Storage Question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I need some advice, can anyone reccomend good storage boxes for moving their locomotives around (for instance like going to and from train shows) without damaging them?

2

I went to a postal store and bought cardboard boxes the size for up to 60 foot long HO cars. The 10"x 13" boxes can hold 8 or more cars and easily be stacked on a shelf. I store an MOW train in one and a short reefer block in another box, their easy to take 3 or 4 boxes to the club in a bag. I’ve tried those yard long carry case wooden boxes and find them heavy and awkward.

3

I recycled a couple of shop light boxes for hauling trains around in. Cut up some card board for dividers along with some chunks of foam rubber to keep things in place. You can buy boxes similar to these for about $20 apiece in the ads in MR.

4

Great, thak you for the suggestions! I think I will go the “build my own” route so I can custamize it for my needs!

Thanks!

5

I scrounge 2 kinds of boxes from work. The first is the boxes the keyboards come in when somebody gets a computer. These are, well, a bit bigger than a keyboard, and flat. They’re just about right for putting rolling stock in, if you add some plain pieces of cardboard as spacers. The other boxes I like are from the coffee packets from our Flavia coffee machine. They’re not too big, but they’ll hold a few engines, and they stack pretty well.

6

My wife subscribes to a frozen food service. Many of their items come in rugged cardboard boxes that are perfect for storing rolling stock. Some are big enough for whole trains, others for a selection of cars. Cut up another one for dividers or use small bubble wrap for each car. They are deep enough so you can put the original boxes in if you want. They stack nicely too.

If you don’t get food that way, watch and see if your neighbors do.

Good luck,

7

Hi

I build my own out of 5/8 Plywood which was screwed and glued together. Inside is a 2 inch foam lining and the lid which is hinged can be locked with a pad lock. This way they can be build to suit and protect your rolling stock as well.

Frank