If your N Scale SD40-2 has a fuel tank positioned closer to the rails at the front, there are steps you can take to enhance both its appearance and operation.
Firstly, inspect the two screws located on the bottom of the tank. Ensure both are fully seated into the tank molding. If the front screw protrudes slightly, it can cause the tank to move up and down, failing to rest properly against the frame underneath.
Identify potential causes for the screw not seating fully. It could be due to excess material around the screw hole, creating a raised area, or the front screw hole may not be drilled and threaded as deeply as the screw, causing it to bottom out or be too long.
To resolve these issues, carefully remove any excess material around the screw hole using a small file or sharp knife, ensuring the area is flat with the rest of the tank. If the screw is too long, shorten it by removing a thread or two from the forward screw using a file or metal clippers. This adjustment will secure the plastic tank firmly against the frame. After making these adjustments, reassemble the model to check for improved clearance.
If you desire additional clearance for the tank, you can further modify it by removing material from the bottom of the frame using a large flat file. Be cautious not to remove too much material, as this may necessitate shortening both tank screws. If there's a speaker present, consider covering it with tape to prevent excess metal shavings from attaching themselves to the magnet in the speaker.
