Hi everyone. I am attempting to restore a John English/Hobbyline PRR A5 0-4-0 that I got from a friend for a couple of dollars. Here's a diagram: https://www.hoseeker.net/hobbyline/hobbyline2000Kyardbird040pg2.jpg I'm at the point where I need to install the motor. I have a Pittman motor (it's the smallest I could find that has a long enough driveshaft) that will fit in the shell with the exception of a 1/4 inch long area in front of the firebox that narrows down to about 1/2 inch wide. In order for the motor brushes to clear the shell wall and not short out on it, I need to widen it by 1/8 inch. So, I need to take off about 1/16 of an inch on each side, I think. I believe the shell is made of zinc, by the way. I have a rotary tool that I'm pretty sure will work, but I'm not sure what type of grinding head/bit to use. Specifically, what shape. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure if there's enough room in that locomotive for it to work, but another option might be an autobody file....
I use them all the time for thinning stock plastic running boards, and they remove the material quite rapidly. I tried one, a minute ago, on a cast zinc steam locomotive frame, and it removes that material pretty rapidly, too, although not as quickly as it does plastic.
I also checked my John English "Yardbird", to see the location of the material you need to remove. Mine's retired - it never was a good runner, but it makes an interesting scenic feature as it awaits scrapping...
Wayne
Thank you, Mel and Wayne, for your advice. This is the rotary tool I have: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-1-5-Amp-Rotary-Tool-with-105-Piece-Accessory-Kit-AQ25018A/477158316 I don't have anything like the Dremel #115 bits unfortunately, but I do have some files similar to what Wayne suggested. I'll have to give it a try and see if they'll fit in there. If not, I'll have to figure something else out. My rotary tool has some grinding stone bits, (I think there's a photo of them in the link I provided. They're a red-orange color). Would any of those work?
T.C.I would use the Dremel with a corse drum sander. Cutters will want to jump all over the place, the sander will give you a smother finish. T.C.
Thank you for your advice as well, T.C. My tool isn't Dremel brand, but I think I have some of the corse drum sander bits. I'll have to look into it.
I would look for another can motor.
Simon