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

Pleasant enough, Martin, but I was not moved in any way

This probably won't be a great hit with those that read this thread but here goes :

The Bluetones have been a favourite of Mrs PP and I almost since their inception in 1996.
Indeed we have seen them live on several occasions - probably 11 or 12 times.

For those who don't know their music they sit somewhere between The Stone Roses and Oasis in the Brit indie/ pop rock genre.

Leader and singer Mark Morris has an engaging somewhat nasal style but his enunciation is particularly clear.

Anyway here is Cheap Hotel from their new album :

Incidentally their usual set ending rendition of their much earlier (2001 I think) song "If" is, to my mind, one of the best and most rousing finishes to a concert that I've heard but you have to be there to appreciate it properly.

Others will, of course, disagree.