Hi all,
I'm in the process of converting a Lionel Jr Berkshire to a close replica of NKP 765 as it appeared in the mid 80's. I have purchased a new headlight for the engine and need to remove the old cast in headlight and class lights from the boiler front. What is the best way to go about doing this?
Thanks!
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I would use a Dremel sanding barrel.
Scott Smith
That's what I was thinking. Seems to be the best way. Anybody have any other methods?
For the gross material removal, I use a carbide cutter in my Dremel, then I slip back to a sanding barrel and later the Cratex rubber wheel. The Cratex wheels do a great finish job.
I made a Great Western 2-8-0 out of a Lionel 0-8-0, and had to grind off that infamous firebox and other details...the above sounds like the way to convert another to a Mikado....maybe making that job easier or more professional.
Lots of people po-po the Dremel for any modeling, but for removing any significant amount of diecast metal, I sure wouldn't want to do it all by hand! 
You might try a hack saw or a razor saw. Cut as close to the base metal as you can without marring into it. Then use a Dremel with a sanding drum, or a fine file, or something similar to finish cleaning off whatever's left over.
I can be a lot more precise with the Dremel than a hacksaw. For may jobs, it's pretty difficult to even get the saw in position to properly cut what you are dealing with. The cut as close as you can is usually the problem. 
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