first, i slipped the push rods off the nuts on the front wheels. using eyebrow tweezers, i levered the frame up to slip the rear section out. this took ages and is very tricky. one side will pop out easily, but the second side needs help, hence the tweezers being used. i cracked the frame on the spare thomas i was using for parts.
so i now have one working talking thomas, though it cannot be used often as the motor sounds very strained and the whole motor box does not sound right. very noisy.
i have hope now that i can find a spare percy and james that i can salvage rear axles from. i could use the percy that was added to the holiday set, but would like to keep it together
i won the auction on ebay that included the stock wagons, so need to put some money on the credit card so i can pay for the set. the set from whangarei is also on its way, so my blue overalls boy will be here next week!