I have a P2K GP9 in HO scale with a winterization hatch that has three studs sticking off it, and according to one of my friends, you need a drill bit to attach it so it sits on the locomotive. What size drill bit would be needed?
Do a visual sizing with a drill bit you may have,without knowing the size of the studs,it’s hard to tell you what size to use…Unless of course,someone already did it here,
1/16,1/32etc
Cheers,
Frank
From your question I am guessing that you don’t own sets of drill bits and would like to get that winterization hatch installed at minimum cost, i.e. by purchasing a single drill bit of the right size to mount the hatch, rather than buying whole sets of bits.
The obvious answer is to measure the diameter of the studs and then purchase the right bit. Easier said than done. The studs are likely too small to measure with just a ruler. You probably need a vernier caliper ($30-$40) to measure them.
Drill bits are sold in sets. There is the ordinary machinist’s set of drills numbered 1 to 60, (0.228 to 0.040 inch). There is the modeler’s set of number 61 down to number 80 (0.040 down to as small as can be made), and a carpenter’s set going from 1/4 inch down to 1/16 inch. Probably a modeler’s set (61 to 80) will have the right drill bit for your hatch. Micro mark sells modeler’s sets for $20. Very useful is a drill index, a tricky box with holes to fit each drill. You need to index to tell a number 76 bit from a number 77 bit. They are so close in size that you cannot tell one from the other by eye. You want a metal drill index. Plastic is too soft, you will be able to force a bit into the wrong hole, confusing all sorts of issues.
Alternate strategy. Drilling three holes in the hood of your diesel and getting them to line up with the studs is hard. You can cut the studs off flush and secure the hatch with superglue.
Unless you did some real exact measuring and sized the bit quite close, it is vert easy to have the hatch skewed. I would suggest cutting off the “nubs” test fit and sand/ file to sit on the hood to your satisfaction. Hold in place w/ a strip of tape and using a toothpick apply the CA. Have a small piece of paper towel and use the edge to wick any excess CA immediately.
If you don’t have a gage or index to size bits, drill approximate size in a small scrap or wood and check, change up to larger bits until it fits. Using pine, I can usually just spin the bit in my fingers to get that “dimple” for sizing. No need to go crazy chucking various bits.