Having recently joined a local club, I have the opportunity to take some stock to run on the club layout. Last week someone had a metal case which he'd made 2 wooden trays for and the lid, instead of make up equipment, contained various useful model railway tools.
Yes - he'd bought a make up case and converted it.
There's no way I'd confess to buying a make up case as I'd never hear the end of it from some wags here, but a suitable small flight case for carrying tools might be suitable and easily adapted.
I keep all my stock in the original boxes but would remove items for transport and put them back the next day.
What do folks on this here forum use please (there must be many who take stock to meetings/shows)?
Thanks for any suggestions
I have seen somebody use
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Feldherr-compatible-locomotives-vehicles-standing/dp/B082C747ZN/ref=asc_df_B082C747ZN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=607069840037&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16613350800451066330&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007345&hvtargid=pla-1133137433434&psc=1
These
https://tencommandmentsmodels.co.uk/product-category/miscellaneous/stock-storage-cases/
I use
https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/33286-foam-inserts/
In jb model world boxes stacked inside a large one
https://www.amazon.co.uk/35-litre-storage-box/s?k=35+litre+storage+box
I use metal cases from B&Q with foam trays from JB's modelworld. He also (Or used to) sell a plastic case with the foam tray of your choice.
@crewearpley40 Thanks, but the first is too flimsy and has no handle and the second is excessive (I'm looking for just 2, maybe 3 layers)
@GrahamB I'd appreciate a pic when you have time please. I've literally just bought 4 of JB Modelworld's plastic boxes with foam inserts :)
Similarly to Graham B I use aluminium cases from the late Maplins (might have been some sort of aircraft case) with foam tray layers for locos. To make sure that locos go in the correct slot, and make sure they all come home from exhibitions, I use a Brother printer tape label for each loco slot.
For stock used at exhibitions we use home made cassettes made from ally base with acrylic sides which 'hinge' as they are joined to the base with high grade duct tape; the tops of each side have window insulation foam strips to clamp the stock in the cassettes, and use high tech at the ends to hold the sides up-hair bands.. But the latter cassettes are rather a major build and investment but worth it for us as we can let stock on and off the layout quickly by using railing ramps.
Martyn
Quote from: martyn on October 07, 2023, 12:00:22 PMSimilarly to Graham B I use aluminium cases from the late Maplins (might have been some sort of aircraft case) with foam tray layers for locos.
Martyn
I do bemoan the loss of Maplins but it was a case of 'use it or lose it' and we all lost it :(
I have plastic boxes with handles
Jb model world boxes
Sorry just illustrating what's put there
Bit martyn and Graham ideas will work
I reckon on something like this but with home made 'innards' for the stock
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unibos-Electricians-Lockable-Aluminium-Organiser/dp/B071Y73FGT/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Aluminium+Tool+Case&qid=1696677307&sr=8-5
That should do the job
Apologies I just use those large plastic boxes to stack boxes, tools, empty boxes which locis etc came in.
Go for it mick
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/136/298-071023124956.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=136196)
As requested, here's one of my stock cases. The trays I have weren't as wide as the box so I cut a spare tray and glued it to the side. Three trays fit in one box.
The cases came with smaller cases inside. Again, I just modified the trays to fit.
I think this is the current case https://www.diy.com/departments/aluminium-tool-case-set-l-430mm-h-130mm/1345837_BQ.prd
Quote from: GrahamB on October 07, 2023, 12:54:14 PM(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/136/298-071023124956.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=136196)
As requested, here's one of my stock cases. The trays I have weren't as wide as the box so I cut a spare tray and glued it to the side. Three trays fit in one box.
The cases came with smaller cases inside. Again, I just modified the trays to fit.
That's more or less what mine look like. I only use them for locos, but if you only have a small amount of stock of course they could be used for that as well.
Martyn
I did something similar when I purchased an aluminium tool case from Bunnings and fabricated three trays from MDF and lined them with felt.
@GrahamB Thanks very much for the detail and pics.
My intention is only to take a couple of locos and suitable rakes.
On the same subject I tend to lie my stock on their sides but many seem to have them upright when the case is open.
I guess there are pros and cons for both
Thanks to all for the replies.
I've ordered the case shown in reply #7 and will customise the interior
One big advantage of putting stock in these cases upright is you don't risk grabbing the valve gear or steam locos, or delicate parts of coach or wagon underframes, when getting stuff in and out of the box. Also, make sure the top layer is tight to the underside of the lid as if not stuff can move around more than you might like!
Dave
Yesterday I bought a 4 litre plastic storage box, cut up an old camping mat and made tray inserts. As an added bouns, it cost £5 in total.
Looks like
@Newportnobby has solved his issue, but just to add that you can get proprietary versions of these from these guys:
https://www.krcases.com/railways
I've used them before mostly for war games, but also have one of their cardboard cases for some of my n gauge stock.
I think I have in the region of 8 of their boxes, with most being cardboard as it is perfectly sturdy for protecting and transporting delicate models.
I do however have have one of their aluminium cases for if I ever have to transport models and the case may get manhandled.
All their trays are based on the same dimensions, so can swap trays between size and style of boxes.
Because of the number of options though, their website is a bit confusing!
I have a long plastic box for which I've made 2 trays that will each hold 5 cassettes that will take up to 5 coach sets, or similar length freight or van trains, the underside of a tray has foam stuck to it to hold the stock in the tray beneath in placed, a further tray has foam inserts to hold individual locos or other stock. With this set up I can quickly transfer the contents of a casstte to a layout. I can also cope with shorter cassettes example instead of a 5 coach long cassette I could fit 2 shorter cassttes say a 2 coach and a 3 coach, or two short goods or van trains
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Err ummm make up case?
Yep I've got one but not with railway stock in it, but a model of a T84 radar that is put on the layout.
SWMBO gave it to me when I was looking for something for the model, it's a near perfect fit.
As for the N gauge layout I've an old small ish DJs case that has legs that live in part of the case. It's about three feet long and a foot wide. I'll replace some of the foam to fit.
For the H0e layout, I'm intending to run all stock off into cassettes that become travelling boxes. They then will go into a box as yet not built.
Case arrived today (great service off Amazon) and I'm really please to say 2 JB ModelWorld foam inners fit like a finger up yer nose glove. Not only that, two levels can easily be accommodated. Each row will take 2 locos (dependent on their length obviously) and by dint of turning bogies round so the coupling end is reversed, 2 MK1 coaches. Therefore I have 20 lengths to fill should I wish. The case is lockable (2 keys provided) and a shoulder strap is enclosed should you wish it. Room for all sorts of tools and gizmos in the lid, although I only have a Minitrix wheel cleaner and a re-railer in there at present. Happy days.
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