When I first saw the retooled Athearn SD40-2 with its new molded plastic handrails, I knew I wanted to replace the steel OEM handrails on my older SD40-2s. Later, the GP38-2 was released as an RTR model with molded handrails. That did it. I decided to order four sets of GP38-2 handrails and one set of SD40-2 handrails. They arrived yesterday (I ordered directly from Horizon Hobby).
First of all, they look great. Second, they fit snug in the molded stanchion holes. The stanchions on the SD40-2 tend to lean a bit if I use the factory drilled hole in the cab, so I'll be drilling my own to ensure vertical stanchions. The GP38-2 handrails fit perfectly, though. These models are at least 13 years old and have been painted and stripped many times over the years (I had to learn to paint somehow!). Some have even had the steel handrails mounted in the past (which can enlarge the holes slightly). Still, everything fit well.
So, if you have an older SD40-2 or GP38-2 that you'd like to upgrade with nice handrails but want to avoid the piece-by-piece assembly of Smokey Valley's sets, try the Athearn handrails.
Oh, one more good piece of news: the GP60M and GP60B handrails are shown as separate parts available at Horizon (back ordered, though). Hopefully, the CF7 will be next. I have some old RPP models that could use some upgrading...
First of all, they look great. Second, they fit snug in the molded stanchion holes. The stanchions on the SD40-2 tend to lean a bit if I use the factory drilled hole in the cab, so I'll be drilling my own to ensure vertical stanchions. The GP38-2 handrails fit perfectly, though. These models are at least 13 years old and have been painted and stripped many times over the years (I had to learn to paint somehow!). Some have even had the steel handrails mounted in the past (which can enlarge the holes slightly). Still, everything fit well.
So, if you have an older SD40-2 or GP38-2 that you'd like to upgrade with nice handrails but want to avoid the piece-by-piece assembly of Smokey Valley's sets, try the Athearn handrails.
Oh, one more good piece of news: the GP60M and GP60B handrails are shown as separate parts available at Horizon (back ordered, though). Hopefully, the CF7 will be next. I have some old RPP models that could use some upgrading...