N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 07:59:42 AM

Title: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 07:59:42 AM
How do you guys store your locos,coaches and wagons. I'm looking for some sort of case or box that can hold them. Can anybody recommend  one?
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: DaveGlew on April 24, 2018, 08:13:48 AM
Quote from: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 07:59:42 AM
How do you guys store your locos,coaches and wagons. I'm looking for some sort of case or box that can hold them. Can anybody recommend  one?
Plastic boxes with dividers from pound land (with foam added) works for me..... but I don't have a long stock list (yet)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: longbow on April 24, 2018, 08:17:52 AM
I use these

https://krmulticase.com/railways (https://krmulticase.com/railways)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: GrahamB on April 24, 2018, 08:22:43 AM
i use these foam trays http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821 (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821) inserted into cases from B&Q although the cases don't seem to be available anymore.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: austinbob on April 24, 2018, 08:27:06 AM
Quote from: GrahamB on April 24, 2018, 08:22:43 AM
i use these foam trays http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821 (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821) inserted into cases from B&Q although the cases don't seem to be available anymore.
If you catch Jon of JBs model world at an exhibition he usually has stocks of cases including larger cases with handles which are bigger than A4 and hold two layers of foam insert. These inserts are have either long cutouts for coaches, locos etc. or short for wagons.
:beers:
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: trkilliman on April 24, 2018, 09:05:47 AM
I suggest looking in Hobbycraft.

They have a range of small storage boxes under the brand name WB, and there is a useful A4 sized one in the product range. They are made of a virtually clear maleable type of plastic so are not prone to cracking. The lid fits quite snuglly over the base and cover the base almost completly. There is little chance of the lid flying off when handling it and the contents ending up on the floor.

Hobbycraft are to me one of those stores that can sometimes surprise you. Whilst much of their stock seems to be (to me and my wife) full rrp, they can often have a line or three that is really good value. I believe these storage boxes to be one of those lines. I bought a fair few that house my rolling stock and locos.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 09:48:36 AM
Quote from: trkilliman on April 24, 2018, 09:05:47 AM
I suggest looking in Hobbycraft.

They have a range of small storage boxes under the brand name WB, and there is a useful A4 sized one in the product range. They are made of a virtually clear maleable type of plastic so are not prone to cracking. The lid fits quite snuglly over the base and cover the base almost completly. There is little chance of the lid flying off when handling it and the contents ending up on the floor.

Hobbycraft are to me one of those stores that can sometimes surprise you. Whilst much of their stock seems to be (to me and my wife) full rrp, they can often have a line or three that is really good value. I believe these storage boxes to be one of those lines. I bought a fair few that house my rolling stock and locos.
what do you use to secure the locos in the box?
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Railwaygun on April 24, 2018, 11:15:22 AM
Quote from: austinbob on April 24, 2018, 08:27:06 AM
Quote from: GrahamB on April 24, 2018, 08:22:43 AM
i use these foam trays http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821 (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/JBs-Model-World/N-Gauge-Storage-/_i.html?_fsub=2187821) inserted into cases from B&Q although the cases don't seem to be available anymore.
If you catch Jon of JBs model world at an exhibition he usually has stocks of cases including larger cases with handles which are bigger than A4 and hold two layers of foam insert. These inserts are have either long cutouts for coaches, locos etc. or short for wagons.
:beers:

The blue stacking crates used for veg / mushrooms ( And then thrown away) fit 2 /3  layers of JB foam and support high density storage!
The foam inserts have a thin top layer to keep the dust out

Support your local grocer!

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/941-240418112214-644971609.jpeg)

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/941-240418112211-64495421.jpeg)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Vonzack on April 24, 2018, 01:38:59 PM
Another vote for JB's Foam trays and I store the trays in 35XL 'Really Useful Boxes'.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Yet_Another on April 24, 2018, 01:45:56 PM
Another one for JB foam trays & Really Useful boxes, although I use 9L 'shoe boxes' with three trays, separated by foam board to make getting them out easy.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 02:01:24 PM
Quote from: Yet_Another on April 24, 2018, 01:45:56 PM
Another one for JB foam trays & Really Useful boxes, although I use 9L 'shoe boxes' with three trays, separated by foam board to make getting them out easy.
I know the guy who owns really useful box company. I though about mentioning about foam that fit into the boxes for trays but i thought it might be a bit a bit to niche for him.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: ntpntpntp on April 24, 2018, 05:43:47 PM
Locos nearly all travel in their original boxes as that's best protection for them. The boxes then travel in generic equipment boxes (Homebase or similar).

Rolling stock travels in custom-built boxes I made myself back in the 90s. The size of the boxes fit perfectly with the layout in my car.



(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/5885-240418174306.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=64506)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: daveg on April 24, 2018, 05:45:58 PM
I'm another Really Useful user but have a series of their storage towers:

http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/uk/html/onlineshop/rub/tTower7x4lDraw.php (http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/uk/html/onlineshop/rub/tTower7x4lDraw.php)

Almost all of my N gauge is kept in their original boxes and these fit quite nicely in the upright position within the drawers. I also keep a little record sheet within each box of when the locos have been run and if lubricated

The towers roll neatly under the layout and just as neatly out when I'm (attempting) work on the wiring.  :)

Dave G
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: ntpntpntp on April 24, 2018, 06:10:09 PM
Quote from: IkBrunel on April 24, 2018, 02:01:24 PM
I know the guy who owns really useful box company. I though about mentioning about foam that fit into the boxes for trays but i thought it might be a bit a bit to niche for him.

Oh I dunno - could be very useful!  I had to get this foam custom cut...

