Hi all,

If you haven't been to Sydney, or it's been a while, have a sticky at this. I was surprised that I watched it all the way through, but really enjoyed it.

I live a little to the north of Parramatta and am embarrassed to say that I've not done the RiverCat trip to and from the Quay. I think I should.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atnAyR9u-6A

Mark

Oh Scott,

 That old chestnut, it can get worse the less money you have.  I used to save for months and then go to a show (we only have 1 or 2 a year here I can get to) and then I walk in with my savings, only to walk out again because there were too many things I liked, couldn't decide and ended up making myself miserable!

I've stopped that sort of thing now mostly, I still have to save for months, but I try not to buy online, or at least tell myself I can't so I don't build expectations and just window shop.  That said I'm hankering for some Japanese models, so saving again and the stuff I've stuck in my wanted list at PlazaJapan is eye watering . It'll be tough to decide what to get when I finally think I've saved enough to justify an order!

Good luck!  You're not alone!

Graham

Not having access to unlimited funds I need to pick my spots, but I find I spend HOURS scouring the web, researching, reviewing, contemplating,  etc... and tie myself in knots.

I end up missing out at times, and striking too soon at others.

I'm not seeking advice, rather fellow travelers to commiserate with. 

Wondering how others' journeys are like.

Quote from: Arran on May 03, 2026, 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