TheRailwire

General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: C855B on October 03, 2018, 02:09:42 PM

Title: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: C855B on October 03, 2018, 02:09:42 PM
https://www.micromark.com/Topside-Creeper-Step-Ladder-Support-System

Same model on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TRAXION-Topside-Creeper-Adjustable-47-in-to-70-in-Height-Each/192071719272

I've violated the 24-Inch Rule in a few locations and could use the reach assistance for scenery installation and maintenance.
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: wcfn100 on October 03, 2018, 02:40:06 PM
(http://cdn1us.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeekus/files/styles/main_wide/public/mission-impossible-1996-tom-cruise-27898914-1200-785.jpg?itok=rHu-GW1g)

Jason
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on October 03, 2018, 02:54:37 PM
I know someone who had one. He found it very handy.
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: tehachapifan on October 03, 2018, 04:24:42 PM
(http://cdn1us.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeekus/files/styles/main_wide/public/mission-impossible-1996-tom-cruise-27898914-1200-785.jpg?itok=rHu-GW1g)

Jason


Lol! This is what exactly I need and why I wish I went the shelf "around the room" type layout versus my current 6X17', bowl-of-spaghetti, table-style layout! :facepalm: ;)
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: C855B on October 03, 2018, 04:57:51 PM
(http://cdn1us.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeekus/files/styles/main_wide/public/mission-impossible-1996-tom-cruise-27898914-1200-785.jpg?itok=rHu-GW1g)

This I could probably rig in my space...

...but nah.  :D  :P
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: MK on October 03, 2018, 06:03:39 PM
(http://cdn1us.denofgeek.com/sites/denofgeekus/files/styles/main_wide/public/mission-impossible-1996-tom-cruise-27898914-1200-785.jpg?itok=rHu-GW1g)

Jason

Then you wouldn't need tracks for the locos or rolling stock would you?  :D
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: railnerd on October 03, 2018, 07:41:26 PM
https://www.micromark.com/Topside-Creeper-Step-Ladder-Support-System

Same model on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TRAXION-Topside-Creeper-Adjustable-47-in-to-70-in-Height-Each/192071719272

I've violated the 24-Inch Rule in a few locations and could use the reach assistance for scenery installation and maintenance.

Can be rendered useless by a multi-deck layout.  Our club has one— we use it sparingly.
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: nkalanaga on October 04, 2018, 01:51:53 AM
MK etc:  you wouldn't get any tractive effort from the locos either.  On the other hand, you could use a roller coaster type track, with either a rack or linear motor, and run trains in weightless conditions.  That could be an interesting idea to simulate.
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: mrp on October 04, 2018, 05:24:39 AM
I have one and find it to be useful for reaching some of the areas of the layout that are 36" or so away from the aisle. It has allowed me to do stuff that wouldn't be practical otherwise.
I find I can use it for about 45 minutes before is starts to bother my back, but overall is fairly useful.
 
Michael Pennie
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: MK on October 04, 2018, 07:46:12 AM
MK etc:  you wouldn't get any tractive effort from the locos either.  On the other hand, you could use a roller coaster type track, with either a rack or linear motor, and run trains in weightless conditions.  That could be an interesting idea to simulate.

Or steel tracks and magnetic wheels or vice versa.  :)
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: Lemosteam on October 04, 2018, 08:02:55 AM
Or one of these with a back board attached instead of the seat sling... There are motorized versions as well.

(https://mobilityexpress.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c687aa7517cf01e65c009f6943c2b1e9/t/r/tracking_systems.jpg)
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: learmoia on October 04, 2018, 09:20:11 AM
A friend of mine has one.. He likes it.. but it's tough to store when your not using it..

~Ian
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: C855B on October 04, 2018, 10:56:46 AM
Or one of these with a back board attached instead of the seat sling... There are motorized versions as well.

(https://mobilityexpress.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c687aa7517cf01e65c009f6943c2b1e9/t/r/tracking_systems.jpg)

And when not being used for maintenance, it could be the basis for a ceiling-mount monorail layout. Growing up near Disneyland I've always had a soft spot for Alweg monorails. (I can guess that this lift system is insanely expensive.)

I think I'm convinced to get the creeper, but it might wait until the wallet recovers from the Rapido Turbo next month. It's still trying to heal from the Tangent cars. :|
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: C855B on October 04, 2018, 11:14:48 AM
Or steel tracks ...

Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: nkalanaga on October 04, 2018, 06:35:40 PM
MK:  For small models magnets would certainly be the easiest solution.  They would be unwieldy for a large-scale model, or an actual freight/passenger system.

I suspect that the ceiling monorail wouldn't work well in zero-G, because it probably requires some weight for traction.  It could be modified to use opposing drive wheels pressing against the inner sides of the track, and then should work without weight.  It would still need something to reduce friction from rubbing on the top and bottom of the track, as there wouldn't be any force to keep it centered vertically.

Actually, I doubt that anyone would build a railroad, of any size, in freefall.  No point when one can simply give the load a shove and let it coast to the destination.  But it's fun to speculate...
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: Doug G. on October 04, 2018, 11:05:05 PM
Based on the original idea/construction by Jim Fitzgerald in the late sixties. Article in the November, 1968 Model Railroader.

Doug
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: TinyTrains on October 11, 2018, 12:23:25 AM
We have one at the Belmont Shore Club. It does not get used a lot due to its size and bulk, but once in a while, it comes in handy.

Scott
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: grouch on October 12, 2018, 12:14:39 PM
I use an automotive creeper with an inexpensive patio lounger on top. It's narrow enough to use your feet to move around and the adjustable back make reaching easy.

The lounger folds relatively flat when not in use
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: peteski on October 12, 2018, 02:17:40 PM
I use an automotive creeper with an inexpensive patio lounger on top. It's narrow enough to use your feet to move around and the adjustable back make reaching easy.

The lounger folds relatively flat when not in use

This discussion is about a device which gives you a long reach over the layout.

(https://www.therailwire.net/forum/gallery/7/2700-121018141541-7660930.jpeg)

Sounds like your example is for working under the layout. At least that is how I envision a creeper and lounge chair combination.
Title: Re: Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?
Post by: grouch on October 13, 2018, 11:55:09 PM
Oops, Wrong creeper...............Sorry.

I should have been sharper. My dad had one in his automotive garage back in the 50's.....He sold his.