Okay. I need to buy a creeper. I'm checking them out on Amazon and found some I do like, and some I don't. I have a low seating stool I've been using for years, but w/ the size of my current layout, I am spending much time under there. Quite frankly, banging the back of noggin' on terminal strips and other "hardware" is getting old. What do you guys and gals use to navigate the netherworld, underbelly of your layout? It is either a good creeper or a hard hat.
I knew a guy that got a steel wire shopping cart and cut the sides and front off, leaned against the back, he motored all around under his layout worked like a charm. Regular creepers may be too low.
SNORT!!! If you remember the old VW Bug, you didn't "pull" the engine, you "dropped" it. I made a trolley/dolly outta the bottom of a shopping cart under which, you could position a rolling floor jack. Once the engine was dropped, you'd remove the floor jack and roll the engine wherever needed. The idea of yet repurposing a shopping cart is appealing!
I made my layout in 6’ long sections. In 1 minute I can disconnect a section and flip it up or move it to my workbench. No bending over required.
Yeah, unless you are going to change the oil or replace the shocks on your layout, you probably want something a little higher than the usual creeper. Doug
Hate to admit it, but given the amount of hidden track on my new layout plan and the fact that my 64 year old knees don't like getting up from anything lower than about 21" and won't like it any more later than they do now I'm looking at an industrial lift cart. Looks to be 8"-9" high fully collapsed and has a foot pedal pump that could readily be converted to a hand lever. I'd probably also use it in the garage for stuff like milling machine vises, etc. Best of all worlds? Maybe. $209+$63 shipping.
Having had back problems since my early 40's, ergonomics has been a factor in all my modeling. My current layout is being built in sections of various lengths with most of the under bench work wiring and hardware being done on each section before being installed. I set each section on edge on saw horses so the bottom is easily accessible. I also lay the track and do most of the scenery prior to installing each section into the layout. This layout is an around the room shelf style with depth of 20" or less. I have the layout up high enough so that I can get underneath sitting on a low stool.
My layout is about 42" off the floor and I lay on a rubber exercise ball. It's not a perfect solution and I only use it for occasional simple tasks. Also doesn't stop solder from dripping down on you if you're not careful. For more serious work I flip my layout on it's side.
Can't be too low to the floor, plus it should have the ability to adjust the back. I've found some online. Just trying to see what else is out there that I may be missing. My layout is not modular or in sections, and can't be flipped. Thanks...
My layout will be of modest size, but I've worked to include wiring plugs wherever I can. This will greatly shorten the time I'll spend under the layout and ease maintenance too. I spent hours under my old road with poor lighting, hot solder dropping onto my legs and neck pains, and it's worth spending the extra money to avoid all of that.
Not to diminish your pain, Hardcoaler, but I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one this happens to.
