Atlas/China SD9 shell on Atlas/Kato SD9 mechanism?

[nickelplate759]

I've got an Atlas/Kato SD9 mechanism (no shell), and an Atlas/China SD9 shell (nicely painted NKP).
I originally thought they China shell would just pop on, but the the Kato mechanism is a little too wide to fit.

The mechanism would have to be thinned somehow - has anyone done this and made it work?  If so, would you please share what you had to to do?

[OldEastRR]

Instead of thinning the metal body, try thinning the insides of the plastic shell on both sides. Lot easier to do, but exercise caution. I had to do this when putting the original non-DCC Kato U30 shell on the new DCC-equipped frame.

[johnh35]

I wouldn't risk thinning the shell. Do you have calipers to measure the width of the Kato mechanism? Comparing it to the dimensions from the Atlas mechanism would give you a better understanding

[Spades]

I know I should have looked. Going on memory. The Kato Atlas SD9, I believe the flywheels are visible and wide as the frame and the motor is nearly that same width. I don't how much you can remove.