cedarwoodron:
I use flat jawed pliers to make grabs, and the handle of my Exacto knife for curves. When I first started out, the results were less than spectacular (i.e. very inconsistent). However, with a little practise things improved. I was recently able to do eight Blue Box cabooses with separately applied grabs etc. and they all came out very consistently.
My point is that some tools are good value, and some can be replaced with a little practise. The choice is yours.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Thanks for posting this info Cedar.
As far as I know, no one makes the long handrails for HO EMD and Alco cab units. I have several P2K E-units with broken handrails that I prefer to replace with brass or steel wire. Pliers are commonly recommended but I'd prefer a tool that can consistently provide the sharp but smooth curvature to help capture the prototype's appearance.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
cedarwoodronI recently came across two items used for jewelry wire- bending that appear to have utility for us railroaders. One is called Beadalon Thing-a-ma-jig, which uses a perforated metal base with many moveable pins. It is online at Amazon and at Michael's Crafts. The other is Creative Multi-Mandrels, which appear to be several square and rounded graduated plastic tools for wire-bending, also at Amazon. Has anyone used either of these items in making structure rails, diesel handrails, etc.? Cedarwoodron
There are MANY craft tools of all types for all different types of hobby crafts that can be used to do MRRing work.
Look around any good craft supply store like Michael's, AC Moore, JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts and you will see many tools that can have uses for us MRRers!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.