Cradle for engines and cars

http://www.bowser-trains.com/foamcradle.html

I just fastened two low sides of plywood about 2 1/2” high to a 2 X 4 , lined it with carpet sponge with thumbtacks (they sit below the sponge surface). Works great. No cost.

Wally

Here is a whole thread on the subject.

https://ogrforum.com/...le-for-train-repairs

I use some old packing from a computer box. Works perfectly.

I bought a 24" foam cradle years ago, it's been invaluable for servicing.  It's getting pretty beat up, but still does the job.  Tons of options, as you can see above.

For what its worth, here's my 'price is right' home-made cradle.  It's sized for S-gauge (Flyer) and the wooden U measures 5.5 inches across and 3.75 inches high.  The shaggy carpet is a piece of an old bathroom throw-rug, which is soft enough that I haven't worried too much about stresses on things like diesel horns and other things on the top of the loco shell.  I did glue a piece of the 'waffle-foam' carpet pad on the bottom so the cradle wouldn't skid across my workbench.

the key, of course, is that the carpet is pink!  Actually having a light colored carpet is handy when you drop a screw or other small part into the cradle and you have to fish it out...

- Rich

Added note:  you will note that the carpet piece is suspended into the U-frame, as opposed to simply lining the inside of the U-frame.  That helps keep the  loco cradled and it 'automatically' adjusts for the size (to some extent)

I also use the black foam that my laptop was secured in from HP.

You could ask at your local computer store, Staples, Office Depot, etc.

If you don't mind dumpster diving you can also check around back of tv and appliance stores.

Here’s the best on the market

Another picture 

I use a soft foam cradle. I’m not sure I have heard of one made of Styrofoam, could easily be home made, if that’s what you want.

Remember when the home or office pc sat in an adjustable cradle on the floor?  Pepperidge Farm remembers. Lined with bubble wrap.  Cost was zero.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I bought a 24" foam cradle years ago, it's been invaluable for servicing.  It's getting pretty beat up, but still does the job.  Tons of options, as you can see above.

Me too. Mine is beat up as well but it still does the job!