N Scale North American Rolling Stock

Step 1: Why should you do this?

Each container unit included with the Kato MAXI-Is is set with a magnet on one side and a metal plate on the other, holding the containers securely together as well as to the cars themselves. However, it is possible in the unfortunate event that one of the containers be dropped or bashed that the metal plate may come loose, which will prevent the locking mechanism from working. (53' Car from MAXI-IV shown)

Step 2: Opening up the container

Opening the container is a simple matter of grasping the container by the side, slipping a fingernail underneath the top (silver) plate, and prying up. Take note of the photo to the left: it shows the orientation of the top plate (it will only fit on one way) and the way the two "teeth" on the ends of the container fit around the cap.

Step 3: Setting the plate in place

If the metal plate has fallen down into the container, it has probably fastened itself to the magnet at the base and can be retrieved by hand (if you have small fingers) or with a pair of tweezers. If it hasn't fallen down, then it probably fell out when you removed the lid: either way you'll need to set it back in place. There are four plastic nubs on each side of the container that extend towards the center: the middle two sets support the plate from the bottom, the outer two sets keep it from sliding from side to side. Carefully place the plate so that it sits on top of the middle two sets and between the outer two. Once it is sitting securely in place, replace the containers lid, noting the orientation of the lid as seen in the picture for step 2. Finally, squeeze gently inward on the sides of the container while pushing down on the center of the lid to lock the lid in place over the plate.