Sweep Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 Like many of us, I've far too much stock to operate my branch line terminal. I'd be interested in ideas as to how to safely store stock which is in use but you don't want to go to the fag of putting it away in its box which takes so much time to pack and unpack. I've seen those cardboard trays from Bachmann but they're quite expensive for a carboard box. Thanks. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheatley Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 (edited) For carriages and wagons home made cardboard trays, usually made from old packaging, lined with that really thin polystyrene sheet also from packaging (the sort flat pack furniture comes wrapped in) and stacked in Really Useful Boxes. The 9 litre/A4 size holds three 'OO' trays stacked 3 high, the 18 litre ones will hold four layers, both assuming that you lay the stock on its side rather than on wheels. For short term storage they are just laid in and the next tray placed on top, if I was moving house or taking them to an exhibition etc I would have to wrap each item within the tray separately or they get scuffed. Locos and anything really delicate get a bespoke foam lined box, but with the lower part made to fold out flat (i.e not glued at the corners) to avoid damage getting it in and out. The Bachmann and Hornby boxes go in the bin. Edited June 16, 2020 by Wheatley 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 I tend to just keep good quality boxes that things are sent to me in. People complain about places like Hattons sending out big boxes for one item. But you can fit half a dozen coaches in one of those boxes. The ones that are about six inches high. Jason 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted June 16, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 16, 2020 I use A4 box files with dividers made from either foam board or cuttings from a huge sheet of foam I bought from eBay for next to nothing. 3 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweep Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 1 hour ago, BoD said: I use A4 box files with dividers made from either foam board or cuttings from a huge sheet of foam I bought from eBay for next to nothing. Oooo, that's a good idea. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BoD Posted June 16, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 16, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, Sweep said: Oooo, that's a good idea. Makes a change from using them to build layouts in. it can make it easier too - one box per train, or one per class/type of loco/rolling stock. Edited June 16, 2020 by BoD 2 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Happy Hippo Posted June 16, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 16, 2020 When the layout is erected the ready use stock remains on the traverser. I intend to make a lid which will fit over the top of this so that it can be put over and locked in place. Useful if you are exhibiting! The spare stock remains in the storage crates which are Really Useful boxes fitted with foam covered ply floors and dividers. The original boxes are all stored in a big box in the garage roof in case I want to sell anything off. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
55F Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 I have the same problem and decided that rather than storing models 'unseen' I would invest in a modest storage cabinet where I can have them 'on show'........for me at least! 55f 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Matt C Posted June 16, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 16, 2020 I use these https://www.amazon.co.uk/WestonBoxes-Storage-Including-Clear-Boxes/dp/B00TH5A37E/ref=asc_df_B00TH5A37E/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=208049287575&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16576966932925363638&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007406&hvtargid=pla-438349324235&psc=1 They stack, you can see the contents, you can pull out each box without lifting everything off. I tend to use predominantly for wagons, coaches etc stored in sets as they are to be run, but also some unboxed locos. As mentioned above you can get rolls of foam cheap as chips which you cut into strips to separate the stock in each box. I know they don't seam cheap but I just waited till one of the online companies had a sale offer on and bought five sets 40% off and free postage. ( They were cheaper than these I found on Amazon to begin with, from one of the online office suppliers) 3 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Right Away Posted June 16, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 16, 2020 I make no apologies for the "lash up" that I use. It's not pretty, but it works. Locomotives are stored on cassettes made of wood with Plastikard sides with power provided via brass bolts and 2.5mm copper wires at both ends to allow turning if required - a cop out turntable I hear you say! A track power LED indicator on each loco cassette is strung across - see pics. Rolling stock is stored on similar 36" cassettes (without power pick up). Ideally they could be longer but 3ft is easier to manipulate. These can hold up to three coaches or a corresponding length in goods vehicles. The cassettes reside in open shelving for ease of access. As can be seen, the baseboard here is obviously lower to facilitate the traverser (in the background) and the cassettes. 6 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Harlequin Posted June 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 17, 2020 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 I got these storage boxes. They come in a range of colours (so match my liveries). Foamboard tray inserts keeps everything in it's place. Coach and Wagon boxes gets chucked. Loco boxes I keep. Don't really know why as I don't intend to sell any of my locos. