Quote from: Arran on Yesterday at 09:13:54 PM

Quote from: geoffc on May 01, 2026, 09:53:54 AMThe Tesco white reefers please

At some point I want to do the 45ft bryboxs and the reefers .

If anyone knows a way into Tesco it would be handy for the Info

Arran sent pm
Industry info for maritime transport and Drs Carlisle
Who handle flows.  In meantime will have a look as interested in 8os and 70s freightliner/ containers

Appreciate links as in previous posts. Chris

Quote from: geoffc on May 01, 2026, 09:53:54 AMThe Tesco white reefers please

At some point I want to do the 45ft bryboxs and the reefers .

If anyone knows a way into Tesco it would be handy for the Info

Another vote for threading them onto the handrail wire first, then fit the knob into the hole - if necessary with the tiniest amount of superglue into the hole first using a cocktail stick tip.

Same technique for things like roof isolators and bus-bars for electric locos

Thanks, gents, much appreciated. It's rare to get unanimity on how to do something, so your way must be the best! I particularly like the idea of putting a bend in one end - I'll give that a go.

Cheers,

Chris

I hold the knobs in a pin vice whilst threading them onto the handrail wire, if needed putting a right angled bend in one end so they dont fall off.

Then substantially the same as Bob and thebrighton.

Martyn

Pretty much the same as Bob. I form the handrail then thread all the knobs on. I can then hold the handrail in position and rotate the knobs with a pair of tweezers to drop them in the holes. I do this one at a time but add a spot of superglue into the hole first with a needle.
I've used this method probably over a hundred times!

I guess it doesn't matter if it's brass or 3D printed, this is how I tried and failed, and this is what I now do.

I tried to install all handrail knobs first. Totally unsuccessful as their alignment was never perfect.

Lets assume we are doing a "simple" line of six handrail knobs. I now fit the end one nearest the cab to the loco boiler, getting the alignment right with the handrail wire used as a lever to check the alignment. Fixed with superglue from the front (others I know prefer to do it widdershins from behind, but this assumes the loco is not yet painted).

Then I thread the remaining five knobs onto the handrail wire, and working back from the cab to the front of the engine, mount each knob into the boiler with superglue. This keeps the handrail knobs on the wire, and if they hang down vertically you can guide them into the awaiting holes.

Finally I cut the handrail wire to the correct length and superglue that.

Then I use a fibreglass pencil to take away the fuzz of stray superglue around the knobs.

Hopefully that's one side done and I get a glass of something as a reward. And then the other side is done the following day... or week...

Bob

 

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I'm after advice on this very subject, so...

I'm finally getting to the finishing touches on an N-brass loco and I'm trying to work out the best way of fitting the handrails and knobs. Mainly, how do people actually pick up the tiny knobs and fit them into the hole? I've tried fine-nose pliers and tweezers without success and lost two knobs in the process. Is it better to fit them loosely on to a length of wire first? My manual dexterity isn't what it was so I'm looking for a foolproof method. Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers,

Chris

Supermarine or Triumph?

Cheers,

Chris

I just happened to be in the garden and a Spitfire has just gone over and done a slow roll
Instant emotional goosebumps