dunnyrail said:
Those Grills and Side Windows are not too difficult to get rid of, even loosing a couple of the doors. I ground them off with a Mini Grinder to just below the main body work then filled the resultant mess of bodging (after cleaning up) with Car Body Filler. When cleaned up and smoothed with Wet and Dry you can hardly notice where they were. I made mine 218 look a bit like a Bulgarian Class 76 or 76. Here is what I turned it into (a 750mm Gauge NG loco).
[As you can see I have made a few changes - and I had no difficulties getting the windows out. Good luck with your conversion and please post some pics when you have finished.
JonD
Click to expand...
I've removed three of the "mesh" style grilles from the lower body sides with no problem - mainly because that is where the operators name will go. It's one of the ventillators with the louvres fitted which is the problem - just a case of filling and rubbing down, as you say.
The headlights are being changed as well, losing the mounting moulding from the front panel and going to one lower headlight on each side, though the roof mounted one is being changed to a double light. New front end handrails are to be fitted as well.

All being well the finished item will look sufficeintly different to an "off the shelf" DB one and more "narrow gauge" in its blue, grey and white livery.

Will post a thread about it once I start getting somewhere with the conversion!

Am concentrating on getting some buildings constructed for the garden at the moment.
 
I managed to find some pics of my 218 that I took during the conversion phase. The first two show the removal of Windows and grills with those to be done still marked in Felt Tip. Then the chassis in bits showing part of the rewiring going on. Finally showing the Massoth decoder that makes it work, growl and hoot. I used an Alco sound which I find reassuringly noisy.
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I did actually manage to get the windows out in the end, though it took a lot more force than I anticipated!
Two of them did break at the corners, but luckilly the broken sections are not visible when the windows are in situ in the locomotive.
Given the weather forecast for the Easter weekend, I should be able to get on with my conversion job in the next few days...
 
Just caught up with the thread.

Better late than never? I had problems getting my windows out too. One fell out, the others would not bugde at all, with fear of breaking in mind I bottled it and just covered them in maskol liquid latex.

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Dave Hub said:
Just caught up with the thread.

Better late than never? I had problems getting my windows out too. One fell out, the others would not bugde at all, with fear of breaking in mind I bottled it and just covered them in maskol liquid latex.

images
Click to expand...

Wow it looks like a Hymec! Great job.
JonD
 
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