What’s the best work cradle for diesels with a train phone antenna?

I've worked on many PA models with my standard foam cradle, I've never had an issue with the antenna getting bend by the foam.

If you're customizing a cradle for the antenna, just cut a slot for the antenna in the foam, I personally don't think that's necessary.  FWIW, I have the Lionel Century Club Shark A-B-A set, and they've been in the cradle several times, the antennas are as good as new.

John:  have you got a photo of your cradle, is it store bought or home made?

 John, that’s the exact sharknose make & model I have.  Good to know its antenna can take some handling without damage. 
I do like the idea of cutting slots for that extra bit of caution...

  seems we have the same tastes, my Century Club model is replacing a WBB ABA set like you had for sale a little while back.  I too was about to do the full ERR treatment you’d done, until the Lionel set appeared.   Just out of curiosity, which sound file did you choose?  I was really laboring over the sound choice.

Thanks again  

Tom

I have a homemade foam lined cradle I use.   I worry about a lot since most of my diesels are Pennsy.   

I have some small pieces of wood about 1/2 to 3/4 inches square by about 5 inches long.     These fit between the antennas and are taller.   So I hold one in place while I set the loco upside down in the cradle and the loco rests on its roof rather than the antennas.     Quick and dirty solution.

RJT posted:

John:  have you got a photo of your cradle, is it store bought or home made?

Mine is the 24" version.  I bought it years ago, there was a discussion here about foam cradles and this one was reasonably priced and large enough for anything I work on.  It replaced a home-made one that was flaking away.  I'm going to have to consider replacing this one soon, it's getting long in the tooth and there are pieces missing around the edges.

FlyPlanes-PlayTrains posted:

 John, that’s the exact sharknose make & model I have.  Good to know its antenna can take some handling without damage. 
I do like the idea of cutting slots for that extra bit of caution...

I thought about it, but since I've never had an issue, I didn't bother.  Of course, I don't do a ton of work in the cradle on something like the Shark, they're normally just in there to remove the shell or occasionally clean the wheels/rollers.

I also drop a rag in the bottom to soak up any fluids that might escape when the locomotive is upside down.

FlyPlanes-PlayTrains posted:

seems we have the same tastes, my Century Club model is replacing a WBB ABA set like you had for sale a little while back.  I too was about to do the full ERR treatment you’d done, until the Lionel set appeared.   Just out of curiosity, which sound file did you choose?  I was really laboring over the sound choice.

I forget what was in it, but I remember looking at the prime mover and finding one that was close.

Since this is related, I'll try here rather than start a new thread. Where can you buy the PRR antenne in O guage? Thanks. 

Bowser (Cal Scale)     Click on the underlined phrase to link.   Bottom of page.  Project would require brass wire to complete. 

Weaver E8 

Weaver GE U25b

Wire size .02"--.03"      

I use the cradle made by Collectors Choice.  It has soft foam that should not damage the antennae.

However, I would suggest obtaining some foam from Hobby Lobby or another craft store, and cut a strip to fit between the antennae and insert it before upturning the locomotive onto the cradle.  The typical diesel weighs a few pounds.

Mike CT posted:

Bowser (Cal Scale)     Click on the underlined phrase to link.   Bottom of page.  Project would require brass wire to complete. 

Weaver E8 

Weaver GE U25b

Wire size .02"--.03"      

Hi, Mike.  I looked for info on the installation of these antennas on our models & the closest I found were pictures of yours from 2015.  When it comes to modeling these, do you have a "How to" or do you know of one?  If not would you consider doing a thread (or short article in OGR) on this installation?  Your work is great for this.
D.

That's mine Tom, I have the Collector's Choice 24" model.  Now I know where to get the replacement.

Found it, many thanks. My clock-maker son-in-law has the wire. 

Bowser used to make and sell foam cradles for O Gauge.  I have had mine for many years, and although showing its age, it is still useable.  They still may be available.  It may be worth a  call to Bowser or English's Model Railroad Supply  at (570) 368-2516.

Goody posted:

Bowser used to make and sell foam cradles for O Gauge.  I have had mine for many years, and although showing its age, it is still useable.  They still may be available.  It may be worth a  call to Bowser or English's Model Railroad Supply  at (570) 368-2516.

Still do found them on Amazon today. Just Goggled Foam Cradles for toy trains.

You will also get a lot of results on eBay searching "foam cradle for model trains."