When working on a short line rr, we had an American crane with a flat car. We rigged a cradle to the flat for the boom to rest in. It allowed the crane to follow the train and not swing out and hit anything(as a contractor did we then borrowed it, destroying the boom. It was rebuilt) You could build it out of plastic shapes and glue it to the deck of the idler car. Hope that helps. Try this site:

http:www.rr.fallenflags.org/misc-b/brw-w11bgs.jpg

I know this may be a touchy subject for some, but I have made the jump to DCC and am pleased with the results. The control, especially at slow speeds is great and you can ajust or even mute the sounds on demand.
I need The Bachmann to recommend a decoder for the E-33s and K-4s I have. Thanks and God bless.

 Hey Bach-mann, I've acquired several of the Spectrum E-33 electric locomotives and was wondering if you ever considered making any other types such as the E-44 or P-5b?