Handrails aftermarket or scratchbuild?

[Dave S]

I have a few loco's with broken/missing handrails. A common problem I'm sure.

Do you guys recommend purchasing aftermarket kits or scratch building them? If it's the former where is a good place to get them? If it's the latter is there a tutorial or some tips to get me started?

 

[Cjcrescent]

What kind of loco? GP's, SD's, GE, Alco?

 

[Dave S]

A GP7 is the one I really want to get repaired. There are a couple others too although i'd have to check my notes to see what exact model they are. Similar side walkway type locos.

 

[Steve S]

It's not too difficult to do it by hand. Finding scale drawings is a huge help. I would lay the wire on the drawing and mark with a fine-tip felt pen where a bend needed to be made. I used a set of mini pliers to make the bends. I used brass wire to do the locos below...

Steve S

 

[Dave S]

Those look great! How did you connect the stanchions to the rail?

 

[Steve S]

Those look great! How did you connect the stanchions to the rail?

A tiny dab of CA adhesive. The stanchions were from Smokey Valley, IIRC.

Steve S

 

[Dave S]

A tiny dab of CA adhesive. The stanchions were from Smokey Valley, IIRC.

Steve S

Thanks for the tip and info!

 

[gabby]

Thats what I was after as well. Have a couple of blue box C44-9W here with no handrails. Might try and do it myself