Cleaning MTL GP35

Last weekend I cleaned my GP35 as I had been instructed. The technique is to slightly loosen the screws holding the frame halves together. Then one is to wok the trucks out, clean any debris from them and then re-assemble. My problem is that I am totally unable to get things back together. Does anyone have secrets or suggestions for me?
Thanks!
Jack C

Jack, trow all the parts in a box and shake it.

Jack, I will try to find the link on how to assemble the GP35. Its not hard. just make sure all the slots are oriented properly.

I'm not sure, but it sounds to me like you're going at it with just a screwdriver and fingers- if so, therein lies the problem.

A miniature vise or a pair of small pliers with soft jaws can save a lot of headaches working with parts this small. The reason MTL recommends only loosening the screws is because it is *supposedly* easier to put the trucks back on that way if you don't have additional tools. If you have a small vise, the point becomes moot and you can easily put the trucks in place with the chassis halves separated. That's one thing at least that the Geeps and the F7s have in common.

Micro Mark sells a few such vises and a bunch of other tools specifically aimed at modelers and jewelers, some of which can be fixed in place on a table or clamped in a larger vise to hold things still. You could also purchase or build a servicing jig for your Geep (IIRC there's at least one out there, I just haven't got a link to it), with a cutout to lay the chassis in while you work on it. Either way, disassembly and reassembly become a whole lot easier when something else is holding what you're working on.

I get a little nervous any time the official directions tell me to "work" or "wiggle" a part in and out of place, so if there's a way to take another screw out and just remove it, I'd rather do that. Much less chance of bending or scraping (or, horror of horrors, breaking) something that way.

Here's a process that works for me.

Loosen the three chassis screws on one side of the mechanism.

Insert a small flathead screwdriver between the frame halves on one end of the mechanism and twist it a little bit to spread the frame halves apart just slightly. Repeat on the other end, and also at the bottom center, where the tank is.

Position the truck against the mechanism at an angle of about 45 degrees, so that the two pins on the gear tower are positioned at the ends of the small rectangular frame parts that retain them. While holding the truck squarely against the mechanism, rotate the truck; if it does not easily pop into place, spread the frame halves apart a tiny bit more. Be patient; you may need to repeat this a couple of times until the truck pops in. When both trucks are in, tighten the frame screws.

found the link. www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=93727&highlight=worm+gear&page=2

Hi
Thanks to all of you that posted suggested help for my GP35 mess. I'm trying your ideas!
Jack