I am in process of building a new N scale layout as well as collecting rolling stock to use on it. I have collected a lot of stock so far and have always wondered what was the best way to store it yet keep it handy for use. I did not want to keep everything in its jewel cast - to cumbersome to open and repack everything each time I used it.Today I found the solution to my problem with a great find that will work as a storage rack and protect my stock while being easy to access.
While I was in Hobby Lobby today, I noticed a empty thread display rack sitting by the checkout with a $25 tag on it. I inspected it and decided that it would work great as a storage rack for my stock so I bought it.
The rack is made to dispense spools of thread and it has 17 rows with 14 slots in each row. That offers 238 storage positions. Each row has 2 removable trays (7 slots each).
When I got it home, I tried out several combination for storage and found that the trays were long enough for the longest cars as well as the jewel cases. Each slot was able to hold 2 cars or a car and its associated jewel case. That means I could store 476 cars (2 per slot) if desired. However, I expect I will assign a singe slot to a single car and keep the jewel case with the car.
I have pictures but I have not discovered how to post them yet. If you want to check out the possibilities for your use, stop by a fabric store that sells thread and check out the thread dispensers. I doubt all are alike and only some may work for this applicaiton but if you like what you see, ask if the shop has a old one for sale.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
Welcome to the forums.
Sounds like a good find. Problem is you probably got one of the few available, lucky you. I have found that part of this hobby is keeping an eyes open for such things.
There are instructions on posting pictures at the top of the General Discussion section of these forums.
Have fun,
Richard
Good going on finding the storage shed. I might make a display case whenever I have extra rolling stock. Right now, I keep extra cars on the sidings or yard. I'm hoping to soon switch out various cars, but would need a HUGE (bigger than the Donald) number of them.
It happens that tomorrow I will be in one of my accounts and it is next to a Hobby Lobby! I intend to go in. Does yours carry model train supplies any more?
Contacting Coats and Clark (a well-known name in sewing supplies) might result in being able to contact their supplier, or someone else who has thread display racks available for single sale. Be aware that the price for a new unit will probably be higher than the OP lucked into.
I handle storage differently, but then I'm modeling in twice-N scale (1:80, aka HOj.)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with cassette storage)
While I prefer original boxes, it is easier to "bulk store" them when you are going to use them periodically. I found the perfect boxes at the Container Store - clear plastic about 2x12x14 - just great for several side by side HO cars. I cut up cardboard strips to sit between them, and it works like a charm.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I found my original thread rack in a Hobby Lobby in Shawnee OK. I was in a different Hobby Lobby today (Moore OK) and I was leaving, I saw they they also had the same thread rack for $25 sitting in the lobby area. If anyone is still trying to locate one, they are still available out there but you may need to make some calls to various Hobby Lobby stores to see if they have one for sale in your area.