Anybody using a Topside Creeper for layout maintenance?

[C855B]

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.

[wcfn100]

Jason

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I know someone who had one. He found it very handy.

[tehachapifan]

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!

[C855B]

This I could probably rig in my space...

...but nah.   

[MK]

Jason

Then you wouldn't need tracks for the locos or rolling stock would you? 

[railnerd]

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.

[nkalanaga]

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.

[mrp]

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

[MK]

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. 

[Lemosteam]

Or one of these with a back board attached instead of the seat sling... There are motorized versions as well.

[learmoia]

A friend of mine has one.. He likes it.. but it's tough to store when your not using it..

~Ian

[C855B]

Or one of these with a back board attached instead of the seat sling... There are motorized versions as well.

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.

[C855B]

Or steel tracks ...

[nkalanaga]

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...