Storing Walthers El Capitan passenger cars

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello, I want to store my passenger cars for about a year while i remodel my garage. I have the hobby tote containers and would like to know if i should wrap the cars in the plastic liners for long term storage?

2

im new to this but i would use paper towelsome one may know abetter way. but this is whut i do.

3

Thanks for the reply, I have the polyethylene wrappers from Reboxx and was wondering if i could use them with the new plated cars without causing any problems to the plating.

4

Tissue paper works well, too. I usually buy it at Michael’s.

Tom

5

Wow thanks probably a lot cheaper than the plastic wrap. Just trying not to have to pack the cars back in the original boxes, but if i have to i will.

6

I would also try and store them in a dry, cool place - if possible.

Tom

7

For long term storage one should use the original boxes. They were made specifically to protect the models. If you’re not going to use their boxes (why?), then wrap them in acid-free tissue paper and then roll them up in bubble wrap. Store in an airtight container in cool, dry, dark place

8

Hi!

Lots of good answers so far, and I’ll add my experience to the pile…

I’ve stored cars for years - some literally for decades - with very good success. I suggest:

  • Use original boxes and wrappings where possible.

  • In the case of kits - esp. built up ones - wrap in PLAIN tissue or paper towels and store in original boxes.

  • Keep them in a climate controlled area. You can stack MR boxes pretty high on closet shelves!

  • If you can’t store in a closet or the like, put them somewhere out of the way - where they will be left alone.

On the cars I’ve stored for extremely long times (20 yrs plus), the only notable problem I saw was that some (less than 5 %) of the Athearn coupler covers had signs of rust. Also, a few original metal axles had signs of rust too. But keep in mind, these were stored for an awfully long time.

9

Wow thanks for all the replys and tips looks like i will be putting them back in the original boxes, have some other stuff i can use the container for.

10

i have all my rr stock in the original boxes and its the best way to pack tham.