Metal Handrails for Flyer steam locomotives

[USMCtrainman]

I recently purchased what I thought was a poorly repainted Flyer 350 Royal Blue with cast handrails.  When I stripped the blue paint off, I discovered that the engine was originally red and thus was the Circus Train and not the Royal Blue.  I decided to grind down the cast handrails and drilled holes for wire handrails.  I have been unable to find the orinal wire handrails, but before I started the project I obtained some steel wire from a local hobby shop that is close in size to the wire handrails on several of my other engines.  Does anyone know where I can obtain the original or repo type wire handrails?  I am very pleased with way they turned out after bending them into shape, but my guess is the wire will rust over time?  Any info will be much appreciated! Thanks!

[Major]

Try Portline hobbies, they have a ton of Flyer parts both original and reproduction. They have an excellent web site.

 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Doug at Portlines is great to buy from, but rather than grinding dow the cast hand raills, just find a 350 shell with the wire handrails. 

Jim

[USMCtrainman]

Thanks Jim.   I already have several 350s in great condition with the wire handrails but the engine shell needed some other repair work, such as the broken and deformed holes where the encentric rods were riveted to the frame.  I repaired the damage buy straightening the cracked metal out and backing them up with thin sheet brass and then drilling a new hole.  While I was at it I figured this would be an excellent piece to take a crack at modifying, so I ground the casted wires down.  

[USMCtrainman]

Thanks Major. I'll try Portlines!!

Mike

[USMCtrainman]

Update on my rebuild.  After further, more detailed inspection of the inside of the 350 shell, I discovered that it was originally a Royal Blue painted red to represent the Circus Train, and then painted blue again to represent the Royal Blue.  I have my wire handrails like I want them so I'm moving forward with the painting. I will still have to make repairs to the tender frame tabs and find the eccentric rods, but I'll likely check out a local show this weekend or try Port Lines. Thanks for any advice anyone had to offer! 

Mike