Reattaching athearn handrails

[Noah Hofrichter]

I was detailing my custom painted GP-38 locomotive this weekend, and i decided something was wrong. The hand rails on the locomotive are the ones that attach from the side. I can never get them to go all the way in the holes, and so i've thought about reglueing them on top or to the sides without the bend in them. I really don't want to drill any holes, so try to avoid that idea. Any help on doing this as to type of glue, or maybe help on how to make the hole bigger, as well as trials and errors on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks, Noah

[Anonymous]

Normally, I use a small hand drill to clear out the holes. I try to use a bit thats slightly smaller than than the handrail part. The key here is to drill little by little, then trying to fit the handrail into the hole each time to see if they fit. I

f you want to secure the tops of the stanchions (the vertical post part of the handrail) use CA (superglue) VERY sparingly, apply it with a toothpick or needle as it is easy to apply too much. My preferred method is to GENTLY crimp the tops of the stanchions with needle-nosed pliers. This makes them more secure, and allows for some "fudging" room to correctly align them. When they are all correctly aligned, paint the handrails to match the rest of the engine. When painting handrails, place a small index or business card between the engine shell and the handrails to keep paint from splattering on to the shell.

I hope this information helps.
Josh
Spokane, WA

[Anonymous]

When I'm installing Athearn handrailings I will shorten and file the ends of the stantion that inserts into the shell. I also drill a small hole from the bottom of the shell into the hole for the stantion. This is where I apply a small drop of CA to secure the stantion. Other than that I use the same method Josh has discribed.

[ndbprr]

I position them so they are vertical and in as far as I can and then heat them with a soldering iron about half way up and melt them into place.

[dknelson]

you can gently ream out the holes using a toothpick. The holes are the right size but sometimes the paint gums them up a little. You want the full depth so that the handrails are not too fragile if and when you pick the engine up or store it in a box.
Dave Nelson

[fiatfan]

What I do is very quickly touch the stanchion with a hot soldering iron. Practice on an old shell first to get the hang of it.

Tom