Hi @Pingman, here's the answer about the grab bars on the side of the shell. I started off by measuring a factory steel grab bar off another K-Line passenger car and it was 0.0325"
Since I did not have any extra 0.0325 brass rods sitting around my house. I found a creative substitute in the same size needed made from steel. That small paper clip even has a polished finish.
The factory grab bar inside opening measurement from K-Line was 3/8". So I made my own 3/8" bends over basswood. That steel paper clip really put up a fight on this part and it would have been much easier bending brass rods.
After that, I drilled holes and mounted them to the sides of the car. Even thought a real Union Pacific car should have stainless steel grab bars I painted them Harbor Mist Gray to match the other K-Line passenger cars in my fleet.
Hope this helps!
