Does anyone have one of these for working on their layout? I’d like a little more info on it before I invest about $250.00.
I had one, but sold it. I found it to be too big for my room. I wrote a review about it on TrainBoard http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/blog.php?b=1351 Greg
There was another thread on these a little while back. Do a search for exact info but if you do a Goggle search you will find many that are half as much
ratled
I’ve got one and I like it. I’ve been using it to install scenery on a few hard-to-get places on the Yuba River Sub, and it works like a charm. When not in use, it folds up fairly well against the wall of my garage (that’s where the layout is). So far it’s definitely proved worth the investment.
Tom
Great!!! A layout saver and eliminator of several would be pop-outs. You do need ample room in front of layout and not mind spending several hours in the flying Superman position positioned prone on top of the small padded seat. If your aisles are narrow…forgetaboutit!!
HZ
I use one on my 3 deck Santa Fe in Oklahoma and find it invaluable. The top deck is high, because 3 deck layouts have to be, and the helix connecting the top and middle deck is located UNDER the top deck where the Oklahoma City yards and staging is. That means a lot of reaching without the topside. I also have the “mole hole” area located under the top deck.
I bought my topside about 3 years ago, and though I don’t have to use it often, it folds down nicely and slides under the helix area. But I can tell you it has saved me a lot of grief in completing secenery and trackwork at Oklahoma City, placing new grain elevators, rereailing derailed cars, doing other tasks. Mine is folded down and under the helix when not in use. I don’t use it a lot these days, but I know it is there and ready if I need it.
Bob
I got one at a local hardware wholesale shop for $99. I shopped around for a while until I was able to find one at such a low price. I really didn’t want to spend the $250 price some places were asking.
Very good investment and makes those hard to reach areas very accessible now. It folds up and stores under the layout nicely.
My layout room also contains the house power breaker panel and cable TV distribution center in the ceiling above the drop panels. The cable guy and electrician really liked the fact I had one so they could work without fear of damaging my layout.
-G-
I would use one to access the distributor cap and rotor on my C1500. [;)]
well, that’s what it was originally designed for [;)]
I have a couple of neighbors who use mine that way. The little devil gets a real work-out around here with my truck-lovin’ buddies, LOL! I ought to start charging them rent–I might be able to make enough to buy that Sunset brass Z-6, by golly!
Tom
Newer models fold up. Mine resides upright against the wall when not in use. A great gadget to have around. I got mine on sale at Sears for about $140.
We have a “fold-up” one at our club layout. Even folded, it takes a good amount of space, but it is also incredibly useful.
We have a “fold-up” one at our club layout. Even folded, it takes a good amount of space, but it is also incredibly useful.
I wonder if anyone has devised a system of pulleys and cables with a harness so you can hover over your layout to work on it.
Tom
I wish you were closer, I would gladly pay rent, granted it only has to be changed every 100k, I just recently changed it (for the second time) and still have an impression of the A/C compressor in my stomach. [:D]
I guess that kind of depends on your definition of “a good amount”. Mine fits nicely over next to the furnace, behind the layout. I stick out about 2’ from the wall, it’s about 3’ wide and 5’ high. Much smaller than either the furnace or the pressurize for the water system.
I could easily slide it under one of the piers of my layout if I didn’t have so much cra…er crud under there.
Hi Howard
Can you be more specific about the clearance needed to the opposite side of the aisle?
Thanks
Dave
Bought mine from a local 4whl drive shop do a search from truck creepers but beware of cheap imports, the one from Micromark is made in the USA
Hi Willy,
check and see if any of the tool rental places near you have it. Rent one for a day, and see for yourself . Then you can decide if you want to buy or not.
Sam
Here are some pics of mine:
!(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j8/jbrundt/train layout/DSC09318.jpg)
!(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j8/jbrundt/train layout/DSC00122.jpg)
!(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j8/jbrundt/train layout/DSC00272.jpg)
you can see it folded up under the layout in the above photo…