Looking for wire handrails for proto 2000 and Atlas in ho scale. Can anyone direct me to a reliable source? Please help.
My information is dated because I quit making handrails with wire a long time ago. You will face two challenges. Stanchions: Prototype GP7's had rather unique cast stanchion/handrail assemblies. The later prototype GP9's had "fold over" stanchions which were cheaper to produce. (Athearn blue box models used this type of stanchion for all their models.) For accurate GP7 models, the best we could do "back when" I was bending my own was use brass GP7 stanchions that were pre-drilled (for .018" wire as I recall?) that were available at the time. I do not know if such stanchions are still available. Wire: I used/use phosphor bronze wire and I think I use/used .015" diameter. Bending handrails is an art form and very difficult and time consuming to get symmetrical and square results. What happened to the plastic handrails that came with the models?
Jason, Recommend looking for Precision Scale handrail stanchions. In HO scale the top horizontal rail junction cast head with vertical round post stanchions are their part numbers 39065 (brass) and 39066 (plastic). You will need the appropriate size phosphor bronze wire to form the handrails for use with these stanchion castings. Their combined front and rear stanchions, handrails and post mounted MU junction box castings are part number 3943 (brass). Hope this helps. Thanks! Mark
As of March 2015, Precision Scale no longer made the 39065 brass or 39066 plastic stanchions, so you will have to find someone that still has some like here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/385334771092 They end Sunday 2/5 at 1:55pm CST. There are also some Cary-Kemtron stanchions out there like these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/374486485156 These end Sunday 2/5 at 8:18pm CST.
Even if you are successful in ascertaining these parts, you need to be a accomplished modeler, in that these are "Craftsman" types of parts. And a lot of custom bending/fitting/drilling is necessary. I have no doubt you have the skills, just saying it will be a challenge.
I acquired a GP 7 handrail replacement set for an Atlas GP 7 from Atlas. If you don't see it listed on their web site, call Support they may have them (some) laying around. These are color casted parts, so you may end up painting them to match loco paint scheme. Hope this helps! John
