I have several GP units made by Athearn and Atlas that I would like to add prototypical handrails. I am going to super detail these and add anti-climbers and ditch lights. I noticed the end hand rails are different on units with out the anti-climbers compared to the units with them.
Any suggestions on how to do it? I know it involves brass wire, but what about the stanchions?
Thanks in advance.
Many people use Smokey Valley brass stantions and handrail kits, http://www.smokeyvalley.com/ You can order directly through him via email (listed at the bottom of the home page) or Walthers, although they don’t always have everything in stock. Larry’s not always quick to respond (he has a different day job) so have a little patience, but he’s a great guy and will take care of you. If you need more help, you should check out the Diesel Detailer website (link in my sig below).
I used brass wire and Smokey Valley stanchions to make new handrails for an old Tenshodo GP20. There are other brands besides SM that make good quality stanchions (like Utah Pacific), but the SM stanchions seem to be the closest to scale that I’ve seen so far (besides modern scale plastic handrails). Some detailed soldering is required to properly assemble them, although super glue or another strong adhesive may work too.
Some pilots have their handrail mounting holes on the top instead of the front. If you have any that are this way, the stanchions will have to be modified to fit. Or you could fill the holes and redrill the pilots for mounting the stanchions on the front and back instead of the top.
And as for the chain in the middle of the end railings, you can use A Line fine brass chain or a very (VERY) fine jewelry chain, cut to length and glued in place.
I emailed Larry on Tuesday and haven’t heard anything yet. I have used his stanchions and other odds and ends for 20 years. So, I’m not going to give up yet!
All I need is a GP15 frame…I have plenty of stanchions to last a while.