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Metal freight ladders in HO scale

Was looking for metal ladders to replace the plastic ones on my already-built freight car fleet and to also put on the cars I haven't built. I'm talking mostly box cars and reefers when they still had full height ladders and roofwalks. Grabs aren't a problem - can get plenty of those in metal. Ditto for roofwalks - Plano is the answer there. Stirrup steps - A-Line. But ladders? Can't seem to find any, and not very many of the detail manufacturers have their own websites to where I can look. And, very often they don't put in info on material their stuff is made out of in listings for shops and vendors like Walthers. Merry Christmas (f the political correctness)

Reply to
Jack
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Bowser has some metal ladder stock, not well described but they are very helpful on the phone.

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Reply to
newscorrespondent

makes freight car ladders in HO in metal. Most plastic ones are too thick, and the ones that aren't are way too fragile. I would hate to have to built enough ladders from scratch for over 200 cars.

Reply to
Jack

Jack spake thus:

Not the answer you were looking for, maybe, but have you considered having some custom made? There are lots of places that can do that, either by photoetching or laser cutting. You'd need to supply a scale drawing (AutoCAD or similar). I'm considering this route for some details I can't find commercially.

Reply to
David Nebenzahl

Just my two cents worth, but I think Gould/Tichy makes some very nice plastic ladders as part of their kits. They are available individually as detail parts more rugged than most, still fragile until they are placed and glued.

-roger-

Reply to
Roger King

David: Thanks for the germ of an idea. I didn't know there were places that would do a relatively small run (say less than 10000) of pieces. I now wish I hadn't gotten rid of my enlarger when I decided to go digital in my photography, then I could do the photo etch myself.

Reply to
Jack

Roger: That's one of the major problems I have with plastic detail parts like grab irons and ladders - I tend to break them whilst handling/installing said item on the car side. And the ones I don't break are way too thick for my taste.

Reply to
Jack

Jack spake thus:

Well, if you ever reconsider, enlargers are going for dirt cheap on eBay, now that everyone's jumping ship into digital. In fact, I've got three Omega D-2 (4x5") chassis if you're interested ...

Yes, the places I was talking about will do any size run. You'll pay somewhat of a premium, but it's still in the realm of affordability.

Reply to
David Nebenzahl

Kadee's are from tough engineering plastic. Dead on scale - will make your metal grabs look clunky!

Taurus makes several metal kits for ladders. I'd not want to do a fleet with them, but, if your "real" hobby is soldering, then that would be your metal choice.

Plano has some metal ladders - caboose, (others?)

CTucker NY

Reply to
Christian

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