Safely Storing Locomotives?

Hey everyone,

Being a bit new to this hobby, I'm wondering how many of you store your locomotives when they're not in use on your layout? I know several places sell boxes with foam inserts for freight and passenger cars, but I'm not convinced they're good enough for my far more expensive locomotives. I obviously keep the plastic cases they arrive in, but at the same time I feel like there must be a better option for permanent storage. Any thoughts or ideas?

~ Michael

 

I keep mine in the original box, or in a display case on the wall with a glass door.
Don

 

I would like to add to OP. How do store them after adding all the bells and whistles...and sunshades, all-weather windows, etc ???

 

I was looking at something like this? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CSKGSK...lid=143DXZDZPFV82&coliid=I1JJ98KJTM4FBQ&psc=1

Lay down some Kato Unitrack on each shelf to rest the trains on or something? The only catch is that I don't really have space to hang or display it, so it might be a bit 'overkill' for my situation.

 

I got one of those for Christmas, they're very nice. You don't need track, the shelves are grooved.

 

I use a product bought back some time ago called Car Case. A foam lined cardboard box that has foam inserts on the lid that hold the equipment securely in the foam slots. Then I also use the manufactures boxes in the case of my Shays and other delicate mechanisms. When I have something with added parts that doesn't fit into the original box I simply carve a few notches in the box liner to accommodate the protrusions. The car case is my main go to though.

 

i modify the cases with styrene added to enlarge the plastic case especially when adding cab sunshades to diesel cabs with interior cutouts in the foam for the other side of the cab and its sunshade . small squares of styrene on each corner of the box are sufficient. i also store all engines upright and mark brass boxes top with an arrow pointing that way and store them upright

 

Those are the display cases I use. If you scroll down you'll see my review from a few years ago.

You won't be able to put Kato track down because the shelves are not deep enough. But you really don't need track. The locos and cars can sit directly on the shelf without any issues. There is a slight lip on the shelves so nothing will roll out and are held in place.

 

I keep them in the original cases. I find the for bulk storage, banker boxes work really well. On box will hold about 160 40 or 50 foot box cars from either Atlas or Micro Trains. IM boxes are much larger and the the storage goes down some.

They also do well with other odds and ends like the BLMA refers and flat cars, Athearn and other manufacturers.

With added details I use broken tooth picks to add space between the locomotive sunshades and the jewel case cover for Kato locomotives. I also carve out the underlying foam too.

For Atlas and other I do similar things.

 

Once they are on the layout, they usually stay on the layout.

 

I store locomotives and rolling stock in their boxes. For detailed locos, i cut out foam inserts as needed and put a rubber band around the bottom case so it creates about 1/8 to 1/4 inch more space between the locomotive and the plastic top of the jewel case. It makes the top case come off really easily, but when they are stacked it is not a problem.

 

Running Ntrak means I got to have storage that is mobile. I use the original jewel cases that the locomotives come in and carry them in a large Plano fishing tackle box that looks like a tool box. Other use a large tool box. Rolling stock is stored in Plano fishing tackle trays with foam rubber padding. I don't have any highly detailed items. The details just do not survive the necessary handling and transport.

 

Beware foam. I can't even begin to tell you how many nice brass locomotives Ive seen stored in their original boxes in the foam insert where the foam has bonded itself to the paint, destroying both.

 

This is something I came up with recently after a similar inquiry and the responses to that. Basically it's the factory jewel cases placed in "Pizza Boxes" or more accurately, "Mailers". They are pretty durable, relatively cheap when purchased in a bundle (I got 50), and come in a variety of sizes. I wound up with 11 7/8" x 11" x 2 1/4" inside dimension which holds 32 standard sized Micro-Trains jewel cases, two deep, and snug enough to not rattle about but not so snug that you can't easily get a finger in to lift one out. The other size cases fit with varying efficiency but all do fit one way or another. Biggest advantages are they are pretty durable, relatively cheap so also disposable if ever they become worn out, good protection, efficient use of space, and a uniform size that stacks well wherever stored and system expansion just means folding up another box. I've also found that they work well for all sorts of supplies too, all uniform size so able to stack neatly on a shelf in the closet.

I have yet to complete a printed directory but will do so with info like box, placement location, and a brief description including important operating details such as type, road name, vintage, coupler, etc. I try to keep some semblance of order as to type, road name, etc but as these things have a way of continually changing I have decided that the directory will be the best way and will be searchable as needed and in any fashion needed. Occasional reorganization may be desired and will be as simple as a shifting about of equipment and a directory edit. So far it seems very workable and just what I needed.









Then, for the odd equipment or that acquired without a box, I've purchased spare Micro Trains cases of various sizes. With a paper cutter I cut up standard size paper tags of the same dimensions as MT uses and then with the same paper cutter, cut 1/16" foam liner bases. The foam I used is available from Woodland Scenics, sold in a 4 sheet package as "Assorted Modeling Sheets" and is rigid enough to hold some shape but soft enough to be protective. It's also my expectation that it is not a material that breaks down over time or makes any attempt to adhere to the car or loco finish as some sponge foams can do. They are 16" x 18" sheets packaged with 2 pcs. at 1/16" thick, perfect as the base liner, and then one each of 1/8" and 1/4" thick that can be cut to any size needed and used for the nesting barriers, glued in place with Foam Tack Glue. I hand write the description of the item on the sheet tag to keep it all in order. That may seem like a lot to go through and also to exceed the value of a few old Bachmann pieces but in the interest of a standard system that works for all equipment, not all without some value, I consider it a good investment. If there's anything I've learned over the years it's that lack of organization is an often overlooked time and cost drain. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

This is a prepped box, ready for use as described.




This is one in use with the cushions fabricated as described.





And even some locos will fit the small standard MT box.



It keeps it neat.



And this is the cushion material used.


Hope that was useful at some level.