Any Ideas on a Fix?

I'd go the wire route, trying to glue three pieces together is going to be a tough task.

3D resin custom print?

I'd need details measurements (IN DECIMAL not fraction) units to design and print them.

like the diameter of the insert holes, diameters of the handrail and length and depth of it, usual stuff.

I agree with John, make a replacement from wire. Phosphor bronze wire from Tichy Train Group works well for this sort of thing. My guess is .032 is probably closest for that repair. (See below). Or you could try making it from a paper clip, but that’s harder to work with. The Tichy wire can be bent to shape fairly easily with a couple of pairs of needle nose pliers. I also don’t see a lot of detail there to worry about. It’s a basic grab iron. Once you’re satisfied with the part’s shape and fit just paint it. An inexpensive acrylic that’s close enough from someplace like Michaels will do. By the way on the prototype, that grab iron was typically yellow, though you might want to just stay with nice contrasting blue.

RM

the big difference between a hand bent wire and a 3D print is that the 3D print will be perfectly proportioned.

hand bending wire . . . . not so much!

Wow!  What a great set of ideas from everyone.  Thank you all very much.  @AlanRail, I have no way to measure the size of that hole to the level of detail you'd need.  Thanks for the offer though.  @gunrunnerjohn and @Rich Montague, that would have been the way I went, but the idea from @Norton is the way I'll go.  I'm pretty sure I can get the hole sized to fit it, and having some extra will undoubtedly come in handy down the road.

Thanks again.

@AlanRail posted:

the big difference between a hand bent wire and a 3D print is that the 3D print will be perfectly proportioned.

hand bending wire . . . . not so much!

Having seen your work, I have no doubt that it could be a really detailed part.

@AlanRail,

It looks like the center to center hole distance is 7.5 mm, the hole is just under 1 mm (sorry, that's as accurate as my tools are), and it looks like it's about 5 mm for the insertion depth.  The diameter for the exterior of the grab iron is a little over 1 mm.  The length it comes out from the train is about 4 mm.  This looks to be a smaller grab iron than those on the back.  The ones I've been able to check out from @Norton are a little bigger than this, so perhaps they're for the back. He suggested another one on the bay, but I couldn't see any dimensions so I sent a note to the seller.

I'm pretty sure that Alan will need very specific measurements for the task.

The 14” PSC grab works out to 7.41mm. You guys are over thinking this. A dab of epoxy in the hole and bobs your uncle.

Pete

@Norton,

Thanks for the specific tip.  I've ordered some off the bay.  I'll post something on this thread after it arrives.

Some of you guys are forgetting that we do not allow direct links to non-forum sponsors / magazine advertisers in the main forum topics.  No problem mentioning names but a link directly is a no no.  Name is enough and then folks can let Google be their friend.  We need to be fair to our sponsors and advertisers.  Please try them first.  I know they would appreciate it.

I have had really good luck using wire.  I have used steel wire and brass wire depending on what I was repairing and the number of bends and the bend radius.  The radius gets pretty tight as the grab rails enter the cab, etc.  You can find the wire at home stores such as Ace Hardware or hobby shops.  What is nice about it, if you don't like it, a new part can be made with out feeling you have a lot invested. I have repaired/replaced grab irons on cabooses, rail cars and engines.  If you take your time, you can usually make the repair so it looks factory new.  Just remember the wire comes in different gauges and stiffness.  I use a caliper to measure the wire diameter to match any other railings.

I’ll be heading to my local Ace this week to do a propane exchange. I will pick up some wire. Thanks @DaveGG.

I ended up using a wire, bent into shape.  It's okay, better than 2 empty holes anyways.