Recommendations for creepers for working on top of layout ?

There are quite a few discussions on that subject here on the forum. I think some have found some pretty nice ones at good prices. Don't remember where they were made though, probably all from China? Here's a link to the other threads.

 

Top Side Creepers

I've had a topside creeper for about 4 years now & really like it. You can reach all those difficult areas on your layout. No problems with it here.

I don't have one, but probably need one, and have just seen them offered in "Micro

Mark" catalog.  Other sources, and made by who and where?

I guess I just learned another lesson here from the School of Hard Knocks--"always plan on how you'll do maintenance".

 

Pat, too true.  The worst way to design a layout is to start with a 4x8 sheet of plywood and then simply make it bigger in length and width.

And forgetting you won't be as flexible a few years after you start your layout is always a problem.    (I still find it hard to believe I'm 56 years old now!)

Pat

 

Keep running, I don't want to catch you! 

Micro Mark.  Completely folds up when not in use, works terrific.  Here it is in an early shot of our 20x40 ON30 triple decker.  Russ

 

 

http://www.micromark.com/topsi...ort-system,8854.html

The Micromark topside creeper is the way to go, I am always using mine,and it's nice and sturdy.

Has anyone built or bought something like the contraption shown below? If so I would love to hear or what and how, etc.  

 

The central lake you see in this end of my layout is/was a hatch that pops up and allows access from underneath.  The layout is ten feet wide at this point.  Originally it took thirty minutes to remove the lake so I could get under and inside there.  But with the track bridge across it, and the moving-boat-on lake mechanism below it, etc., it now takes about two full days to remove, and access is narrow and difficult to work inside, and then I have to put everything back in place.  I made all those changes fully knowing the "cost" when and if I had to get in there, but . . . .

 

The contraption shown would be easy to built so I could set it up and move it to the location needed.  I would not actually have to go out directly over the middle of the layout, just lean far enough to reach in fully.

 

I really need to repaint the lake surface: it is hard oil-based enamel, and themoving boat on lake runs on soft felt pads atop it, but its run about 2200 hours I estimate in three or four years and its polished a smooth trail in the lake surface.  I'd also like to get into the center of the layout to "trim some bushes" etc.  

 

Oh, and yeah, I would remove the trains and such first.

 

Lee, that looks like these work platforms. You may be able to find one to modify. They come in different heights and lengths.

 

I have a friend who has the Micro Mark one and he loves it.  I have tried it and it works very well.  I think it takes a fair amount of storage space though even when folded.  Good tool.

 

Art

Hopefully Tom from the Choo Choo Barn will pipe in here. I have seen all kinds of contraptions he uses to maintain his layout. He is VERY inventive when it comes to these issues. If Tom does not reply to this thread you might try his channel on YOU TUBE.

If anyone is looking to buy the Micro-Mark TSC it would serve you well to sign up for their email list.  They occsionally have email only 15-20% off sales or free shipping. 

Lee,

 

I was going to suggest this same idea that Roger has posted, so giving his post a second.  I think I saw something like this on the Choo Choo Barn videos or in an article I read about it. As Roger says, they have a number of neat layout access devices (as well as many very unique devices on their layout).

I've been using this for years.

John - Great pictures that demonstrate the true versatility of this tool.  Answers the question of how well does it fold down for storage.

 

Art

I have to say it.  Jeepers creepers, this is a neat thread!

 

I like the Topside Creeper Captain John posted photos of, but I'm not sure it can reach far enough for me. 

Googled "topside creeper homemade" and found this one.  Much cheaper and can customize per your requirements. 

 

 

2x4's in the following quantities and lengths:
(2) 8' for the horizontal base
(4) 6' for the diagonal cross supports
(2) 6' for the top horizontal platform
(6) 2' for the pieces between the two sides, can adjust lengths
For the top platform, a 2'x4' plywood board with a foam mat. A 2' width between the two sides, but maybe 3' would have been more stable. Adding additional pieces between the two sides also helps with stability.

Much cheaper.

Dan

 

Our museum has a Topside Creeper and it gets a lot of use. It does fold up, as shown in Captain John's photos above, but it still takes up a lot of room even when folded. It's a great tool if you need it and have room to store it. Remember that you need plenty of room at the edge of the layout to roll it underneath - you can't store boxes up to the edge, or if you do, you'll have to move them when you use the Creeper. 

I also googled creepers, and these look pretty good. The soft sole should help to prevent damage to trackwork and scenery. 

 

The "Micro Mark" Topside Creeper is manufactured by Traxion Engineered Products of Van Buren, AR and is also available through automotive tool and equipment distributors.  It was originally designed to get a mechanic (tech) to reach over the top of an automobile or truck engine on late model vehicles.  It is assembled in the USA from components from China.

 

MicroMark discovered the unit and realized that it had some model RR applications as well.  I have used one but you do have to realize that the unit takes a lot of space and if your aisles are tight, you might not be able to get into close spaces.  It is a well made and very sturdy piece of equipment.

 

Paul Fischer

This is getting close to what I envisioned above.  Good idea.  Definitely tailor-able to you specific situation!

 

I no longer need my virtually new Topside  Creeper and am willing to sell it at half price  + actual shipping from Williamsburg, VA.  email edrappe@ cox.net

 

I have a question on how much room you need between the floor and a shelf. 

My layout is in a basement, so I do not put boxes directly on the floor.  I have built a shelf several inches above the floor for my boxes.  Can someone who owns a Topside Creeper measure how much room is needed for the legs to go under the shelf.  Thanks.

 

Ed,  I wish I'd seen this sooner.  I just returned from Williamsburg doing the Bike VA tour. 

 

Ron

Ed,

I no longer need my virtually new Topside  Creeper and am willing to sell it at half price  + actual shipping from Williamsburg, VA

I sent you an E-mail.

I have used one of the TS Creepers and found them to be sort of OK.  They need LOTS of space on the floor.  It gets very uncomfortable working on one after 10 - 15 minutes.  You also need some sort of tool caddy.

 

The idea Lee showed is not bad.  I built and used one on a layout I helped build.  It needs to be narrow and balance can be a problem.  It was also tough to get on and off of.  I felt more secure on it than on the creeper.  Put carpet on anything to pad the edges.

 

George Lasley

Lee, might be a crazy idea but Little Giant Ladders makes a expandable scaffold (  I think from 4-12 feet) as an accessory for their Little Giant Ladders Systems.  It fits between their ladders. You probably would have to put padding on it but maybe it might be something to check out. Best thing is it's built in the USA, Solid, & Strong! I don't know how wide your layout is but with your talents you'll come up with something that will work for you. Good Luck!

Thanks Gary P - I will look into it.  I need to get something soon and something like this would mean I did not have to build my own.  

"I did not have to build my own."

 

i cannot believe you are balking at building something.