I've got a bunch of Gold Metal Models stirrups for my converted F7s. Where do you cut them and with what? I.e., do you cut them on the sides, leaving the top piece, or do you cut them below the top piece? How do you mount them? These can't mount on the inside of the Bachmann shell without interferring with the Life-Like GP20 mechanisms (I think).
On mine, I just removed the entire stirrup from the shell and sanded the edge smooth. Next, I just used my exacto to cut the brass from the sprue or whatever you call it. I decided where I wanted it and marked the bottom of the shell. Then using a #79 or #80 bit, I drilled the holes for the stirrups right into the edge from the bottom. Believe me, the shell is thick enough to do this. A little super glue and your done.
I just did one yesterday as a matter of fact. I remove the plastic ones by breaking them off and sanding the body smooth. The GM ones, I just bend them to break them off of the sprue. I use a sharp pointed awl to mark where the holes need to be drilled. I drill the holes deep enough to accept the tips of the stirrups and super glue them in place.
Chuck, Thanks for the pic!! I didn't have any. Also, if they interfere with the truck swing at all, I just bend them out from the shell a little. Usually helps, but usually there is no problem.
Thanks, folks! These things seem awful thick to cut with a No.11 Exacto. But I'll go back to the drawing board. I found it took about a #73 drill to make a large enough hole in the shell.
