Display Case question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Recently purchased a display case for some of my HO locomotives. My question is very simple: The shelves are painted wood. In your guys’ experience, is there any risk of damage / residue being left on the bottom of my locomotives’ wheels if I sit them directly on the painted wood for long periods?

I know some people put track in there. I also have some drawer lining I could use. But definitely would rather leave it as is if I can. Just worried about leaving the metal wheels on the paint for long periods.

Thanks

Matt

2

Very nice looking display case! [Y][8D]

Most of my locomotives are sitting on wooden shelving, and have been for years. The shelves are fine with no oils or residue on the wheels.

The paint on your shelves cured a long while back, so your units will likely be just fine.

3

Thank you Antonio! Thats really all I needed to know.

4

Steer clear of some of those shelf liners. I discovered pretty quickly that those puffy foam mesh type like to gas-off and destroy paint and they will react with styrene and deform it.

I have a few passenger cars that I had laid into a drwaer on their sides and now they look like they have a waffle pattern on them. I’ve tried Testor’s ELO to try to wipe off the stains to no avail. Dare not try anything stronger.

Good Luck, Ed

5

Metal wheels will be impervious to paint. Should any paint/stain by chance transfer it will be very easy to clean off with standard track cleaning products.

Heck a 3% grade hauling one too many cars would do the trick.

6

Ordinarily I have track where my locomotives are standing. Not because of any percieved potential issues from paint - I can’t see that being an issue - but it allows the wheels to align perfectly for the display.

7

Look like the same case I am thinking of buying, how do you like it?

8

Forgot to mention the following before.

An annoying aspect to my current display case is the accumulation of dust on my models.

I now plan on purchasing a plexiglass sheet, to cut and fit clear panel covers for each shelf opening. They will be secured with hinges to enable opening and closing.

9

A very interesting way to protect models from dust is to use a sliding glass shower door. You DO have to design the shelving system to fit–usually 5 feet wide and 6 fee tall.

Relatively affordable at $300-$400:

https://www.amazon.com/Basco-Infinity-Shower-Door-Sliding/dp/B00L4ICAN2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=sliding+shower+doors&qid=1625771470&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWVlFUUtZS1Y4M0IyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTEwMzIwOTJNM0pNNk1VVVMwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0Nzc4MDNJWDdYVlZKQlE5TkYmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Glass doesn’t collect dust, like plastic. It’s easy to clean, and doesn’t scratch easily.

Ed

10

This is what I use At one time had four of these sold em If I remember they cost me $50 ea

11

I built a display case with two saw curfs in each shelf that act as built in track. I would post a picture, but unfortunately, it is in storage 640 miles away.

12

Is it something like this? My storage shelves have three rows of cut in track. These were made using careful measurements and a table saw.

13

One idea is to get cork sub-roadbed for the locos to rest on. That way you won’t damage the wood. The wood will prob get indents from the cars if left there for long.

To avoid dust, I also suggest making a glass case or even draping a cloth over the shelf.

14

That’s it!