Milling a frame down

[NYSW F45]

I have 6 frames that I need to have certain area's milled down due to clearence issues. All are railpower products frames.

2 SD90Mac frames. Finally got those rubber motor mounts trimmed enough to fit the motor, but the trucks have almost no clearence to rotate if the side frames are on. I want to mill/shave off a tiny bit of the underside of the frame to give the trucks w/side frames enough clearence that they wont rub and cause steering issues.

3 C40-8W and 1 C44-9W frame. The engine mounting in the fuel tank is to high, wayyyyy to high. I want to mill it down so I can mount my RTR motors. I can mount them now, but the shell will not go down with decoder installed. Not even close. It sits atleast close to 1/8-1/4 above the frame.

Where can I get something like this done?

 

[MGWSY]

Do you have any pics of what you want done as I have a milling machine and could prob help.

 

[NYSW F45]

i'll take some pics now and get them uploaded.

 

[NYSW F45]

ok i can't find my memory card or reader for now. So this pic will have to do for the SD90's.

On the front truck you can see how the frame and the top of the truck rub. The rear truck looks fine because it has not been trimmed. You can't put the worm gear cover on because of this. Where the side frame is i'de like to mill a little bit so there is a gap to rotate.

 

[MGWSY]

ok i can't find my memory card or reader for now. So this pic will have to do for the SD90's.

On the front truck you can see how the frame and the top of the truck rub. The rear truck looks fine because it has not been trimmed. You can't put the worm gear cover on because of this. Where the side frame is i'de like to mill a little bit so there is a gap to rotate.

No pic here.

 

[NYSW F45]

Top frame is the SD90, bottom is the GE frame. Big difference in depth for the motor mounting.

Here is the picture of the frame and trucks. These trucks wont be going on this model. But every other sideframe I have has the same problem. And this sideframe has been trimmed down on the top of parts that were in the way.

And just because

 

[MGWSY]

Thats easy enough to do but on the 8-40CW I see that the truck bolsters are a lot higher to.

 

[NYSW F45]

EDIT:

I see what you mean. If the motor is lowered the bolster area might interfere with the driveshaft?

 

[MGWSY]

I would say place the motor trucks and shafts on and see how much can be taken off.

 

[jasonelki]

Top frame is the SD90, bottom is the GE frame. Big difference in depth for the motor mounting.

Here is the picture of the frame and trucks. These trucks wont be going on this model. But every other sideframe I have has the same problem. And this sideframe has been trimmed down on the top of parts that were in the way.

And just because

Love the face shot!! Where did you get the angled wire grabs? Does details associates sell them, or did you just make them yourself?
Thanks, Jason

 

[NYSW F45]

A-line and Tichy train group make them. I usually get the Tichy ones since they usually come in packs of 50 or so.

 

[jasonelki]

A-line and Tichy train group make them. I usually get the Tichy ones since they usually come in packs of 50 or so.

Thanks for the info!
One other question. I noticed they sell either the 18" or 24" drop grabirons.
Is there a good reference to find out what I need for my locos? I don't have a RR conversion ruler, if that would help. I'm looking for GP9 grabs for the front of the short hood. I do not have many of the parts drawings for my locos as I bought most of them used, but I'm looking to detail some older athearn BB stuff.
thanks, Jason

 

[NYSW F45]

MGWSY, you out there? I sent you a PM.