Beefing up boxes?

[thor]

That Lionel W.E.Disney set my kids gave me last Christmas is getting pretty beat up! I kept the cover/lid seperate so it stays in good condition but the way the coaches fit into slots with the couplings tucked under the cardboard means that the interior and tray just inevitably get trashed no matter how careful you are.

I've always had a thing for wooden boxes so I guess I'll make a custom box to hold everything and now I'm wondering if there's any way to beef up the top?  Fiberglass/epoxy coat maybe?  Get some lucite sheet cut to fit over it?  I'm not looking to sell it so thats not the issue, its just whether there's any way to treat cardboard to make it resistant to creases and scuffs.

If I was a train maker I'd offer my sets in nice varnished green baize lined boxes, I as a customer would definitely prefer that and the price that some of these craft stores sell them at they can't cost but pennies to make in China. 

[Jumijo]

Don't worry about it, Thor. If it really bothers you, just get another box from the grocery store and put the trains in that. Then you can put the set box away.

I've found that most material things I like are in one of two states of repair. Pristine like new or old and worn. Old pickup trucks are a fine example. I'd be equally happy with an old faded beater as I would with a restored one. Same goes for toy trains.

Jim

[dwiemer]

thor, nice point about the nice lined boxes.  Actually, Lionel did have some special boxes that they gave to special Lionel Reps.  I saw an episode of "I Love Toy Trains", or one of those TM videos on RFD.  One of the items shown was a Hudson set in a box,. like a briefcase all lined and had track, etc.  The person would go to the store, set it up, and show it off to the store owner/manager to arrange the store's stocking of the new items.  It was very impressive, and dare I challenge the green monster, I would love to add one to my collection.

Dennis