Diesel Step Instructions
Photo Etched See-Thru Diesel Steps - Instruction
Important
There are two ways to mount the A-Line Photo Etched steps:
Over the existing plastic steps
In place of the existing steps
A-Line steps can be applied to a finished model. We suggest applying your first set to an undecorated shell to become comfortable with the process.
Section 1 – Remove Steps & Bend.
1) Carefully remove each step from framework, by clipping with sharp side cutters. Small square steps are installed at right rear and left front of cab (from walkway to cab).
2) Make sure to trim all excess metal tabs from steps to insure proper fit. Some slight filling of etched steps might be necessary due to irregularities in the plastic shells.
3) The way you bend the large and small lips on the steps determine which side of loco they will go on. The left and right sides are bent differently. Miniature needle nose pliers or tweezers can be used for this bending operation.
Section 2 – Attaching etched parts of existing steps.
4) Angle bottom front edge of plastic step with hobby knife so it does no show when A-Line photo etched steps are attached. Certain locos may require removal of back lip of plastic step before etched step can be installed. A-Line steps can be attached to model with ACC or contact cement right over existing plastic steps.
Section 3 – Removing old plastic steps.
5) To get the real see-thru effect of the A-Line steps, remove the center section of the existing plastic step. Start with a single cut down thru the center of each plastic step with a razor saw.
6) Then with sharp side cutters, clip out a small portion of the step on both side of the saw cut. Leave enough of the old step material (1/16”) to form a small lip on each side of the opening to locate and mount the new steps.
7) Bend A-Line Steps as detailed in steps 1 to 3 and attach to lip with ACC or contact cement.
With very little effort you have transformed your loco into a more prototypical model. We know you will be excited with the final results.