TedW posted:So today I got the windup key and the handrails from Grossman's. Am disappointed though, as after inserting said key and three half turns this happened. ...
holy cow!
never have purchased a repro key, but have never even come close to deforming a key like that myself. the small kink (shoulder) in the key is put there so stop the key at the frame and preventing the bow from hitting the shell while you're winding it. my guess is that the square stock used had a small defect or nick, perhaps even caused by the press, making an exceptionally weak point where it snapped.
i'm sure if this was a chronic problem with Grossman keys it would have surfaced long before now, so i'm willing to bet they will send you a replacement.
by the way, nothing wrong with adding them, but "without handrails" was one of the valid factory original configurations for the (994) clockwork locomotive. the only caveat would be from a collector's perspective where, at times, the handrail holes will have original paint left inside which is sometimes a motivation to keep it in original condition.
cheers...gary
