Work Cradles You should have something like this. You can make a simple one, this one has an adjustable angle and a storage tray underneath. I bought this from a guy who used to frequent the train shows Buy or make something like this. I normally have a terry cloth towel lining it, and then any grease or dirt won't permeate the foam. I really like this design because the "clamp" is offset from the pivot points, which allows greater locking torque than just tightening the pivots. Also you only need to tightenone knob. I have a cradle I bought years ago, it was a screw together kit, and boy I wish I could buy another couple. I believe mine was from Rjjr Inc, but no longer in business apparently, here's a link from the "Internet Wayback Machine" http://web.archive.org/web/20010218...page2.html These were from Chuck Inlow, but he has passed away. Dan Patterson, makes some beautiful loco carriers and cradles. He charges about $45.00 plus S&H (about $50). He will accept PayPal. His email is The base is 16"x24"x3 1/2"deep. The cradle is 26"long. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2283559428577075 Here's one from a company called GoldInHands, that has 2 probes to supply power, does not tilt but nice idea, about $100 http://goldinhands.com/Cradle%20information%20sheet.htm not sure if they are still for sale Baggage Car Hobby 145 S Olsen Ave, Tucson Arizona 85719 Wilf Blu,BCHTrains and Hobbies, Tel: 604-345-472, Fax: 604-930-1376 520-798-1699