2-8-2 - THE BUILD

[Steamtrains]

I'm in the process of installing the handrails that go up from the cowcatcher to the boiler, but have noticed on some of my other locos that this handrail is of a "heftier" gauge than that used on the side-mounted handrails. My question is...Are these front-mounted handrails in fact handrails, or is their function more structural than mere convenience. I'm thinking they may serve as supports for the cowcatcher, and used as handrails in the bargain.

I'd like some input on this before I go shooting myself in the foot....