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/5885-240418180738.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=64507)

... can you tell what it is yet??
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/5885-240418180813.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=64508)


... hmm... seems a bit too large for my N gauge test track!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/5885-240418180908.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=64509)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Merrylee on April 24, 2018, 09:43:44 PM
I use the JB ones.

The foam insert is smaller than the really useful boxes internal size.

I had to extend the the longest slots one to fit a pair of Dapol FEA spine wagons.
Just beat by 20mm.
My Megafret pairs fitted no problem.
Would recommend a good elastic or 2 on the lid as a bit slack.

If you want the foam inserts for the really useful 4/9 litre boxes then 10 commandments sell them.
Can buy individually or as a package deal with boxes.

Ron
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Merrylee on April 25, 2018, 07:03:16 AM
Meant to put the web site details on last post.

www.tencommandmentmodels.co.uk (http://www.tencommandmentsmodels.co.uk). 

Ron

Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: cutting42 on April 25, 2018, 01:17:36 PM
Quote from: Merrylee on April 24, 2018, 09:43:44 PM
If you want the foam inserts for the really useful 4/9 litre boxes then 10 commandments sell them.
Can buy individually or as a package deal with boxes.

Ron

I have something very similar to the 10 commandments boxes from TINGS a few years ago, they are outstanding with great capacity and security. I have made my own boxes in the past but the amount of time and the material cost makes these a good buy IMO.

http://tencommandmentsmodels.co.uk/product/n-gauge-maxi-storage-case/ (http://tencommandmentsmodels.co.uk/product/n-gauge-maxi-storage-case/)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: cutting42 on April 25, 2018, 01:40:12 PM
Dug out the boxes, they have a website as well now. Bit more expensive than I remember but they are very good.

https://parkwood-arts.co.uk/product-category/n-gauge-model-rail-cases/

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/828/27824810538_eb4e1836a7_b.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/830/27824810238_e0f2a1241a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Hailstone on April 25, 2018, 04:08:47 PM
I use Parkwood arts park n go cases for my locos as the denser foam is more supportive, and JB's foam trays in really useful boxes for wagons and coaches.

Regards,

Alex
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Merrylee on April 25, 2018, 08:49:48 PM
Interesting methods of storage all based on pre cut foam inserts.

As said previously I use the JB ones. Easy to get from e bay.

Apologise if deviating from original post, but what does everyone do with there empty boxes once locos and rolling stock are in their new storage boxes.

Do you bin them or store them for future use if selling items on.

How do you know, if you have a rake of the same wagons diff running numbers, which ones came from which box.

I was thinking of those small round self adhesive dots. One on underside of item and one on the box. Marking with the same number.

Ron

Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: ntpntpntp on April 25, 2018, 09:16:04 PM
Quote from: Merrylee on April 25, 2018, 08:49:48 PM
... what does everyone do with there empty boxes once locos and rolling stock are in their new storage boxes.

Do you bin them or store them for future use if selling items on.

How do you know, if you have a rake of the same wagons diff running numbers, which ones came from which box.

Definitely don't bin the boxes!  You could have a change of plan/theme later on and want to sell stuff on.

All (well almost all!) my stock is individually numbered with a tiny label underneath, and logged in a database with the original catalogue numbers wherever possible.

In my garage rafters I have large boxes full of the empty boxes of stuff I've collected over the years.  I do need to get them out at some point and try and match up as much as I can and put the same number on a slip in the box.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: longbow on April 25, 2018, 09:55:57 PM
A tip if you are using foam trays for storage - cut rectangles of plastic sheet the length of the pocket and with overhangs top and bottom to act as protective flaps/ handles. This makes locos (especially steam tender locos) much easier to extract.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: The Q on April 26, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
Storage at home will be on the layout or on shelves.
However  to carry them for exhibitions I have a Pelican 1630 case with foam inserts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pelican-Products-Black-Foam-Pelican-1630-Transport-Case/162691903274?epid=1333957028&hash=item25e1316f2a:g:iPgAAOSwT5tWPBXK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pelican-Products-Black-Foam-Pelican-1630-Transport-Case/162691903274?epid=1333957028&hash=item25e1316f2a:g:iPgAAOSwT5tWPBXK)

No I didn't pay for it, I couldn't afford to spend that many modelling tokens on a case :'( . It was used for transporting very expensive (tens of thousands of pounds worth) electronic equipment. But when that was no longer needed on the road, the case was given away free :D.
We have a table in the canteen for company stuff that is written off the books, first come first served. :)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Delboy on April 27, 2018, 12:53:18 PM
Don't know if they would be of use with the foam layers, but Aldi are now selling 3 x plastic boxes for £7.99. They are stackable with clip on lids.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/3997-270418124539-646791826.jpeg (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/64/3997-270418124539-646791826.jpeg)
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Paddy on April 27, 2018, 02:59:57 PM
You can see my solution here:

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11342.15 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11342.15)

Hope this helps.

Paddy
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: Waz on April 28, 2018, 06:23:17 AM
Personally I use the JB model foam inserts stacked for to a case, the cases I use are Peli 1400, this range of cases is industry standard to the broadcast industry, all my stock and controllers fit into a number of these cases, which conveniently stack and can provide a step at exhibitions or an extra seat. Personally I can't see what's wrong with spending the cost of a loco on a case which will protect a large quantity of locos.
Title: Re: Storing locos, coaches and wagons.
Post by: njee20 on April 28, 2018, 07:43:43 AM
Watching this with interest as I really do have too much stock now. Last time I just built a new fiddle yard. No more space now. Maybe I should just build a new layout!