For holding rolling stock while installing couplers, lubricating and many other jobs, sometimes a third hand would be useful to hold them without damage. Often the box lid or foam insert serves the purpose, but sometimes a more secure grip is necessary. Ranging from cloth through foam to metal, various cradles are available for the purpose. Cloth stretcher types are not too stable. While most foam types can be damaged by synthetic lubricants like Labelle 101 or solvent cements. Opposed to clamps and vises these are quicky devices that do not apply too much pressure, but support well.
Some are included with handy partitioned trays to hold parts, but lack adjustability for firm support. Sizes vary. These may be made from desk drawer, partitioned, insert trays.
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Tray w/ cradle.
Others are entirely foam with parts areas added.
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Foam cradle. Sorry, demo crumbled.
A sling type with sprung stretcher bars can hold various rolling stock without damage. One version included test leads. A small groove around base top can hold screws and small parts. Although objects are held securely, spring tension is too great. If supported directly by sling bottom many steam locos rest too low, causing interference with rods and valve gear; therefore foam strips must be inserted along bottom to raise.
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One end of 12" sling cradle..
Probably the handiest for general work is the Ribbon Rail aluminum Work Cradle, available in N and 12" HO sizes. In the past, very convenient 6" HO were available. These can be made by sawing long versions in half. They are assembled with adjustable screws, ferrule spacers and nuts, which support a floor sheet and two angle bent side sheets. Loosely held, the side sheets apply pressure on rolling stock sides; derived from the weight at the angled base. The interior is felt lined to protect finishes and details. Low side equipment can be raised with foam blocks. If moving parts clear sides, locos can be run upside down for lubricating or cleaning drivers.
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Work cradle.
Designed for painting use and not really a cradle, this 12" channel holder has "Z" fingers that fit inside hollow shells. By spreading them against the inside and locking with wing nuts, shells are supported securely above the base. On the bench, it is very useful during roof detailing. While clamping the base in a tiltable vise extends this to sides and ends as well. At the "Z" tops holes can accommodate truck screws to mount rolling stock with frames.
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Shell holder.
A specialized version the 10.5" x 19" Buildecal Easel by El Greco is designed to hold rollingstock at a convenient angle, while applying decals to sides. A ceramic tile plate provides an excellent trimming surface, while two rectangular soaking dishes on either side and bins for setting solutions and tools add to utility.
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Decaling easel.
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