Atlas N RS3 handrails

[Joetrain59]

I am trying to re-install handrails on said loco, with little success. They were tough to remove in the first place.
 They have tabs under each stanchion that should fit back into a slot on the sill. I've tried trimming the tabs, but still
 can't get them seated all the way. I'm starting to have stanchions bend at the tabs when using a smooth jaw
 needle nose pliers. Is there a trick to this?
 Atlas Paul?????
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[jjb62556]

I always redrill the holes before replacement.

[Joetrain59]

I thought about that, but they are rectangular slots.
 Joe D

[peteski]

If the handrails are specifically designed for that model (and were installed correctly at the factory), there should not be any need to modify anything. They should just fit.  I don't have that loco handy, but hopefully someone else here does.  No chopping or drilling should be required.

[Steveruger45]

I don’t have one of these locos either but I don’t expect the factory wasted a lot of time putting them on in the first place so there is probably a trick to it like perhaps inserting at an angle and then applying pressure while reorienting them straight, perhaps.  Perhaps some distort of the tabs has occurred on removal too. Sometimes these things are designed to go together once with no thought given on subsequent removal and replacement.  A close look at the tabs and the holes might reveal an answer.

Just a thought.

[mu26aeh]

Well you need to get your rectangular drill bit from your tool box.  I think we have a thread here somewhere about essential tools for every modeler.  Pretty sure I read Domaine had that listed.   

[JanesCustomTrain]

Close up pictures would help us to help you.

Jane

[thomasjmdavis]

Will this help?....
http://download.atlasrr.com/pdf/N%20RS-3%20DIESEL%20LOCO%20CHINA.pdf

Assuming (from the description provided by the OP) that this is the version we are talking about. 

The earlier Kato/Atlas version had handrails cast into the frame/walkway piece.  And the Atlas/Rivarossi (?) version circa 1970....well, I have no idea- or were they all "RSC"s?.

[misiek]

Take a small file or fine sandpaper and gently sand the tabs. It works. I did so in my RS3. You don't have to grind everyone - only those that don't fit.

[Joetrain59]

The loco is the Atlas/Kato version. I got Atlas chinese handrails from Steve at Atlas. They looked finer. Then I ordered a sill for the chinese version. As I had trouble re-installing them on original sill. That's where I am today. The new handrails came in colors that were a match for L&HR. Cast in green, with certain parts painted yellow. So. It's not an issue of paint thickness. And I still need the left/rear corner handrail piece, as it went down the drain.
 Thanks,
 Joe D

[JanesCustomTrain]

Something doesn't sound right that's why I was asking for a picture. I have painted many of these Atlas models and never had any issues with the handrails not fitting. After I painted the handrails I removed the paint on the little tab under each stanchion with an x-acto knife and that was it.

Jane

[Joetrain59]

I'll try to take some pix later.
 Joe D

[peteski]

Something doesn't sound right that's why I was asking for a picture. I have painted many of these Atlas models and never had any issues with the handrails not fitting. After I painted the handrails I removed the paint on the little tab under each stanchion with an x-acto knife and that was it.

Jane

I'm confused too.  I think he is creating a "Frankenstein" by trying to mix/match parts form different production runs of the model.  If that is the case, I wouldn't expect an exact fit. 

[Joetrain59]

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. Chinese sills/handrails that I'm having trouble with. The sill does fit the Atlas/Kato version just fine.
 Joe D

[Joetrain59]

So, where does one get small, square drill buts?
  Thanks,
 Joe D