Since I don't have any place for running locos., apart from the test rollers in the workshop, they have to be transported elsewhere. Transporting models in cardboard boxes, etc. lost it's charm very quickly, so I designed and built this case that could be used to store and carry tools, consumables and most importantly, the loco.
I enjoy woodworking these days (that noise is my last high school woodworking teacher turning over in his grave), so the case is probably more elaborate than it needs to be and it is made from clear pine (which is getting expensive and harder to get), but it does the job. More by luck than good management, the case fits neatly on the floor of my car between the front seat and the dashboard, so it can't fall over on bends, or when some fool causes me brake hard....
Apologies for the high contrast of the photos, but it is summer here, 28C in the house and 35C in the workshop yesterday, with more to come.
There wasn't a cloud visible in the sky when the photos were taken late one afternoon.This is the case from the front, with the slide removed, showing the two tool drawers and the loco in it's cradle slid forward a little. I prefer to use slides instead of a hinged door, as they take up less space when open and won't open in transit, as a hinged door can if the catch is knocked.
This shows the case with the tool drawer partly open to show the partitions, which helps to keep things organised so I can find what I'm looking for..........
This view shows the back of the case with the back slide removed to show the slide in carrier for gas, water and oil.
This view shows the Hunslet in it's cradle which slides into the case. The loco is restrained in the cradle with a couple of PO rubber bands to stop it bouncing around when carried in the car. The Baldwin, the Hunslet and the Fowler diesel all have their own cradles with the same outside length and width so that any loco can be swapped in and out of the case for transport.
As the number of locos has multiplied, I've built a couple of small cases which can be used for storage at home, or to enable more than one loco to be transported to a run and this view shows the Baldwin on it's cradle in one of these small cases.
Regards,
Graeme
