1/200 handrails

[JKC27]

As I build in 1/192 or 1/200 (if metric plans) I know the my fittings, etc. are going to be small for the most part.

 

My builds are great lakes freighters - generally a 740ft ship, so the model is quite large at just under 4ft in length.  I have been able to use fittings (winches, radars, etc.) that are close enough to the real deal as there no companies that make fittings for great lakes ships as it's such a niche market (I assume).

 

Where I am running into problems is the handrails.......most of the spar deck is just a cambered stretch with hatches and hundreds of feet of handrail...the 1/200 scale PE brass handrails I have tried to used twice are just way too fine to work with.  For the spar deck handrails I am just using HO scale PE brass ones which look just fine.  The problem is there are handrails around every deck of course on the real ship, but the HO ones are just way big for these sections.  The 1/200 again.....just way to fragile to use.  I have found alternatives, but I would like to figure out the proper way to use the 1/200 ones. 

 

For those who have used these, you surely know what I am talking about.  I got them cleaned, primed, painted - no problem.  But to cut them off the sheet they come on and try to bend them around the appropriate corners - they just deform way to easily.....it's almost like using fine brass thread...they are so small.

 

What I have been using is ABS 1/200 fencing.  Height is OK, and they look is not bad, but it's difficult, if not impossible, to bend if there is a curve to the area where the handrails should be.

 

Any suggestions?????

[CPDDET]

Piano wire?