I was wondering what people’s opinions are regarding the storage of rolling stock. As some of you know who read the layout forum, I am a mid forties freshly new to the hobby yet already hooked enthusiast. I inherited my uncles 3’ x 8’ layout, seven engines, and 45 cars. Although I know that he used and enjoyed every piece of his rolling stock, they were all in their original cases and looking like brand new when I receieved them. It has taken me a while, but I am now opening all of those cases and enjoying watching them roll around the layout.
My question is this…what is the best way for me to store the rolling stock? Should I put them back in their original cases, or are they better off sitting on their wheels? And, if on their wheels is the answer, should they be sitting on rails or a piece of styrene, or …?
They’ll hold up to 20 - 40’ cars or about 8 Mikado-size locomotives. I’ve been very happy with them so far.
However, although the foam holds the contents very securely, the manufacturer does warn about using the boxes for “long-term storage”. (There have been a few instances where the paint and foam have stuck together when in contact with one another over a long period of time.)
Axian suggests using either tissue paper or thin plastic sheeting (like a dry cleaning bag) as a barrier between the foam and your locomotive and/or rolling stock. I use tissue paper underneath and over the top of my locomotives and rolling stock. You can pick up a decent size pack at Michael’s for a dollar or two.
When storing early-era rolling stock, be careful about any vertical brake wheels or delicate parts. The containers also come with additional foam inserts for added padding.
