In the past I have transported expensive engines by means of bubble wrap and a clothing drawer… Its not a method that I would suggest using all of the time. I was wondering if anyone has had any success in building their own cases and what materials you have used or techniques to make it suitable for carrying something so fragile.
Why not just use the box they came in? Well, I don’t want to keep disconnecting tethers, because I imagine this wears on them, which will lead to problems later on.
I haven’t had a recent need to transport anything over any distance greater than from the layout to the workbench or vice versa. That is accomplished by the use of a short cassette, and the rolling stock remains standing on its own wheels throughout.
It seems that there are two requirements here:
An outer casing big enough and rigid enough to protect the model from external forces.
Padding or packing to protect the model from damaging impact with the inside of that casing.
The outer casing needs to be big enough to contain the model - but not TOO big. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
Find a cardboard box with one dimension an inch or so longer than the length of the model over couplers. Cut the other dimensions down to leave just enough clearance for a layer of soft foam rubber or the packaging material of choice. A golf club box would be a possible starting point.
Build a wooden box with suitable interior dimensions. It could have a hinged or sliding lid.
Assemble a ‘coffin’ of suitably modified steel stud material. Make sure it is WELL lined with soft foam.
And a story. Some time back in the dark ages a model rail wanted to transport a Lobaugh (O scale) Challenger. He located a suitable box, packed it up and carried it along with the rest of his luggage to the baggage checking counter. Along the way he noted that people were giving him strange looks. Not until he placed the locomotive on the scale did anyone mention the stenciled notice on the box: Live Python.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 19
rjake,
Although not inexpensive, these foam-lined storage/tote boxes from Axian Technology have done a very good job for me. (They come in both N- and HO-scale sizes.) They also come with a few foam inserts; for added protection between items inside.
If you are going to use the boxes for long-term storage though, it is wise to line the inside with tissue paper so that the foam doesn’t run the chance of sticking to the paint of your rolling stock or locomotives. There is a small warning label insert to this affect on the inside of each box that states, although unlikely, this has happened on rare occasions.
Dell (computer) keyboard boxes also make good storage/tote boxes.
Tom
these are really nice!!!
I have several
the lage one will hold 4 HO big boys
[(-D]
Thanks everyone!
First things first don’t you watch Cody’s office!..lol Like you I would have said yeah wrap em up in bubble wrap, nope the bubble wrap will leave marks on behinds don’t know the how behind it but he’s right. Wrap em up in paper towels and find yourself a couple of computer keyboard boxes. I purchased a whole mess of freight cars one year down at Timonium and the guys form the club pulled out a bunch of keyboard boxes and you would swear they were made for model trains. I have since kept all of those boxes and when I have occasion to bring a few locomotive to the club I wrap em up and place them in the box. If you need to take up some of the extra room in the box if your only transporting one or two fill the voids with some extra paper towels, cheap and effective.
I bought an attache case at a luggage store with exterior dimensions of 19.5 x 14.5 x 5 inches. Purchased a set of Axian Tech’s foam for an HO box directly from them. Made a 2-deck affair with a center plate of heavy corregated cardboard that just lifts out. Then I had a strong, drip-proof case able to hold as much stuff as an Axian box, but with a handle and much more survivable in use.
Just install the foam the same way it is used in an Axian box on both upper and lower decks.
The Axians are fine for home use (I have a BUNCH), but they are hazardous for transport because they will pop open if dropped. And they start to deteriorate with usage or if gotten wet. If you must use them, I suggest getting some tape-backed velcro and putting two pads on the lids to avoid accidents.
My case is about eight years old now and still going strong, used twice a week to my clubs.
Hal