Storage boxes for O scale rolling Stock

[Gordy]

Has anyone come up with any good ways of transporting O scale rolling stock to and from shows?

[Gilbert]

^{I've invested in a Parkwoood Arts wooden carrying case for my rolling stock - 8 removeable shelves with velcro straps  stacked in a hinged case. Expensive but not really a lot when compared with the cost of the contents.}

 

^Chris

[jasond]

If I'm going in the car I take my large plastic crate-boxes with lids.  Most O-scale stock being about 4" high I work out how many layers can go in.  Partitions (3 in mine) are cut from whatever's handy - hardboard, v thin ply, 2-ply cardboard even, size varies slightly, most plastic boxes taper top to bottom. 

40-50ft freight cars fit across mine, 7 (I think) per layer, 4" strips of 1/2"-ish foam between them protecting side detail and supporting the partitions.  Box cars at the ends of the layers, freight cars with more 'delicate' tops between them.  Longer cars can go lengthways, flatcars/gondolas on the top (shallowest) layer.

Carrying it gently hasn't led to any damage, I've even put rtr locos in the bottom layer with no regrets.  Certainly wins over wrapping each separately.  I might be less confident if these were all competition entries....

Plastic crates come in all sizes and at the other end of the spectrum is CD storage boxes for a loco, or for a prized loco a toolbox with loco(s) under and emergency screwdriver, lubricant, Mars bar, etc on the tool tray if present. 

The shelved wooden cases like Parkwood Arts are tempting, but they do say on the webpage they're not recommended for locos.  Their single loco wooden boxes are good, especially for steam locos, but I am satisfied with the plastic crate-box for m-uing diesels.

Jason

[Gilbert]

I agree Jason - Locos don't go in the Parkwood Case

[Gordy]

thats a brilliant Idea Jason, i was looking at 85l Really Useful Box before I think I can get about 14 cars in one.

[peter220950]

Hi,

 

Having lost the supply of Ikea Plywood boxes that were ideal, I have moved to wine boxes.

 

http://www.wbc.co.uk/flat-6-bottle-sliding-lid-wooden-wine-boxes?sc=64&category=93481

 

At around £12.00 each thay are good for between 12 and 16 wagons, depending on orientation of the dividers. Case foam is purchased in strips, cut to height and thickness to suit the layout. Overall costs come in at around £20.00 per box. A layer of 3mm closed cell foam (flooring underlay), is popped on top to protect the roofs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gordy]

Thats a brill idea, where do you get the case foam from?

[peter220950]

Thats a brill idea, where do you get the case foam from?

 

 

Online

 

http://www.efoam.co.uk/quote-foam-cut-to-size.php?FoamCutToShape=Prectangle&shape=SPrectangle&size=12570&thickness=20&len=4000&width=150&specialf=10c13c14&inito=10c0c0&meas=mm

 

Work out the height and thickness, I went fo 2.00m lengths as I guess it's a standard length, it cuts beautifully with an Exacto type saw.

 

I worked out how much room was required after stock and partitions were in and divided the remainder by the number of packers needed, add a mill or two and you get a snug fit. I also had some cut at loading gauge size for packers between stock. - Seems to work and depending on number of cases being done comes in at less than £8.00 a case delivered

 

I shall also have a go with their egg crate foam when I next fit out aluminium cases for loco's and stock, I have previously used mattress foam toppers, but they will look better in grey.