Large Scale Central

Locomotive cradle

Tools and Tips
#1

Hi all!,
Has anyone made a locomotive cradle for their workbench?
If, so: Any pics, ideas, drawings would be appreciated.
Is there any dealer who sells these things?
Thanks,
jb

#2

couple peices of blue foam, carved out to hold an engine or cars:

#3

I use a piece of the foam that comes in the outer Bachmann shipping cartons. Not much of a cradle but protects the decorations on top of the locomotive while I work.

Warren

#4

The use of foam is very practical , it has many benefits .
But do be careful if you have pantographs on the loco , they tend to get stuck into the foam .
Yes I have , yes it did , yes I did.
Stuck , broke , swore .

#5

Mike…you admit swearing; you of all people; a leader in your community; a fine friend to wayward girls; pity; say five hail holy waters, and down three fingers of Sheep dip; then call me in the morning.

#6

I bought one a long time back, has a 90 degree angle of two approx 6" W x 20" long boards with two 270 degree round pieces attached to their outsides … these are affixed by means of a tensioning knob to a box that sits below it. The inside of the 90 degree angle is lined with foam. By adjusting the knobs, you can set about any angle you like on the cradle, and there’s room in the box below to store supplies, small parts, whatever from what you’re working on.

I’ll try to get a picture up if anyone wants.

Matthew (OV)

#7

Matthew ,
Pictures is always good . I think I can picture what you mean , but a picture ? Nice to confirm my imaginings .
Mike

#8

This one is made using a panavise as a holder. Good Idea. I have a heavy duty #400 panavise. I just need the flat insert (panavise #437–about 20 bucks). That way you can swivel it to any angle you want. Shouldn’t be too hard to make the cradle. I’ll use 1/4 birch plywood and glue some padding to it. jb

#9

I still use this one:

#10

I’ve found that a couple of Pillows works wonderfully well.

Cheap, too.

I do hope that nobody needs pictures.

madwolf

#11

Why no pictures , Steve ? Ya got kinky pillows or something ?
I have to confess that’s what I used before I got hold of some not-too-floppy sponge material .
But that picture from John , that is a real luxury model . I think I would prefer that to all the other solutions . Nice one John .

#12
Fred Mills said:
Mike....you admit swearing; you of all people; a leader in your community; a fine friend to wayward girls; pity; say five hail holy waters, and down three fingers of Sheep dip; then call me in the morning.
Oh dear, ;) no Aspirins??
#13
Matthew (OV) said:
I bought one a long time back, has a 90 degree angle of two approx 6" W x 20" long boards with two 270 degree round pieces attached to their outsides .... these are affixed by means of a tensioning knob to a box that sits below it. The inside of the 90 degree angle is lined with foam. By adjusting the knobs, you can set about any angle you like on the cradle, and there's room in the box below to store supplies, small parts, whatever from what you're working on.

I’ll try to get a picture up if anyone wants.

Matthew (OV)


Matthew,

I saw one just like what you describe at a show.

When I get to the maintenance chores I’ll build one like that, will need to have 32" clearance in the cradle, and a felt liner for cushioning. :wink:

#14

I want to see someone design a cradle for the new USAT Bigboy! :smiley:

Warren

#15
Warren Mumpower said:
I want to see someone design a cradle for the new USAT Bigboy! :D

Warren


I’d say a Hollywood Swing would be a fine start, just need to redesign the attachment of the seat to a “certain degree”. :slight_smile: :smiley:

#16
Warren Mumpower said:
I want to see someone design a cradle for the new USAT Bigboy! :D

Warren


Might have to do what the real RR’s did…use a pit and a very large crane…:wink:

#17

I’ll be the first to admit…that locomotive will be more than I want to handle…:frowning: I’m also waiting to read some of the first reviews…and see just how many bridges on people’s layouts won’t handle the weight :confused: And probably the best cradle will be upside down in it’s own shipping box. Engine and tender together will be 98lbs.

A friend of mine, Jens Bang has one on order and I’m really looking forward to seeing it run…and seeing how he handles the thing. His plan is that once on the tracks…it never comes off. He’s just finished building a new spur that runs into his “house” to park it.

Warren