The original packaging & storage of model trains

[Anonymous]

I understand this may be a foreign concept for people who have permanent layouts [;)], but for those of us who aren't as fortunate, how do you store your trains? Original packaging, plastic containers like Rubbermaid containers, display cases?

For N Scale, most of the stuff I own came in plastic containers. What does everyone do with these? Do many of you keep them, toss them or reuse them for something else? I don't have a lot, so I think they would make cool storage containers for small things. I imagine that once you've been in the hobby for awhile, that you accumulate so many that they probably get tossed.

While I'm currently dabbling in N Scale, my father has been into O Guage for all is life. It seemed that your serious O railroader would never throw away the orange Lionel boxes. Any other manufacturer's packaging quickly saw it's way to the trash can.

[Anonymous]

I understand this may be a foreign concept for people who have permanent layouts [;)], but for those of us who aren't as fortunate, how do you store your trains? Original packaging, plastic containers like Rubbermaid containers, display cases?

For N Scale, most of the stuff I own came in plastic containers. What does everyone do with these? Do many of you keep them, toss them or reuse them for something else? I don't have a lot, so I think they would make cool storage containers for small things. I imagine that once you've been in the hobby for awhile, that you accumulate so many that they probably get tossed.

While I'm currently dabbling in N Scale, my father has been into O Guage for all is life. It seemed that your serious O railroader would never throw away the orange Lionel boxes. Any other manufacturer's packaging quickly saw it's way to the trash can.

[Anonymous]

Save them if you think you will ever want to resale them as it makes them worth more if you have the box.

[Anonymous]

Save them if you think you will ever want to resale them as it makes them worth more if you have the box.

[Anonymous]

My son and I keep the plastic containers, and store what isn't used in them. Would you rather drop the engine, or the engine in the plastic container?

[Anonymous]

My son and I keep the plastic containers, and store what isn't used in them. Would you rather drop the engine, or the engine in the plastic container?

[Anonymous]

I have kept my plastic cases for as much N-scale equipment as possible, and this policy has proven valuable, because much of my equipment is at thsi moment in storage. However, it can sometimes be difficult to match the box to its contents, and they are time consuming to load. So, for taking trains to shows (or to a club layout or for any other frequent-portability reason), I use a fishing tackle box that I found, which has drawers perfectly sized for N-scale. A surprising amount of cars and locos fit in this, but the key really is to get lucky and find a good one, one with drawers or trays just big enough for your stuff, without wasting space. One idea might be to cut out a block of wood equal in size to your average equipment, and then take that with you as you compare tackle boxes.

[Anonymous]

I have kept my plastic cases for as much N-scale equipment as possible, and this policy has proven valuable, because much of my equipment is at thsi moment in storage. However, it can sometimes be difficult to match the box to its contents, and they are time consuming to load. So, for taking trains to shows (or to a club layout or for any other frequent-portability reason), I use a fishing tackle box that I found, which has drawers perfectly sized for N-scale. A surprising amount of cars and locos fit in this, but the key really is to get lucky and find a good one, one with drawers or trays just big enough for your stuff, without wasting space. One idea might be to cut out a block of wood equal in size to your average equipment, and then take that with you as you compare tackle boxes.

[Anonymous]

I've allways kept the box & packing it came in
had to move recently so i wraped freight cars snugly in bubble wrap that way
that way they can't shift or bounce around locos went into large computer box
with popcorn packed around them buildings went into plastic bag's keep's
from losing parts then into popcorn filled box i moved 500 miles & repeatedly
handled theme 99% of equipment emerged ok!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I've allways kept the box & packing it came in
had to move recently so i wraped freight cars snugly in bubble wrap that way
that way they can't shift or bounce around locos went into large computer box
with popcorn packed around them buildings went into plastic bag's keep's
from losing parts then into popcorn filled box i moved 500 miles & repeatedly
handled theme 99% of equipment emerged ok!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

Save them if you think you will ever want to resale them as it makes them worth more if you have the box.

I dont think this is true unless its a collectors item.[?]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by flee307

Save them if you think you will ever want to resale them as it makes them worth more if you have the box.

I dont think this is true unless its a collectors item.[?]

[BentnoseWillie]

Some time ago, I built a set of stackable trays with interior partitions to store my equipment and tote it to shows. Sort of like the A-Line/Proto Power West boxes, but made from 1/4" plywood instead of cardboard. Each tray has handles on the ends, and utility straps tie the trays together. I'm planning a lighter "Mark II" version with padding built in and some other refinements, but the first version works quite well.

[BentnoseWillie]

Some time ago, I built a set of stackable trays with interior partitions to store my equipment and tote it to shows. Sort of like the A-Line/Proto Power West boxes, but made from 1/4" plywood instead of cardboard. Each tray has handles on the ends, and utility straps tie the trays together. I'm planning a lighter "Mark II" version with padding built in and some other refinements, but the first version works quite well.

[GerFust]

I store my HO stuff in heavy duty tupperware-styole boxes, with lids with latches. I lay them on their sides. Ideally I would put some foam above and below, as well as in between the layers. Formerly I store them in their boxes, but there was too much damage from sliding around in the box (especially couplers) and that took too much space. I am building a "cassette" so I can store my trains. I will be covered for with something clear for protection while not in use.

[GerFust]

I store my HO stuff in heavy duty tupperware-styole boxes, with lids with latches. I lay them on their sides. Ideally I would put some foam above and below, as well as in between the layers. Formerly I store them in their boxes, but there was too much damage from sliding around in the box (especially couplers) and that took too much space. I am building a "cassette" so I can store my trains. I will be covered for with something clear for protection while not in use.

[Trainnut484]

I'm in HO, and don't have a current operating layout. I've always stored the locos and cars in the boxes they came in and haven't had any problems when I moved from one place to another. If you store your equipment in any room besides a basement, make sure the room stays cool and dry. Heat and humidy can reak havoc on cars and locos. My heat-warped auto racks speak from experience! I was saved because of extra parts that came with them, but lesson learned LOL[8D].

[Trainnut484]

I'm in HO, and don't have a current operating layout. I've always stored the locos and cars in the boxes they came in and haven't had any problems when I moved from one place to another. If you store your equipment in any room besides a basement, make sure the room stays cool and dry. Heat and humidy can reak havoc on cars and locos. My heat-warped auto racks speak from experience! I was saved because of extra parts that came with them, but lesson learned LOL[8D].

[Wdlgln005]

N scale collectors look for the MT or KD on the box. The origonal shrinkwrap with the yellow price sticker helps too.
I bought plasic containers with small drawers that the plastic boxes fit in. Plano makes excellent plastic trays with removable dividers for storage of locomotives or passenger cars. Be sure NOT to use the plastic bubble shelf liner, as the material leaves a mark on the plastic. Better to use cut up cardboard cereal box as a shock absorber.
I'm surprised there isn't a bookshelf with added shelving in the space for collectors to display their carfleet in.

[Wdlgln005]

N scale collectors look for the MT or KD on the box. The origonal shrinkwrap with the yellow price sticker helps too.
I bought plasic containers with small drawers that the plastic boxes fit in. Plano makes excellent plastic trays with removable dividers for storage of locomotives or passenger cars. Be sure NOT to use the plastic bubble shelf liner, as the material leaves a mark on the plastic. Better to use cut up cardboard cereal box as a shock absorber.
I'm surprised there isn't a bookshelf with added shelving in the space for collectors to display their carfleet in.