Removing ejector-pin marks on white-metal castings

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello, again.

I’m assembling a number of Athearn shake-the-box kits, which have underbodies molded out of white metal. Several of them have fairly pronounced flash around the (presumably) mold ejector-pin marks. Basically, these look like small partial (and hollow) cylinders of white metal sticking out of the bottom of the underbody.

I would like to remove these prior to painting, but several of them are somewhat recessed between the actual parts of the undercarriage (center rib, bolsters, etc). I’ve considered the following:

  • chisel-blade Xacto: would it ruin the blade, cutting this white metal? Plus, I’m not sure I can get any except a finer chisel blade into the area, and then have concerns that the finer chisel-blade would cut the white metal.
  • motor tool: I’m sure I have sufficiently-fine bits to get into the area, but I’m concerned about slipping and messing up the adjacent detail (such as it is… these aren’t Craftsman Kits, after all…)
  • other?

Thanks for your suggestions,

Brian Pickering

2

I use the blade the most. I gave up on the mototool, I did more harm than good. I use files and some sandpaper. I have been known to cover some with acrylic paint dabs. Your last line however is my key, who is going to even look. For your contest cars you can do things differently.

3

a xacto blade will cut white metal castings it depends on how thick it is. you may also want to try using a small jeweler’s file if you can fit it.

4

Response to Renegade1c and ARTHILL:

I didn’t even list the jewelers file in my options, because they are kinda “hidden” down in between the detail. I would need to angle the file down, and since the “teeth” on most files don’t go all the way to the end, it wouldn’t cut anything down there.

I’ll try the XActo knife tonight or so… I think I’m going to stop by the hobby show over lunch anyway, as I’m running low on a couple of types of blades.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Brian