Another FIRST in N Scale!

It took a lot of effort on our part, but N Scalers now have straight and drop grab irons!  These highly accurate grab irons are bent into shape by machine to ensure accuracy and sharp bends.  The wire is brass with a diameter of roughly .009" which makes it very easy to work with.  We have provided detailed mounting instructions below.

To mount:

• Remove molded on grab irons with a sharp hobby knife blade (#11) or the broader chisel blade.

• Before sanding surface smooth of the shell smooth (if it already isn't), use the molded on grab iron markings as the template to drill your new holes. (TIP: hold the BLMA grab iron up to the molded on grab iron to see exactly where you need to drill the holes as it can vary between manufacturers and models).  Although a #80 drill bit will work, something a tiny bit smaller (down to .009-.010" would work better)

• Once your holes are drilled you can sand down the surface to totally remove the old molded on grab irons (if need be, though sometimes you can get things flush with just your blade).

• We suggest using toothless pliers to grasp the grab iron while installing.

• By this point, all of your holes should be drilled.  Without using glue, fill each of the holes with grab irons.  This will give you a good indication of how things are lining up before they are glued in place.

• After everything is in and looks OK, remove the grab irons one by one with toothless pliers, dab the ends in super glue (you don’t need a lot), then reinsert them leaving the grab iron away (not flush) with the shell. Once you have one grab irons glued in place, use it as a guide to how far out you will place the rest of the grab irons - .023" is perfect.

• Once all of the grab irons are in place you might notice that a few are not exactly parallel (you need to work on your drilling!). However, this can be fixed with a gentle hand and toothless pliers. Without grasping the wire to hard, gently bend to the correct position (either up or down).

• Remember, if some are too far out or they are not straight, you can always remove them and start over, though you will need new grab irons.

• Painting:  No matter what, make sure you use THIN paint.  There is nothing worse than seeing a model with flawless grab irons (as far as placement goes) that have globs of paint on them.

Ok..... you know the rules...... take a deep breath.... GO FOR IT!

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