Hand rails on sd40 change from plastic

[Rambo2]

 Can it be done to something stronger? Thanks.also what parts maker are they available from?

[Rambo2]

[quote user="Rambo2"]

 Can it be done to something stronger? Thanks.also what parts maker are they available from? This is a athearn model

 

 

[doctorwayne]

I change the all-plastic handrails on the sides of this Atlas RS-3 by forming new handrails from .015" piano wire, using the original handrails as patterns....

Next, I cut out the handrail portions from the plastic ones and drilled each stanchion to accept the new handrails, threading the stanchions onto the wire.

After installing them on the locomotive, I very carefully aligned the stanchions vertically, then applied a minute amount of ca to each joint between handrail and stanchion and at the base of each stanchion, where they enter the body casting.  While that type of ca does not adhere well to the engineering plastic of the stanchions, it does provide a tight fit, so the stanchions won't easily slip out of alignment, or pop out of their mounting holes.  There is, nowadays, ca which does adhere to such plastic.

I later did this Atlas RS-1 in the same manner, but also did the end handrails - a little more complicated, but not really all that difficult...

The springiness of the formed piano wire still allows the handrails to flex, but they spring back to where they belong unless they're very badly mishandled - a lot more durable than all-plastic ones and they readily accept paint, too.

Wayne

[Rambo2]

I find the plastic ones warp over time even if the loco is in the box.How did you make the stantions?

[gmpullman]

Rambo2

How did you make the stantions?

 

https://ppw-aline.com/collections/handrail-stanchions

 

https://www.smokeyvalley.com/

 

https://www.bowser-trains.com/history/hocalscalediesel.html

 

Good Luck, Ed

[SeeYou190]

Wayne's solution of drilling out the plastic stantions for music wire might sound difficult, but drilling out brass stantions can be a nightmare!

.

-Kevin

.

[PC101]

Rambo2, If you will be using piano/music wire, you will need side cutters for harden or piano/music wire. Do not use your track side cutters or you will end up with a pair of wire strippers when you are done cutting the piano/music wire. 

[Rambo2]

Thank for the good advice

[doctorwayne]

Rambo2

I find the plastic ones warp over time even if the loco is in the box.How did you make the stantions?

I didn't, I simply re-used the ones that came with the loco, after cutting out the railing sections. 
Drilling the plastic stanchions to insert the new railing is easy if you use a drill bit in a pin vise, rather than a motorised tool.

For cutting piano wire, I use a cut-off  disc in a motor tool.

Wayne

[kasskaboose]

What about painting the handrails?  I get the idea of using something more durable.  What type of hand-held wire cutting tool you need for piano wire?  Is it more expensive than ordering more plastic handrails.

[doctorwayne]

kasskaboose

What about painting the handrails?  I get the idea of using something more durable.  What type of hand-held wire cutting tool you need for piano wire?  Is it more expensive than ordering more plastic handrails.

 

Side-cutters will cut piano wire, but the cut will need to be cleaned-up with a file.  A cut-off disc in a motor tool does a neater job of it.
Piano wire handrails are easily brush painted - I prefer Floquil or Scalecoat, but any non-pre-thinned paint should work.

 

Piano wire is not expensive - K&S carries it and I believe it's available through Walthers.  For HO scale, the .020" size is appropriate.

 

The mechanical properties of piano wire (also known as music wire) can be viewed HERE, and explain why it's a good choice for durable handrails.

Wayne