Large Scale Central

My take on an Engine Tote

Modeling Motive Power
#1

I wanted a engine tote for my EBT #12, but I also wanted to be able to use the same case (or part of it) as an engine cradle. The pictures are fairly self explanatory, but I’ll give it’s operation a run down. To open things the latches on each end need to be undone.

tote 1

tote 2

tote 3

Next one of the sides can be pulled out and then the other. At this point the top is now free from the T-bolts and can be lifted off.

tote 4

tote 5

If you want to use the top as a cradle just re-latch the catches on the back end of the top. I still need to ad the foam padding to the top. The bottom won’t get any.

#2

I like the added support of the T bolts, thats cool.

#3

It must take two men and a boy to carry it, loaded. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

How do you transfer it to the track?

#4

… and three Girls!

#5

Steve, you’re right, it’s not light. I do like Andrew’s idea better however. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

David, The T-bolts are all that keep the two halves together. Not sure they are the best in retrospect, since the side need to be pulled out to be able to lift the top off. I may eventually replace them with 3 or 4 of those same latches on the ends.

To get it out, I have a little ramp I am building. More to come soon. I just wanted to sneak this project in while I had the wood shop out making some drawers for our house over the weekend.

#6

Nice project… You’re young, you can handle lifting it for a year or 2… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#7

Thanks Andy, The weight of the case is actually fairly light compared to the loco. I do think I could shave a few pounds on the next case I build. I already have some new ideas, just no new loco’s. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

It’s not my intention to travel much with it anyway, but there will be a few trips and some in the near future, so I figured I’d better get prepared.

#8

Pretty clever!..:wink:

It’s not my intention to travel much with it anyway, but there will be a few trips and some in the near future, so I figured I’d better get prepared.

You’ll be surprised. I built mine just to go to a friends house in Newark, DE…now they’ve been halfway across the US and back. And on their way to Canada tomorrow…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#9

Safe trip, Ken…

Fred

#10

Cool stuff. Hmm, how would someone with only hand saws, a Dremel, and a drill, make something similar to this?

#11

Great job Randy!

#12

Nice work Randy

#13

Randy,

Here is the design I did several years ago for my K27. Will finally be building one for a fellow club member for his Aristo Mallet.

Loco Carry Case

Opening Carry Case

Fully Open

Sides Slid for Removal

Sides Remove for Location on Track

If this works, the black segments are .025 thick by 1.25 wide steel pallet banding. The banding sits on the rail head and the wood area on the sides straddles the rails. Drive On and Drive Out. Designed to be adaptable for track and battery power. I am working on a drawing set for the Mallet (52" inside) which I will be posting on my web site when finished for those interested.

#14

Bob

What is your web site address?

Tom

#15

Overall image of closed case looks like something a person would carry ammunition in; or haul scientific instruments to distant and dangerous places.

#16

@Tom - I will post a link when I have finished the drawings. I have a few other things I am working on as well.

@Forrest - The overall design has the following parameters. Must be strong enough to carry any locomotive I wish to put in it. Must be able to be set directly on a straight section of track and ‘drive in/drive out’ without additional components. Must be stackable to fit in my storage area and allow other train related stuff to be piled on top with out fear of damage. My philosophy is that overbuilt is far better than failure.

I should also mention that the drawings will contain details of individual components and a purchased parts list with suggested sources. Once posted anyone is free to alter as desired for their application and situation. However, permission for commercial reproduction is specifically not authorized.

#17

Randy, what does that locomotive weigh anyhow?

#18

Thanks for all the kudos guys!

Ken, I think you a probably right. I’d love for this case to get it’s Canadian stamp on of these years. I hope you guys have great weather and lots of good times.

Forrest, You may need to make a LOT of passes with the Dremel tool. (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)I used the table saw, chop saw, router and drill.

Bob, that’s a very nice design, and I really like the drive in feature. I subscribe to some very similar philosophies which is probably why my case looks a bit clunky. I just wanted it to be strong and stackable. I may have to see how I could incorporate that style bottom on my next. I’ll look forward to seeing one of those finished.

Good point David, All this talk of “oh so heavy” without real numbers is pointless. I’ll weigh things tonight.

#19

Sorry for the late update. I had to turn 20 - 80 lb. sacs of quikcrete into a side walk tonight.

Anyway, the locomotive is 25 lbs. and the tote is 15 lbs.

#20

That sounds suspiciously close to actual work.