Ideas for modifying pilots and anticlimbers?

[Packer]

I'm trying to figure out a good way to modify the pilots and anticlimber on 2 of my Burlington Northern Athearn Genesis F45s. I have a 3rd one that would be more appropriate for the late 70s - early 80s (still kinda waffling on an exact year). I'd like to notch the pilots and trim the anticlimbers to use the later loop style cut levers.

The problem I'm running into is the models have a metal tread plate, and I don't know what hand tool would make clean cuts in said metal and plastic at the same time. I'm not sure if I could get the tread plate off without damaging it, or if the anticlimber comes off (yet again, without damaging them). I'd like to do it without having to repaint the whole units. On the rear anticlimbers, I think I could make up the webbing on the underside with sytrene strip.

Wondering if anyone else here has done this, and how did you do it, or how you would do it?

FWIW, here's a couple of quick pics I took of the F45s from below. the one on the left is what I want the other 2 to be like.

[EMDX6043]

If I had to do it, I might pry off the tread plate and do the work in a few different steps. You might have some luck getting the tread plate off if you try to work a thin blade under it, bit by bit, rather than all at once. Trim the anticlimber first with whatever method you're used to, then clean everything up with some fine sanding sticks and add some styrene strips (on the rear at least) to match the existing anticlimber. Oh yeah, make sure you remove and keep track of any parts that might get damaged during the modification!

Now, if the tread plate got damaged during removal, I'd at least use it as a template (minus the cutout portions) for some Archer tread plate decals. The decals might not be an exact match to what the OEM part looks like, but it's better than a completely flat surface. If it is reusable, nip off the ends just slightly oversized, then file to final shape and reinstall.

It shouldn't be too difficult to touch up the paint and blend it all in with some light weathering.

Hopefully that makes sense. It's what I can think of without having the models in front of me. Good luck!

[beentherecnthat]

If you have a Dremel tool, I would use a diamond cut-off wheel. It will go cleanly through the metal and plastic and I find it doesn't leave much melt on the plastic. You may have to watch the direction of rotation though so that it is cutting down through the metal first against the plastic. To do it the other way may lift the metal off the plastic.

[Packer]

I got the tread plates off. They came off easy. I’m thinking maybe a flush cutter than file and sand close. The diamond whell on the dremel is a new one.