Paper Handrails

**taylormade** · #1 10-19-2008, 12:17 PM

I did a search but didn't find what I needed. What is the correct proceedure for making paper handrails? What weight paper do you use? How do you apply cyano to strenghten them ((or do you?)?
Thanks,
RT

**Golden Bear** · #2 10-19-2008, 02:48 PM

Sorry to admit this but I buy them... from Paper Model Store if they have what I want or from GPM. GPM is reliable but pricey for postage so I saved my money up and bought a LOT of railings all at once. If you can afford them, I think that the brass railings are easier to deal with but I haven't had that many to play with.

For the purchased railings, they come in a sheet. You'll need to carefully trim them out. I've tried CAing before painting and shaping, before shaping THEN painting, and painting before CAing (that was ugly btw). My observation is that if I CA, then let it sit for a few days before painting it and using it, it can be brittle and possibly split while I'm trying to form it. If I do the painting and whatnot after it is dry but has not sat around for awhile then it seems a little easier to do.

Carl

**Royaloakmin** · #3 10-19-2008, 03:03 PM

Carl, did you ever try painting the paper railings in Future. it seems to have a strengthing effect, and you can paint over it.

**Golden Bear** · #4 10-19-2008, 03:49 PM

Future? I don't understand... unless you mean use them without CAing. I've tried that but the railing warps with the paint and I like it to be a little stiff and straight. Also, it is even more delicate to handling.

Carl

**B-Manic** · #5 10-19-2008, 04:11 PM

There are several tutorials for making rails at zealot.com. They include options in paper, card and wire.

The best option IMHO is to use laser cut rails. They are available in various scales, relatively cheap and easy to use. Bruce Clemens at avantCard,
AvantCard - Ship Railings
and, a member here, has some nice offerings. I believe he does custom stuff as well.

- example - Over 1000 feet of railing (in scale), including some chained gateways, narrow railing (2 foot posts), 45 and 60 degree sloped rails for stairs, and gently curved railing for use near bows and sterns. All on one sheet.

Some people (including myself) use Future to stiffen and seal paper structures. Future is a water soluable acrylic floor covering (wax). It works great, is cheap, paintable, easy to clean up and does not stick everything it comes in contact with together. Sometime only CA will do but Future is good for the rest.

~Cheers

**Golden Bear** · #6 10-19-2008, 05:15 PM

Thanks Douglas!

**Bluenoser** · #7 10-20-2008, 09:41 AM

Thank for the link Doug. I just ordered 5 sheets of railing.

**Golden Bear** · #8 10-20-2008, 10:25 AM

Too bad they don't have any 1:250 stuff. :(

**bclemens** · #9 10-20-2008, 01:31 PM

In time golden bear...in time! I'm working as fast as I can

I am finding that railing doesn't scale easily for the cutter- I have to redo the art when I change scales.
Thanks everyone for your interest!
Bruce

**Golden Bear** · #10 10-21-2008, 01:02 PM

Is it all three bar railing or does it include two bar. From the images at the site it seems to be three. I need both but generally find that 80-90% of what I use is two bar. And if you stuck in some tiny blocks (...and tackle thingies) about 1.5mm long... heh.

Carl