Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Display Case question

3293 views
13 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 24 posts
Display Case question
Posted by mattyjoe on Sunday, May 16, 2021 3:37 PM

Recently purchased a display case for some of my HO locomotives. My question is very simple: The shelves are painted wood. In your guys' experience, is there any risk of damage / residue being left on the bottom of my locomotives' wheels if I sit them directly on the painted wood for long periods?

I know some people put track in there. I also have some drawer lining I could use. But definitely would rather leave it as is if I can. Just worried about leaving the metal wheels on the paint for long periods.

Thanks

Matt

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Sunday, May 16, 2021 4:13 PM

Very nice looking display case! YesCool

Most of my locomotives are sitting on wooden shelving, and have been for years. The shelves are fine with no oils or residue on the wheels.

The paint on your shelves cured a long while back, so your units will likely be just fine.

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    January 2021
  • 24 posts
Posted by mattyjoe on Sunday, May 16, 2021 5:37 PM
Thank you Antonio! Thats really all I needed to know.
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Sunday, May 16, 2021 8:42 PM

Steer clear of some of those shelf liners. I discovered pretty quickly that those puffy foam mesh type like to gas-off and destroy paint and they will react with styrene and deform it.

I have a few passenger cars that I had laid into a drwaer on their sides and now they look like they have a waffle pattern on them. I've tried Testor's ELO to try to wipe off the stains to no avail. Dare not try anything stronger.

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    May 2019
  • 239 posts
Posted by TheFlyingScotsman on Sunday, May 16, 2021 9:23 PM

Ordinarily I have track where my locomotives are standing. Not because of any percieved potential issues from paint - I can't see that being an issue - but it allows the wheels to align perfectly for the display.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Monday, May 17, 2021 8:53 AM

Look like the same case I am thinking of buying, how do you like it?

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, July 8, 2021 1:15 PM

Forgot to mention the following before.

An annoying aspect to my current display case is the accumulation of dust on my models.

I now plan on purchasing a plexiglass sheet, to cut and fit clear panel covers for each shelf opening. They will be secured with hinges to enable opening and closing. 

 

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Thursday, July 8, 2021 2:12 PM

A very interesting way to protect models from dust is to use a sliding glass shower door.  You DO have to design the shelving system to fit--usually 5 feet wide and 6 fee tall.

Relatively affordable at $300-$400:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Basco-Infinity-Shower-Door-Sliding/dp/B00L4ICAN2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=sliding+shower+doors&qid=1625771470&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWVlFUUtZS1Y4M0IyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTEwMzIwOTJNM0pNNk1VVVMwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0Nzc4MDNJWDdYVlZKQlE5TkYmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

Glass doesn't collect dust, like plastic.  It's easy to clean, and doesn't scratch easily.

 

Ed

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Indiana
  • 225 posts
Posted by mikeGTW on Thursday, July 8, 2021 3:08 PM

This is what I use At one time had four of these sold em   If I remember they cost me $50 ea

  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 260 posts
Posted by Tin Can II on Thursday, July 8, 2021 5:02 PM

I built a display case with two saw curfs in each shelf that act as built in track.  I would post a picture, but unfortunately, it is in storage 640 miles away.

 

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: MN
  • 139 posts
Posted by Da Stumer on Thursday, July 8, 2021 11:34 PM

Tin Can II

I built a display case with two saw curfs in each shelf that act as built in track.  I would post a picture, but unfortunately, it is in storage 640 miles away.

 

 

Is it something like this? My storage shelves have three rows of cut in track. These were made using careful measurements and a table saw.

-Peter. Mantua collector, 3D printing enthusiast, Korail modeler.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Sunday, July 11, 2021 3:55 PM

One idea is to get cork sub-roadbed for the locos to rest on.  That way you won't damage the wood.  The wood will prob get indents from the cars if left there for long.

To avoid dust, I also suggest making a glass case or even draping a cloth over the shelf.

  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 260 posts
Posted by Tin Can II on Monday, July 12, 2021 9:52 AM

Da Stumer

 

 
Tin Can II

I built a display case with two saw curfs in each shelf that act as built in track.  I would post a picture, but unfortunately, it is in storage 640 miles away.

 

 

 

 

Is it something like this? My storage shelves have three rows of cut in track. These were made using careful measurements and a table saw.

 

That's it!

 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!