Servicing Cradles

[Andy Lowman]

Hi, does anyone have experience or an opinion on any particular make of these?

I've included a few links to differing approaches to them but comments don't need to be limited to those in the links, they are just ones that came up in a quick search. The first has a minimum width (40mm) that is larger than practical but that could be negated by a bit of additional foam. The second is marginal but a bit of foam may have to be used, the third is ok.

https://historymill.co.uk/products/mlb1-railway-locomotive-servicing-cradle-for-00-h0-n-h0m-00-9-gauge-models

https://historymill.co.uk/products/model-railway-loco-servicing-cradle-handle-multi-angle-train-berth-stand-00-h0

https://peco-uk.com/products/locomotive-servicing-cradle?variant=7264231227426

Look forward to hearing about cradles!

[JulienW]

To be honest I've never felt the need for one, as if I need to support a loco I generally use a couple of bits of wood to prop it in place...

(Sorry if that's probably not the answer you wanted...)

So based on how I do it the Peco one is probably the one that would suit me best, and looking at the others Peco's is probably safest for the loco (not applying too much pressure and less likely to fall over / off the bench).

(Hopefully that's a bit more helpful!)

[Graeme Dunbar]

I've thought about buying a Peco one (I wasn't aware of the others). Similarly I did not feel the need, less so now as newer models often have very delicate details compared to the cast chunks of metal of earlier times.

I think whether one will be of use may depend on what work needs to be done. Picking out a bit of fluff with tweezers or adding a drop of oil can probably be done by holding in a hand by most people. On the other hand if a stubborn screw needs to be removed very careful attention may need to be paid to exactly where and how the loco is held.

[Hugh Norwood]

I use a Peco one. It means I have both hands free to work with

[Andy Lowman]

Thank you Julien, Graeme and Hugh. I did wonder whether the more elaborate ones with all the adjustable bits may be a bit ott when compared to the simplicity of the Peco. And I was a bit concerned with the possibility of breaking some side detailing. The work I have in mind varies from a simple oiling and/or cleaning a bit of fluff to removing the chassis from the motor to get at the inner workings. Any more comments will be gratefully received.

[Robin Webster]

 I purchased my Peco cradle a very long time ago, surprisingly the foam is still soft and has not deteriorated yet. Yes, it's a bit dusty but from time to time it gets a gentle wash by hand and that's pretty much it. I've used it in the past for all sorts loco repairs but for Hoe/009  its not the best as the locomotives are small. To use it I now add a folded paper towel for extra support.
Robin.

[B.Meldon]

I have a simple cradle cut out from foam.
It is mounted on a small srection of MDF.

This  has been in use for 30+ years now!!

[John Galbraith]

Andy, I also use the Peco one and again I have had it for years and it is still in perfect condition.

[Andy Lowman]

Hi Robin, Brian and John, thanks for the replies. The Peco one seems to be the most popular here. The only thing that I've now found (apart from making one myself) is this one. I have spoken to the shop and he's confirmed it can be used for all scales (n up to O) as he uses them in his workshop. So I may get one of these as it looks a nice piece of kit!
https://www.marks-trains.co.uk/shop/electrical/tools/esu-locomotive-servicing-cradle-with-magnetic-parts-recess/

[Hugh Norwood]

Lets us know how you get on, please!

[Carrotteer]

Andy, I have the ESU cradle and I like it very much.
I use the angled cradle the most because you can put any scale locs from z to 00 (maybe even S scale) on it.
The magnetic strip is a nice to have.

In Continental Europe you can even find cheaper ones which only have the angled cradle for around 10 pounds.

Kind regards from the Netherlands,
Michel

[Graeme Dunbar]

The idea of placing the cradle at an angle is a brilliant bit of lateral thinking. I imagine many tasks can be accomplished simply by resting like that and do not need the loco to be clamped securely.

[Andy Lowman]

Hi Hugh, Michel and Graeme, thanks for the comments. Michel, good to hear that you like the ESU cradle, I'm going to order one tomorrow and, Hugh, I'll let you know about it when it arrives.

[Andy Lowman]

Hi, as promised here's a couple of photos of the ESU Loco Servicing Cradle. I have to say it's impressive; well made, the foam is soft enough so as not to damage the loco itself but firm enough to support it, the middle strip is magnetic to hold your screws and bits and it's a good size. A microfibre cloth in the top would allow for 'thinner' loco's if you need it. And it's so much better, more practical and more useable than the Peco cradle. Well well worth the money, I recommend it wholeheartedly.