Storage Cases for HO

[Anonymous]

A friend gave me a cardboard storage case for HO or N when he changed to a larger scale. I want to purchase more but can find them. The name on the box is Hampton Products in Allison PA. (No address - the printed phone number on the box is out of service.) Directory assistance has no new listing. The case is approx 30"L x 17"W x 2.5"D. It is unlined cardboard with separate cover. The inside has six rows with adjustable cardboard dividers that can make anywhere up to 72 individualized compartments (ideally 48 sections for Shorty Tank cars - - 24-30 for 40' or 50' freights). All I have been able to find are smaller cases lined with foam. These don't hold as many cars. Anyone know where I can order.

[Anonymous]

Using Google search engine I was not able to find a box manufacture with the name Hampton Products nor a company that sells a "storage box" with those dimensions. [:(]

I am building a new layout and have built into the benchwork "roll-outs" using drawer slides. The "box" is made with 1/4" hardboard and dividers are 1/8" hardboard. To keep dust and varmints out I hindged clear plexiglass which sits on self-adhesive foam for a seal. Then I purchased from Rockler, http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showoff.cfm?&CATID=86&ObjectGroup_ID=492 "Suede texture" and a "Mini-Flocker" to line the roll-out storage boxes.

[eastcoast]

Storage cases are not hard to build for your self. I was unable to find any listed
for sale from a manufacturer. If you are trying to go light and portable, may I
suggest using a light wood or even modifying a plastic type container from
HomeDepot or Lowes,etc. Then cut to fit some thin material for layers. Try this.
I keep most of my rolling stock in plastic rolling units with slide out drawers I
found at WalMart for a good price. I have also adopted this for other things
because I have to keep my equipment in a basement type area of my house.
ken_ecr

[Anonymous]

I've seen some very neat display/storage units on www.train-safe.de, unfortunately they're very expensive but for those with deep pockets they might be worth a look. Basically they are perspex tubes with rails in the base, that are designed to be placed on brackets on the wall. I'm planning to build a few similar units for my longer freight cars - 5 unit Double stacks and spine cars.

[Anonymous]

Page 182 of the January 2004 issue of MR contains an ad for storage boxes. $18.95 each from Axian Technology. HO scale holds 16 cars foam lined. N-scale holds 48 cars foam lined. They may not be the same size as you already have, but that's the best reference I can give you at the moment. I have never purchased from this company before.

I recall seeing another ad somewhere for three storage boxes with a storage bag. I can't locate that ad. It may be the same company. If I find the ad, I'll add it to this post.

Reboxx (www.reboxx.com) also sells boxes. I know they have boxes for individual cars/locos, I'm not sure about a box to hold whole train of cars, but you can inquire. They may have it.

Dale B.

[Anonymous]

I used the recent shipment of carboard boxes DELL used for new computers at school. With permission I was able to salvage about 30 of these that will be very good for HO storage.

Perhaps there is a business that ships or recives alot of packages, you may be able to simply ask to find a suitable container. Be informed that the majority of these will recycle all cardboard for additionl income and consider it a cash value.

[Anonymous]

I was going to make a bunch of carry cases for my HO trains out of wood. I notice that most cars have a difinate length and hight. (I.E. short cars are 4 1/2" long, Medium are 6" long ect.) I take that length, add a little more to it, and make a small box simular to a toolbox with cells that hold a single car. the total cars that my design can hold about 5-6 cars, depending on length. I Line the cells with velvet or another soft cloth. I planned to make foam cut-outs for the locomotives.

This is a great idea, especally if you like working with wood, but it's time-consuming. [;)]

[Anonymous]

I have a problem along the storage issue. As anyone noticed by now that after you install knuckle couples on an Athearn 50-foot boxcar it no longer fits in the box? I've had to go to storage boxes because of that, and I've been using the shallow boxes new computer keyboards are shipped in.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for all the feedback and the suggestions. The forum is a great place to get feedback -