Proto GP30 Handrails

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am about to start re-painting and re-detailing (ie. make-over) of a Proto GP30. I will discard much of the existing details (grab irons, horn, windshield etc) but would like to re-use the hand rails. Besides looking very fine…they sure do look delicate. Ok here are the questions…

  1. Has anyone out there had sucess in removing the handrails without breaking them, and if so, how did you remove them (are they glued on, or “heat fused” on)?

  2. In the event I break a handrail are there replacement parts available? As this is a “blue box” PK2, I surmise the part replacement information is not valid given Like Like is now a Walthers line.

Thanks .

2

I’m pretty sure they are press fit. Try a blade carefully under one corner to lift where the stanchion attaches to the shell.

No warranty replacement if it’s LL P2K, but Walthers may not have parts either. Then ebay or swap meets are your friend.

3

If it is a decorated model, at some point they started heat fusing them from the rear if the pins could be seen. Sometimes I use a small chisel to try to remove the ‘melt’ & then they are easier to pry out from the outside. You will be able to see if this is the case when you look at the inside of the sills & shell.

Best of luck!