tank car railings

[klrrdr]

Ordered a single dome Dad's Root Beer tank car. It arrived with the upper safety rail broken in three places. Anyone know if this rail is available as a replacement part or am I just out of luck? (it looks like the same rail as on the current tank cars)

[JerryB]

First, call the vendor where you bought it and ask them to fix the problem. You shouldn't have to accept something that arrives broken. Most (reputable) vendors will make it good.

If that doesn't produce a satisfactory response, email or call Bachmann's service department. The link is at the top of this page, titled "Parts, Service & Information." There is a "Contact Us" button that tells you how to get hold of the Service Department. Sometimes getting their attention requires a little persistence. They can tell you what parts and / or options are available.

If none of the above suggestions get it fixed, you might try using ACC (sometimes called 'AC') cement to fix the broken railing. Another possibility is to fabricate your own out of some small wire. You would probably need to replace all the rails so they match.

Hope this helps.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

[klrrdr]

Bought it used damaged in shipping. Bottom line bachmann will not support with parts. Even though the part I need is still used on current cars they will not sell me that part. I will personally not buy any more bachmann cars knowing that if something breaks it stays broken. I can get any part I need from the track up for any other brand.

[Kevin Strong]

The unfortunate reality is that Bachmann (and other large scale manufacturers) do not keep large inventories of parts. It's just too expensive. You'll likely find your experience with Bachmann to be similar to other manufacturers to some extent. Handrails are very easy to fix yourself, however--and in the case of replacing cheap plastic handrails, the ones you make from wire are stronger and better looking.

Later,

K

[klrrdr]

That is not entirely true. I have a drawer full of new parts for the other three G trains. I buy used cars in need of ladders,doors, rails, steps and hatches,latches and hinges, etc. One call to the parts dept and I have them in a week. They may not be the same color but at least I can paint them. It just makes me mad that even though the parts are still in production they are not made available. I can not be the only person in need of a part.

[JerryB]

What my suggestion to get the vendor to replace it? You do not have to accept a broken item.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

[klrrdr]

Thanks Jerry,I did read your suggestion. I bought it on ebay from a TCA club member. He has offered to take it back. I had hoped to fix it through bachmann,that is not going to happen. The car is a Dad's root beer car that I don't see often. I will put it aside and try to find a cheap tank car and remove the rail or just make my own when I have some time. The rails were broke off at the ends, I clipped the rails at the first bracket.Does not look bad, kinda like the handles on a casket,that just go end to end. Any more I'm surprised when a car arrives in one pc. and hark en back to the luggage commercial with the gorilla tossing suitcases.

[tomplatten]

I had several of these handrail stanchions break on me. You have to be clever with Bachmann equipment and fix them yourself. Bachmann DOES NOT supply an abundance of parts to repair their G Gauge. I would recomend you remove all of the remaining stanchions and replace them with small cotter pins. Once you Paint them black and ACC them to your handrails once installed, they with not break again. They might get bent, but not break!

[M1FredQ]

klrrdr

try to replace the rails with wire instead of plastic. There are all kinds of gauges of wire you can cut and shape and paint.

You may surprise yourself and find it very realistic once its done. If you can't find the right size a hobby shop, Michaels or art supply shop might have it. If you want to go plastic there are gauges of plastic. Let me know what size you need I may have some.
When I built model aircraft I did a lot of scratch construction repairs and may have what you need let me know!!

[smcgill]

klrrdr
Try to replace the rails with wire instead of plastic.  If you can't find the right size a hobby shop, Michaels or art supply shop might have it.

Hint:Check the flower area!

[tomplatten]

See my post above--cotter keys really work! My tank car keeps getting knocked over by the cats. I have placed almost all of the original stanchions with small cotter keys. They work!

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Tom's idea is the best I have heard for replacing the stanchions.  I have seen the tiny cotter pins at Home Depot and Lowe's as well as Farm and Home Stores. 

Tom can you post a picture??

Bill

[smcgill]

See my post above--cotter keys really work! My tank car keeps getting knocked over by the cats. I have placed almost all of the original stanchions with small cotter keys. They work!

I have also used just match the wire size to the hole @ top of hook! Just cut to length! Can be found in large quantities @ sport stores/ walmart.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Good one those fishooks look good to me!!!

[armorsmith]

I echo the use of the cotter pins.  McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) has brass cotter pins available at reasonable prices.  I prefer the brass as they can be soldered to, making the handrails a bit stronger and more stable.

Bob C.