I just received my Ebay winnings(?) in the mail today. 3 Kodachrome locos, some cabooses, and a Red and Silver warbonnet. Everything is well and good except an SD40-2 is missing the right side long handrail. I looked @ the Athearn site and they want $6.75 for a complete handrail set PLUS $5.50 s&h. That kind of takes all the discount I earned on Ebay and throws it out the window. So, do any of you have a source for handrails, or could you recommend a stiff wire to make my own? I don’t even know where to start looking for this type of wire, as it is much stiffer than most. HELP!!!
Tim
Detail Associates sells brass wire in packages, check your LHS to see what they have on hand. I’ve made entire handrails for some of the Rail Power kits I’ve assembled in the past.
Bob Boudreau
I have a mom & pop type hobby shop nearby and the owner has a ‘junk’ box of assorted spare parts, I’ve gotten parts from him several times.
Thanks guys, I’ll go look for some brass wire.
Tim
Tim, if you order the handrails through the local hobby shop you can avoid the shipping charge, which will help a little. Other wise the brass wire may be better.
Noah
Tim,
I’ve made handrails before from old orthodontic wire (stainless steel). My dad had a bunch he gave me years ago in various sizes. It is a little tough to bend, and you usually don’t get a second chance, as it is pretty stiff and brittle. If you do bend wire, use two small needlenose pliers and “Get a Grip!”. Good Luck.
Mark C.