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Athearn metal handrails for GP-38

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  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, June 27, 2019 11:17 AM

Benjamin Maggi
Anyone know a store that carries old Athearn parts? I looked at recent train shows but didn't see anything suitable, even junked Athearn GP-38s.

Keep watching Ebay.  Usually there are a few on there.

Also check out Smokey Valley.  https://www.smokeyvalley.com/

I think it was the late 90's when BB locos were replaced with the RTR,  I'll have to check that out.

Mike.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, June 27, 2019 10:27 AM

When did Athearn metal handrails and BB locos go away?

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Loudonville, NY
  • 776 posts
Posted by Benjamin Maggi on Thursday, June 27, 2019 9:05 AM

Thank you, but I am going to hold out for an actual set.

Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Thursday, June 27, 2019 8:59 AM

Benjamin Maggi
....Anyone know a store that carries old Athearn parts?....

If you're comfortable bending new handrails, and know the height and number of the various stanchions needed, I could check the ones which I have, and send them to you.  If you're interested, contact me via PM.

Wayne

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 8:00 PM

The Athearn stanchions were, at least at one time, available as parts.  I have a fairly good supply of them.
The handrails aren't all that difficult to bend from .020" piano wire, and properly assembled, they make for a very durable set of handrails. 
After ensuring that they're properly positioned, I add ca to both the base of each stanchion where it enters the sill, and to the interface between the stanchion and the handrail. 

Wayne

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 3:17 PM

I visit lots of hobby shops, and none come to mind that have any old stock of Athearn metal handrail sets.

.

There were companied that made better metal handrail sets, and you might have better luck searching on ebay for one of them instead of genuine Athearn.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Loudonville, NY
  • 776 posts
Athearn metal handrails for GP-38
Posted by Benjamin Maggi on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 2:29 PM

I have an old Athearn bluebox engine kit for a GP-38 that came with the wrong handrail set. It was in a box labled GP-35 with instructions for a GP-35, and wouldn't you know they are too short along the length. This was a while ago, and I repurposed the stanchions so I can't just bend new handrails from wire.

I contacted Athearn and they don't stock the metal handrail sets anymore. They tried to sell me a plastic handrail set but I want the metal ones.

Anyone know a store that carries old Athearn parts? I looked at recent train shows but didn't see anything suitable, even junked Athearn GP-38s.

Thanks.

Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/

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