Congratulations! You have just purchased KVR's Universal Service Cradle, the most versatile,
durable and safe equipment for servicing the underside of G scale rolling stock. Typical operations include lubrication, coupler
installation and adjustment, drawbar installation or any hand or power tool procedure. Please follow the suggestionss below
for convenient and reliable support of your models. You will never have to buy another unit again, the USC is indestructible
in normal use. We will replace without charge any component which fails to give satisfactory service.
The key to proper operation of the USC is in the adjustment of the two slings for both length and depth.The 'Universal'
component of the USC is inherent in the adjustability of the support slings for any length or size model. Simply move the
Velcro straps to an appropriate area of the model which has a smooth surface with no projecting detail. Place the straps near
the ends of the model. Make sure that the soft side of the Velcro straps is facing the model. At first, use your hand in place
of the model to estimate the proper length of the Velcro straps to overlap, then press the ends together. Next place the model
upside down in the USC and on the straps.
For steam engines place the straps under the cab and under the smoke stack. The key is to locate the straps on
any smooth area on top of the boiler and cab. The sand dome might be another location for the front strap. Adjust the length
of the straps to support the engine 1/2-2" above the base of the USC. This will allow the model to be contained in the 'U'
of the cradle.
You will find that this allows the model a little lateral movement but that nothing is touching except the straps
under the engine. The model is held in place by its own weight. 65lb test dummies have been used, much heavier than even the
largest engine. The USC will support over 600lb while he Velcro strap's joint will resist a 200lb shear impulse.
Some modelers have found that it is more convenient to glue a 2" end of the Velcro strap to the base of the USC,
leaving only one end to adjust. Once the proper length is selected, simply press the two ends in the overlapping position
to make the joint. Either way works, the choice is yours.
Any model vehicle can be accomodated, from 30' flat cars to passenger cars to E8's to Pacifics to Big Boys. For
further convenience, the USC may be mounted on a Rotating Service Module.
To adjust the straps to the proper length for the next model, pull the Velcro joints apart directly away
from on another and the ends will separate easily.
