Athearn handrails and stanchions

[mopacbuff]

Gents,

I'm reworking an older Athearn BB UP GP7 into a MoPac GP7, see here

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21158

The unit is 5-10 years old, was never completely assembled, and in that time the handrails and stanchions have become seperated from their mother (I can't find the darn things).

So, I jump online and check out Athearns site, don't see an option to order spare parts. Then I go to Walthers site. Try as I might, I can't find ANYTHING from Athearn on their website. Am I missing something here? Does Walthers NOT carry anything Athearn? If that's the case, seems weird to me, major distributor, major manufacturer. What gives here?

Maybe I'm just dumb as a hammer.

Anyway, where can I get some replacement handrails and stanchions for a BB GP7?

Thanks

MPB

 

[ICG/SOU]

Walthers hasn't carried anything for Athearn in a long time.

You could see if Horizon has them (Athearn's exclusive distributor), but I think folks use aftermarket parts now.

 

[BIG-D]

i know caboose hobbies has the sanctions the little L things right and you could make yje rail on your own http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_brief.php

 

[TMLW]

Let me see what I have here. I think i have an extra set for a GP9.

 

[mopacbuff]

Any idea why Walthers and Athearn can't get along? Seems strange to me.

I'll check out those caboose hobbies units too.

TMLW,

Thanks, let me know.

MPB

 

[southshorechuck]

hi try ebay, i don't care what you are looking for it will show up sooner or later. and no i do NOT work there.

 

[Ronzzr11]

I used to search eBay for handrail sets too, and always found what I wanted.
Ron

 

[P&W]

Handrails

Ditto on ebay. I have a saved search for the roadnames I collect, and I see handrails come up in there. Like they say, if you don't see it at first, keep checking - it will come up sooner or later. You may have to get a color you don't want, but they are easy enough to paint. Good Luck!

 

[Cjcrescent]

Any idea why Walthers and Athearn can't get along? Seems strange to me.

I'll check out those caboose hobbies units too.

TMLW,

Thanks, let me know.

MPB

The reason that Athearn and Walthers can't get along, is when Athearn was sold to Horizon hobbies, Horizon became the exclusive Athearn distributor. Horizon will not sell to other distributors, no matter who they are.

 

[mopacbuff]

Thanks for the info CJ, I wasn't aware of that situation.

As far as eBay, not for me, never. I used to do a LOT of buying and selling on there, got screwed royally by PayPal, cost me $1700.00. Their response was basically tough. I guess their fraud protection leaves a bit to be desired. Now, you're almost forced to use PayPal to do any business at all on there.

I'm not saying you guys shouldn't use eBay, but I'll never trust them again, understandably I think. Just please be careful.

MPB

 

[stang_crazy]

There is an option to order spare parts on Athearns web site. See the following link for the info needed on ordering parts. Prices can be a tad high in my opinion, but some times its the only choice.
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Parts/Default.aspx

Anyways heres the part # for the handrail set.

#11529 HO Handrail Set, GP7 QTY 1 $ 9.98

 

[diburning]

They'll also charge you $10 for shipping, then ship it in an unpadded envelope for $1.50 and by the time it gets to you, the handrails will be poking out of the envelope.

 

[ICG/SOU]

Bowser also has a stockpile of older Athearn parts.

 

[catt]

If you have a LHS order the parts through them.If they sell HO they will sell Athearn product and can order parts from Horizon if available.

 

[stang_crazy]

They'll also charge you $10 for shipping, then ship it in an unpadded envelope for $1.50 and by the time it gets to you, the handrails will be poking out of the envelope.

ive ordered quite a bit from them and never had any $10.00 shipping and none has showed in bubble mailers either.

The stuff I normally get from em comes packed quite well.

 

[diburning]

Please attempt to get parts from your local hobby retailer first. If the retailer is not able to get them, then you may order directly from Athearn. All orders inside the continental U.S. will include a $10 shipping and handling charge. Orders shipped outside the continental U.S. include a higher shipping charge, based on actual shipping costs. Checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. When ordering by credit card, please include the verification code located on the back of the card. You may order by mail, email (parts@athearn.com) or telephone (310) 763-7140, ext. 122, Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:30 p.m. Pacific Time. You must include payment with your order; we do not ship C.O.D. When ordering by mail or email, please include your shipping address and send your query to “ATTN: Parts.” Allow 4–6 weeks for order processing. Please feel free to contact us regarding a special order of any parts not listed on this page.

That $10 used to be $8.

They sent it in a large envelope with no padding whatsoever so that the handrails poke through the packaging and the envelope and stabs anyone who touches it! I'm surprised that the post office hasn't done anything about it! Postage was about $1.50 as it was shown on the envelope. Where does the other $6.50 go?