One of the first things I do to a loco *if the shell lighting, etc doesn't have disconnect plugs* is cut and splice the shell wires or add a disconnect plug so I don't need a shell at all (not always mechanically possible to run without a shell, models vary,and never let an antenna wire dangle unprotected by tape. Dont let an antenna touch anything else as a general rule.)
Removing the motor would be needed on some, but I don't think you'll need to.
*the edit