How to repair broken handrails

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have an original-run Atlas S2 (circa 1986) and I’ve broken off some of the pins that hold the handrails onto the body. I think they might be delrin, but I don’t really know.
What can I use to glue the handrails back in place?

Thanks in advance,
Jcopilot

2

Have you checked with Atlas to see if they can be replaced??

I’ve never had much luck gluing Delrin rails but you might try some gel type superglue. Use a pin point to apply it, then press and hold the rail. If it’s going to work a tiny drop should do it.

3

None of the regular superglues will work, even the gel type. There is a new specialty superglue for engineering plastics but I don’t know what it’s called or who carries it, but I’m sure it costs more than buying a set of replacement handrails from Atlas.

They are available from Atlas part # 807208 : http://www.atlasrr.com/hoparts.htm Follow the instructions in paragraph 3. Enter 9807208 in the seach box. They’re only $2.30 a set.

4

Your best bet would be to check with Atlas parts department…I am sure they are using the same shell.

5

Thanks everyone for the advice. I’ll check Atlas, that might indeed be the easiest way to go.

Thanks again,
Jcopilot

6

IMHO the very best way to repair the “rubber” handrails is to replace them with wire and metal stanchions. There is Smokey Valley that makes replacement handrails and Boswer makes a handrail set for the former Cary Alco S2/4 shell.

Personally I use the rubber handrails as a pattern to make wire ones then junk the rubber handrails. Just bought the Athearn GP40X in Espee. Two units and used the Athearn GP40-2 handrail set to replace the so callec Hi-Tech ones. I didn’t wait for the handrails to break. Just junked the rubber ones right from the get go.

7

A little FYI for anyone who needs Atlas parts.

First - my LHS told me that the only way to get Atlas parts is to order directly from Atlas.

Second - when I tried to checkout, the website said that my order didn’t exceed $9.90 - I needed to buy something else. Well, that sucks! So I called their 800 number to make sure that the handrails would fit my old Roco/Austrian S2s. The guy said “Yes, they will fit.” So I asked if I could place my order with him and what about the minimum order? He took the order and waived the minimum order requirement. So that’s really good!

Hope this helps someone.

Jcopilot