Hey guys,
I recently used a Bachmann "DCC Ready" GP38-2 as the starting point to kitbash a Canadian GMD (still standard cab) style GP38-2, which I then painted for the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) Railway. I have another one I plan to do the same with.
Here's my question. Does anyone know a good way to remove the handrails from these units? I had success with all the front handrails on the first unit, but I ended up breaking off the stanchions on the long side rails from their bases, as I could find no way to cleanly remove them.
Other locomotives I've worked on have come off with little to no difficulty (Atlas, Athearn, Proto), but these were not easy.
Is there a way to remove them without breaking them? Or are they simply attached in such a way as to make this impossible?
Thanks,
-Tim
Your best bet is to tear off the plastic handrails and replace them with metal ones. I have a Bachmann baby TM that I painted in CN colours and I couldn't take the handrails off without breaking them. I replaced them with metal handrails. Athearn or Smokey Valley handrail stanchions will work for a GP38, and you can use music wire for the handrails.
Bachmann uses CA (super glue) to glue together their models.
Use CA remover. That tip came from a shop owner who is very good at kitbashing.
I know nail polish remover works (acetone) , with CA, but I have no idea what it will do to the shell.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
I know lacquer thinner will work. Of course, that will also completely destroy the plastic.
Using a plastic-safe super-glue remover sounds like the best way to go about it. The only concern I would have is that in addition to the glue, the handrails may be press-fit into the holes. You'll need to be very gentle, because a press-fit/super-glue combo may be stronger than the plastic.
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Thanks for the advice!
I know replacing the handrails with wire ones would be better, but I feel like since I have the plastic ones already, I'd be happy to be able to use them.
I figured Bachmann likely glued their handrails. There are only a few press fit ones (the front and rear, on which the centre stanchions are press fit, but the outer ones are glued; as well as the attachments to the cab). The ones that are glued don't appear to be press-fit as well (I checked a few, and could find no evidence of it). I do actually have CA remover, but it's unfortunately not with me where I am here. If I can get my hands on it, I'll try it. Otherwise, I might try to very carefully cut off the stanchions at their base with a chisel blade.
I don't know why Bachmann couldn't just do them all press-fit like Atlas, Athearn, Proto, etc...sure, it makes them less likely to fall off, but it makes it a nightmare to do custom paint work!