In the past I have used .012 or .015 brass or phosper bronze wire from CMA and/or detail assoc.It’s o.k. but I would like to get something a little sturdier to use for loco and tender hand rails.What is the type of wire used on RTR models and where do you get it? Would the hand rails be 3/4" or 1"—.012 or .015?
I use 0.32 wire its about the same size as whats on Athearn BB locos. I get it at my local True Value hardware store. You get about 5 or 6 pieces in a tube for about $2.00.The pieces are about 2ft long hope this helps
WC3023
Thanks! It’s a start.Do you have the name of the product?
The label only has the company name K&S Engineering Chicago Il.
WC3023
I think you meant .032" wire right? That scales out to about 2.3/4" diameter. Now
that’s a fat handrail. Dave
Piano wire works good for me…easily bends, but keeps it’s shape after, unlike brass…which is too maliable.
I use .020 diameter brass wire. I find it’s size acceptable and it has all the strength I need. The fact that brass is malleable means it is easy to fix when it gets accidentally bent or misshapen. Suggestion, stop picking your locos up with a Vice-Grips! This will stop the damage your doing when you pick them up. I pick them up gently and carefully and I don’t pick them up by the handrails or small detail parts. Learn not to be “HAM” fisted! If you can’t, DO NOT TOUCH MY LOCOMOTIVES!!!
Yeah you are right .032wire.I’m new to this typing and must have hit the . at the wrong time.
WC3023
What is the actual diameter of full-size loco handrails?
Do they vary very much between steam and diesel locomotives?
I don’t live near a railway so I can’t go and measure any! [?]
Another great source for phos. bronze wire and brass wire is Special Shapes Co. and they have a toll free number 1/800-517-4273. They have wire from .010 diameter and up to 1/2 brass rod. They are great to work with and I find their product better than any other source in the industry.
By the way…K & S Engineering’s phone number is 773-586-8503.