Large Scale Central

Lightweight cases for Heavyweight locos?

Problem Solving
#1

Most of my locos are plastic and I can leave them on the layouts - seldom ever having to lift them. There are a few metal locos from AML K4 & USAT Hudson to MTH & USAT Big Boys that (because they are metal and could rust) I cannot leave them on the layouts and I hardly ever run them because I am concerned about damaging them by dropping them when I might carry them from the house down to the outside layout.

Years ago I thought I had the problem solved when I built a transporter case out of 1" x 4"s but today that case is too heavy when added to the weight of the locos. The AML K4 came with a lightweight metal case but the loco has to be lifted up and set down inside the case due to the 4 rigid sides. A weak grip or weak wrist and the loco could easily be dropped. By the same token a weak knee could cause a problem carrying a heavy loco while going up and down the stairs to the outside layout.

Like many others I got active in this hobby about 25 years ago when strength and agility were not something I gave any thought to. Now, like many others, I am now approaching (or past) 70 and strength and agility have become a major concern.

My question is to others who have similar problems carrying their locos to and from heated and cooled storage to their layouts.

How do you transport your heavy locos to and from your layouts - especially if you have to carry them up and down from one level to another?

For that matter, do you have a special way of picking up and setting your heavy locos down without damaging their fragile mechanisms?

Thanks,

Jerry

#2

I’ve made a lot of light-weight wood containers - something like this:

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/thejoat/Locomotives/IMG_6759.JPG)

The end folds down to allow the loco to get on the track - I use battery, so no problem moving.

Earlier versions had the handle going 90 degrees the other way, but I found this orientation allows me to control the box easier - much like a suitcase handle.

#3

Bruce,

I NEED some of those.

What did you use for the wood sides and bottom?

#4

Don,

Just the cheap Luan plywood from Home Depot. I wanted light weight and this works.

I ran a piece of molding along the inside so the glue and nails would have some wood to hold the sides together.

#5

Hi Bruce,

That looks like just what I need.

Have you considered offering them in pre-cut kits or could you email or post a link to plans?

Perhaps thin metal strips would enable track powered drive on.

Thanks,

Jerry

#6

Bruce Chandler said:

Don,

Just the cheap Luan plywood from Home Depot. I wanted light weight and this works.

I ran a piece of molding along the inside so the glue and nails would have some wood to hold the sides together.

How did you cut the grooves for the wheels? I did find your web site but did not see anything about a loco carrier. A lot of other interesting stuff though. Jerry

#7

Grooves could be done easily with a router.

I have a Craftsman from long ago, but no bit that size.

I have a Dremel tool that will do the job.

#8

I didn’t cut the grooves on that one - I had used a router earlier. This one, I just nailed some wood strips on top - in the same location as rails. Works just as well…

#9

Thanks for the info Guys, Very interesting.

#10

I guess I could just lay some track and screw or glue it to the base. That would not add much weight.

Jerry

#11

Have you thought of a train shed to keep the rain off?

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5179/5726660512_5381b21075.jpg)

I stole this pic from MLS.

You could make this weather tight if you want and add a de-humidifier, that way you won’t have to schlep your heavy locos back to the barn each time.

#12

(http://www.trainweb.org/rgs/carrier.jpg)

http://www.largescalecentral.com/articles/37/Loco-Carrier

(http://rgsgardenrailroad.com/Karrier003.jpg)

#13

I stole the idea from David Leech to use 2" aluminum angle. I put some plastic blocks across with notches to fit on the rails.

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/mth_coaches/ChallCarry1.JPG)(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/mth_coaches/ChallCarry2.JPG)(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/mth_coaches/ChallCarry3.JPG)(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/mth_coaches/Challenger Carrier.jpg)

#14

Steve Featherkile said:

Have you thought of a train shed to keep the rain off?

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5179/5726660512_5381b21075.jpg)

I stole this pic from MLS.

You could make this weather tight if you want and add a de-humidifier, that way you won’t have to schlep your heavy locos back to the barn each time.

Hi Steve,

I built some train sheds but for the caboose layout but, while the inside was rain proof, before long I found rust on metal wheels and loco drive rods had started to show problems forming. Although I tried a few methods of dehumidification I decided I could not risk it with the more expensive locos. Here in the south we get a LOT of humidity along with high temperatures.

Now the caboose locos stay in the caboose and the main layout locos stay in the house. It keeps the locos protected but very seldom used.

Jerry

#15

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the ideas (please keep them coming).

We have some family medical stuff that we are dealing with so it will probably be awhile before I actually build anything (normal for me).

I appreciate everyone’s suggestions.

Jerry

#16

Jerry B, very nice rig… but I have a question, how does it locate on the tracks?

Do you have something hanging down to lock it in position on the rails

Greg

#17

Greg Elmassian said:

Jerry B, very nice rig… but I have a question, how does it locate on the tracks?

Do you have something hanging down to lock it in position on the rails

Greg

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/gunjeep444/_forumfiles/mth_coaches/ChallCarry3.JPG)

#18

Thanks Bart, guess Greg needs new glasses! :slight_smile:

#19

The train does not roll off the rear of the carrier, it rolls off the front, and that is where alignment is needed. Don’t need glasses, someone needs to think about using it, train comes off FRONT.

So, again, a refined question, how do you locate the “business end” of the carrier, just by eye, or did you make some pegs that go between the rails.

Greg

#20

Greg Elmassian said:

The train does not roll off the rear of the carrier, it rolls off the front, and that is where alignment is needed. Don’t need glasses, someone needs to think about using it, train comes off FRONT.

So, again, a refined question, how do you locate the “business end” of the carrier, just by eye, or did you make some pegs that go between the rails.

Greg

Greg,

There are three notched plastic blocks located along the length of the carrier. They would be sufficient to locate the assembly to line up the tapered business end with the rails. I guess is you are just not seeing that.