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N scale locos - how to keep rails in place

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PED
  • Member since
    April 2016
  • 571 posts
N scale locos - how to keep rails in place
Posted by PED on Thursday, June 7, 2018 1:24 PM

I am having a problem keeping the rails in place on my N scale locos. After reinstalling them a few time, they seem much less likely to stay in place even when I handle them with care.

I am thinking I should glue them in place so I will not loose them. I don't think I need to glue every connection point - just a few to hold them in place.

Anyone else have this problem? How do you deal with it? If you also use glue, what type of glue are you using?

Paul D

N scale Washita and Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Oklahoma circa late 70's

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, June 7, 2018 3:33 PM

I assume you are meaning the handrails on N scale diesels.

.

These are usually cast in slippery unbreakable plastic, and are very hard to fasten into place.

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What worked for me OK back when I was in N scale was to paint over the are where the base of the stancion met the side sill with clear nail polish, then take the shine away with DDV.

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This was not the greatest, but it was somewhat a solution.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Thursday, June 7, 2018 6:07 PM

Loctite GO2 Adhesive. Works on Acetal plastic's, Delrin etc. Drys clear, goes on clear. Put a dab on the part and do not touch it for at least an hour. It is not a CA and drys flexible, so if you bump it, it will not break off. Water resistant, no clamping foaming etc. like Gorilla glue:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-1-75-fl-oz-GO2-Glue-1624417/203437879

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-glue-Delrin/

 

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: California - moved to North Carolina 2018
  • 4,422 posts
Posted by DSchmitt on Thursday, June 7, 2018 6:39 PM

I would try a little white glue on the pins. This would make them fit tighter in the holes, but still easy to remove. 

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

PED
  • Member since
    April 2016
  • 571 posts
Posted by PED on Thursday, June 7, 2018 9:07 PM

I think I will give Loctite GO2 a try.

Paul D

N scale Washita and Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Oklahoma circa late 70's

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • 276 posts
Posted by MARTIN STATION on Friday, June 8, 2018 9:59 AM

PED,

  I agree with DSchmitt. I have had this same issue before and using white glue worked best for me because as it dries it holds the handrail tight in place and you can use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe off the excess without any harm to the plastic or paint finish. Also if for any reason you may need to remove the handrails later on you can still do so. I used Elmer's white glue because it dries clear just incase a little seeps out and you missed wiping it away.

Hope this helps, Ralph

PED
  • Member since
    April 2016
  • 571 posts
Posted by PED on Friday, June 8, 2018 6:54 PM

Thanks Ralph. Have not purchased any GO2 yet. Will try the white glue and see what I think.

Paul D

N scale Washita and Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Oklahoma circa late 70's

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