It has became apparent to me that to be in this scale you should have a repair cradle so as not to damage locos (or my dining room table)...can you show us your table top friendly repair cradles? Plus materials used if not obvious. Thanks in advance..Bryan
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This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
jeremy ferrell posted:This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
Is this a commercially made product? Maker name? thanks.. I feel it is time to progress past rolling locos around on my table with a kitchen towel wrapped around them..
I often wondered how useful those cradles really are? Reason being, unless you're working on the gearbox or wheels, most likely oiling and lubing, most of the work I do usually requires moving the engine or rolling stock around to get at certain areas/parts etc. I find a lot of work I do would never be able to be done if sitting partially buried in a cradle. I'm sure they come in handy for some types of jobs, but im thinking a lot of times it would be more of a hindrance.
I'd rather be ice fishing posted:jeremy ferrell posted:This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
Is this a commercially made product? Maker name? thanks.. I feel it is time to progress past rolling locos around on my table with a kitchen towel wrapped around them..
It's made by Bowser.
Slugger posted:I'd rather be ice fishing posted:jeremy ferrell posted:This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
Is this a commercially made product? Maker name? thanks.. I feel it is time to progress past rolling locos around on my table with a kitchen towel wrapped around them..
It's made by Bowser.
I believe someone makes a 30" or about one also, saw it at a show last month.
I use the Bowser; use it for all maintenance.
Train Nut posted:I often wondered how useful those cradles really are? Reason being, unless you're working on the gearbox or wheels, most likely oiling and lubing, most of the work I do usually requires moving the engine or rolling stock around to get at certain areas/parts etc. I find a lot of work I do would never be able to be done if sitting partially buried in a cradle. I'm sure they come in handy for some types of jobs, but im thinking a lot of times it would be more of a hindrance.
Although R. Lee Ermey was probably NOT into trains, I'm sure he would have had an eloquent response to your line of thinking. 
Ooops, did I type that out loud???
Slugger posted:I'd rather be ice fishing posted:jeremy ferrell posted:This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
Is this a commercially made product? Maker name? thanks.. I feel it is time to progress past rolling locos around on my table with a kitchen towel wrapped around them..
It's made by Bowser.
Thanks for the link..on my radar now.
I have a couple of pieces of packing material from a TV (I think). I can use it either with the flat side up or flipped over and can slide the loco down into the slot. They are rigid enough to support the weight but soft enough to avoid damage.
About the best photos I have of it.
Bob
Now that Bob broke the ice for me, I don't feel too bad about my service cradles LOL!
I was walking through my warehouse one day and noticed a few of these tossed in the trash. At first glance it looked like the exact width of our O Scale engines. Well I was right, they fit like a glove and so far I have never had any issues with broken detail parts, knock on wood.
My LHS owner asked me where I bought them, when I told him the story, he couldn't stop laughing LOL!
I keep this one at work for lunch time repairs or when the owner isn't around 
Sometimes the best tools are the ones you make yourself.
Thanks!
I'd rather be ice fishing posted:jeremy ferrell posted:This is what I use. They for sure make servicing engines a much easier task
Is this a commercially made product? Maker name? thanks.. I feel it is time to progress past rolling locos around on my table with a kitchen towel wrapped around them..
Bowser around 15 bucks.
Does a miter box and a bath towel count?
Joe Hohmann posted:Does a miter box and a bath towel count?
Well I was already using a kitchen towel but the miter box is a step up 
Well, it's old and beat up, but it still works. The rag in the bottom soaks up leaking fluids, it gets changed when it starts looking ratty.
My dad built this cradle when he had his hobby shops ......almost 50 years old now...it’s one of those cherished tools.....nothing but scrap wood, metal and carpet...always works!
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