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejstubbs Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 (edited) Locos I store in Peco Loco Lifts, which in turn are kept in 10 litre Really Useful boxes. Using the loco lifts mean that I can deploy and recover the locos with minimal handling, which helps to minimise the risk of modern detail parts getting damaged by fat fingers. I use plugs of upholstery foam to stop the locos sliding back and forth inside the loco lifts. Coaches and wagons I store in 11 lite Really Useful boxes, with dividers made from foamboard faced with 1mm thick self-adhesive foam sheet (available from HobbyCraft amongst other suppliers). Where I need to adjust the snugness of the packing within the Really Useful boxes I use suitable trimmed pieces of non-self-adhesive 1mm foam sheet. I also put a large sheet of 1mm foam on the 'floor' of the Really Useful box (you can get A3 sheets that you can cut down to the requisite size.) I find that coaches and wagons, being lighter than locos, don't need to be held so firmly and so are less prone to damage to the detail parts anyway. I also pack out the lids of the Really Useful boxes with foamboard faced with 1mm foam sheet. Edited June 17, 2020 by ejstubbs 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Johnster Posted June 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 17, 2020 Low tech to the point of crudity, but it works and the price is right, a series of cardboard boxes glue gunned to the wall above the fiddle yard, mostly from eBay and online order purchases. Long thin ones for wagons stored crossways, long fatter ones for coaches and NPCCS, short fat ones for locos. Locos separated into panniers, 45xx/4575, 56xx, and 42xx/BR 3MT. Stock into coaches, brake NPCCS, Siphons, 4 wheeled, ‘specialist’ goods (insulated, fruit, etc), gen. merch. vans, opens, and brake vans. Mineral trains and permanently coupled passenger/auto rakes live on the layout. Top of opens box is used for storing various loads and containers. 0.5mm batten to stop stock rolling out, also right price; rocket sticks from fireworks 5th Mov and new year’s. Easily extended if needed, and everything is to hand in a place I know when I’m making up or strengthening trains. Work for me, but not pretty... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killybegs Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 I use one of these https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-on-castors-blue-40410439/ but I do have a lot of stock! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 6 minutes ago, Killybegs said: I use one of these https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-on-castors-blue-40410439/ but I do have a lot of stock! I can vouch for these too - these are ideal for OO stock - the top 3 drawers being just deep enough whilst lower drawers are deeper than necessary. The dimensions are such that can fit Mk3 carriages into each drawer in either direction. I have inserted 9mm MDF into my drawers just to make the bottom a little more sturdy and added cardboard running rails to keep stock in position. Not a cheap (or light) option but very solid overall and nice smooth drawer runners too. I have 4 (so far....). M 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 9 minutes ago, Killybegs said: I use one of these https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/p/alex-drawer-unit-on-castors-blue-40410439/ but I do have a lot of stock! Wow! €90 = £99 Since when did the currency exchange rate go in the opposite direction. (I know it's been rubbish since a certain vote)? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Johnster Posted June 17, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted June 17, 2020 I’m also a fan of really usefuls, and keep my stock boxes in them, amongst other stuff. I’ve got too much stuff for my little flat, but don’t want to chuck valueless knick knacks/geegaws/objects d’art that have memories and associations. It’s not just because I’m old, I’ve always been like it... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim49 Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 11 minutes ago, Matt said: have inserted 9mm MDF into my drawers just to make the bottom a little more sturdy Sorry Matt, I know what you meant. Just as long as it doesn't chafe. Jim49 1 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCB Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 Drawers and a Display cabinet work for me. Trouble is at least one loco has been in the drawer for at least 20 years. A Bristol Models 10XX County. Maybe eBay is the best place for surplus stock. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neils WRX Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 I use Ikea units which are excellent. Stay safe everyone Neil 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweep Posted June 17, 2020 Author Share Posted June 17, 2020 9 hours ago, Damo666 said: I got these storage boxes. They come in a range of colours (so match my liveries). Foamboard tray inserts keeps everything in it's place. Coach and Wagon boxes gets chucked. Loco boxes I keep. Don't really know why as I don't intend to sell any of my locos. This looks good. So the inserts, do you make them or buy them from somewhere? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 39 minutes ago, Sweep said: This looks good. So the inserts, do you make them or buy them from somewhere? The inserts are homemade from foamboard. Depth to suit the item. 5mm foamboard gives a tight fit, but in my later inserts I've used 3mm foamboard dividers with 5mm for the base and sides. For the FEA Spine / Intermodals and MTA open wagons I can get two trays in the box. Otherwise nicely fits 7 locos / coaches. I glue some foam at the ends to stop the wagons sliding up and down, and remove any pressure on the couplings 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 14 hours ago, Damo666 said: Wow! €90 = £99 Since when did the currency exchange rate go in the opposite direction. (I know it's been rubbish since a certain vote)? The pricing difference is reversed for other items in the Alex range. The other drawer units are £ = € and the storage cupboard and desk are cheaper in £’s Other storage units are also cheaper in £’s . 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 For day to day storage of stock, off the layout, I would have invested in Train-Safe “Travel” and “Travelight” storage modules, if it hasn’t been for the very expensive price. https://shop.train-safe.de/en/TRAIN-SAFE-Travel-Travelight/ . 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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