Model Train Boxes

[MikeyChris]

Has anyone found a supply of two piece card board boxes (like Athearn or MDC use)? The closest I have found are small one piece (fold together) boxes meant to be shipping containers. I have searched for the boxes that business cards come in (the nice heacy duty boxes, not the cheapies), but cannot find a supplier (I have checked many office supply and printing houses). I like the travel boxes made by A-Line and others, but they are overkill for what I need - basic storage-on-the-shelf boxes.
Any help is appreciated.
Mike

[Anonymous]

If you look at the Athearn web site under parts
you will see a listing for several different size
boxes. Part no. 76300 is 7.5" long, Part No.76301
is 10.5" Long and Part No. 76302 is 12.5" Long and they sell for $1.50,$2.00,$2.25ea. Mystery solved.

[dknelson]

For smaller models I use the boxes my blank checks come in. They are a little flimsy but do the job and Hey! they're paid for already!
Another source: cigar boxes. If you go to a cigar store they usually give them away (and yes they smell like cigars). Using a bit of foam rubber I am usually able to put two, sometimes three models in a cigar box.
There are all sorts of office supplies that come in fairly small boxes and I do pretty well just by scrounging around where I work.
I was also able to buy old Athearn boxes at a swap meet for ten cents each by the way.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

I have a few boxes from computer keyboards. They are typically flip top boxes with locking ear tabs that secure the box closed. The ones I came across have foam already glued in place that you can remove if you desire. The boxes are large enough to store several rows of rolling stock 3 or 4 in a row depending on the length of car. I got mine from keyboards I have purchased but I would imagine they can be had from computer service and repair shops.

Ken, D&J Rialroad, Stafford, VA

[dknelson]

Excellent advice and those keyboard boxes are especially good for passenger cars. It is one way to take a whole train to a friend's layout
Dave Nelson

[MikeyChris]

Thanx fore the tips. I too use those check boxes and other boxes I can scrounge up. However, I was trying to standarize the boxes to make storage easier. Thanx again,
Mike

[MikeyChris]

Thanx for the info. I was hoping the boxes would be a little cheaper though, as I am currently buying shipping boxes of similar sizes for about 1/3rd those prices. Heck, many Athearn kits are only a few bucks, and paying two bucks for an empty box almost seems ludicrous. Maybe I'll buy cheaper models, keep the boxes and sell the models on eBay!!!!
Thanx again,
Mike

[MikeyChris]

Hi Ken,
Thanx for that tip. Actually, I am in a business that sells TV braodcast electronics (including computers) and I have acquired some very nice shipping boxes as you described. However, I now prefer individual, labeled boxes for storage, so I'm looking for those smaller two piece boxes.
As someone else mentioned, larger boxes are great for storing entire trains or taking cars to meets, friends homes, etc.

[CG9602]

Two suggestions I received at another forum were to use Velveeta cheese boxes cut to size in case one was tto short, and also shoe boxes. In any case, I'll require something long once I finish my model Garratt 4-8-4+4-8-4. At sixteen inches, I'll be looking for a long box.

[Anonymous]

Seems that about 10 years ago, or so, Model Railroader had an article on building your own storage/travel boxes. You'd have to ask the back issues dept. because I don't know the exact issue. But even so, get some large corrugated cardboard boxes, and cut them down to size. You can always find a free supply of boxes at your local grocery store. All you need is a ruler, sharp knife, and a hot glue gun.
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

Do they have to be cardboard?
I've noticed that quite a few Dollar stores & discount type stores often have plastic 'utility' boxes, for various home uses, with fitted or even molded-hinged lids.They stack, and just need some foam or tissue inside, to safely hold an HO car.
Often, they are packaged at 2 or 3 for a buck...and that's in Canadian pesos, so they might be 3 or 4 for a buck in the USA.
regards/ Mike

[Anonymous]

Why not? If you can find the right sized plastic deals, I think that they would make great containers. Most of these type of things I've seen though, are pretty pricey, given their intended use.
How about those boxes that pasta is packaged in? Next time you are at the grocery, look at the different pasta boxes. Find some that will fit your needs, and "Bon'Appititte"! Meal and a deal all at the same time... (Most long spaggetti boxes should be about right for HO stuff).
Todd C.