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Mobile Workshop/Carry Case

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:28 pm
by GTB
This was built some time ago, but I thought it might be of interest.

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. :roll: 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.
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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..........
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This view shows the back of the case with the back slide removed to show the slide in carrier for gas, water and oil.
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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.
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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.
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Regards,
Graeme

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:12 pm
by LMS-Jools
Very nice. 8)

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:22 pm
by tegfan railway
really like that, I might have to build something similar myself! Thanks for sharing the pics with us!

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:33 pm
by Spule 4
Nice cases there. Unfortunately, I am someone that can do rough construction, but has no ability to do fine finish work. :oops:

Thought: Many years ago, in a different lifetime, I collected diecast Citroen car models (along with a few real ones).

Several of them came in a hard plastic box with a screw that came up through the bottom and held the model in place.

I have often thought that a similar screw-down method, with the wheels resting on their treds on rails/groves, would be a good way to retain a live steam loco?

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:35 pm
by Jerm
That is a lovely piece of work. My second hand Millie came with a nice carrying case but my Ruby rides in a large plastic bin which also totes my oil, gas, water, tools, etc. It's not luxurious but it works.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:46 pm
by MDLR
I've got a Stanley plastic tool-box-on-wheels - carries stock, gas water and all my other "bits and pieces"............... Good for shows!

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:17 pm
by hussra
Oooh, I like that. I shall have to sort some sort of travel box out for Wilberforce one of these days.

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 1:43 pm
by TonyW
Lovely job Graeme!

I remember with some amusement seeing a chap years ago carrying a Lady Anne, tools, oil, water, gas, etc. in a Sainsburys carrier bag...!

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 5:44 pm
by Gremlin
Nice work on the case, very well thought out.

But Sainsburys carrier bags were a lot stronger back then :lol:

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:05 pm
by Sir Clothem Cap
There are cheap alternatives
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Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:10 pm
by hussra
TonyW:78920 wrote:I remember with some amusement seeing a chap years ago carrying a Lady Anne, tools, oil, water, gas, etc. in a Sainsburys carrier bag...!
Hmmm, I confess I do have carrier bag full of "Big Big" tippers, but that's about the only thing I'd carry that way.

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 5:59 pm
by Keith S
I've been using a cardboard box. You're right, it loses its appeal rather quickly.

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 11:33 am
by TonyW
hussra:78951 wrote:Hmmm, I confess I do have carrier bag full of "Big Big" tippers, but that's about the only thing I'd carry that way.
You know the cardboard boxes that A4 manilla envelopes come in? They are perfect for BB tippers. One box will easily hold 20 !