I noticed all three of the frames I have are bowed up toward the shell. If I set the shell in place using the fuel tank tabs one end is higher than the other. From memory I don't recall what the SW7 and S12 were like. I think I would have noticed this yet who knows.
I don't feel trying the bend the frame is the answer. I think I might remove the two frame tabs and file the coupler mounts flat where the metal horn hook snap on cover fits then drill through then glue a plastic block behind the pilots so each end is level then secure the frame through the coupler and frame into a tapped plastic pad behind each pilot , glued to the back of the pilot and the area above the frame ends. If I need to I can shim it just enough to the shell sits level with the frame. I'm not real concerned with the open area under the coupler yet I could cut the frame pads back just enough the clear the filler under the open pilot bottom.
Has anyone noticed how the old blue box SW7 frames don't sit level with the shell? I know before I used undec shells and always glued the cab in place. It's been a long time since I had an SW7 or S-12 yet I noticed Athearn didn't trim away the flash on the frames and on these I have now the frame tab on one SW7 and one S-12 pushed out the shell cast fuel tank slot on one side because of the extra flash on one side. I glued that back yet don't feel that's the answer.
I did the coupler pad file and glue in shell pad on a SD40-2 and Railpower GP-35 and Model power E7 and all worked out fine and are level. The SW7 should work out the same way.
I don't feel trying the bend the frame is the answer. I think I might remove the two frame tabs and file the coupler mounts flat where the metal horn hook snap on cover fits then drill through then glue a plastic block behind the pilots so each end is level then secure the frame through the coupler and frame into a tapped plastic pad behind each pilot , glued to the back of the pilot and the area above the frame ends. If I need to I can shim it just enough to the shell sits level with the frame. I'm not real concerned with the open area under the coupler yet I could cut the frame pads back just enough the clear the filler under the open pilot bottom.
Has anyone noticed how the old blue box SW7 frames don't sit level with the shell? I know before I used undec shells and always glued the cab in place. It's been a long time since I had an SW7 or S-12 yet I noticed Athearn didn't trim away the flash on the frames and on these I have now the frame tab on one SW7 and one S-12 pushed out the shell cast fuel tank slot on one side because of the extra flash on one side. I glued that back yet don't feel that's the answer.
I did the coupler pad file and glue in shell pad on a SD40-2 and Railpower GP-35 and Model power E7 and all worked out fine and are level. The SW7 should work out the same way.