Best way to store Locos

[N_GaugeModeller]

Hi all

As subject, what the best way to store Locos, on their side or wheels.

I keep mine in custom made stock boxes lined with foam and all are on their sides, is that good practice or is it likely to introduce a set to the pickups, would it be better to store them on their wheels, or does it not really matter.

Thanks for any input

NGM

[longbow]

Most locos will spend months stored on their sides before purchase, so if that were a problem I think the manufacturers would have reconsidered their packaging. There really isn't much in an N Gauge loco for gravity to act upon.

[ntpntpntp]

I'll always store locos in their original box where I have it. It's the best "custom-fit" after all, though I've had a few Roco boxes where the inner lining needed cutting in half to release the pressure a little.

I try and store locos within transport case(s) so that they stand on the wheels when the case is flat on a shelf (let's face it, that's the vast majority of their life).  It doesn't work for everything though, there are plenty that end up on their sides, and in that situation they're oriented to stand on the wheels when the case is picked up by the handle.  What I definitely do avoid is any locos ending up nose- or tail-down.

It's not a particular concern with gravity and pickups or oil etc. There certainly shouldn't be anywhere near enough lube that any might run while the mechanism is in storage - and believe me I've had second hand locos where that was the case!!   For me it's mainly about organising the boxes most efficiently within the case, and ensuring that their database id number and image label (slipped into the box) is visible and can be found quickly when needed.

[daffy]

I keep my locos in their original plastic boxes - the ones from Fleischmann, Kato, Hobbytrain and Minitrix  I have are excellent. The boxes are made to stack with the locos on their sides, but I prefer, for no other reason than 'it seems right to me', to keep them wheels down.
I find the Kato bookcases are excellent and a couple have been adapted for locos too, then stored as they are intended like books on a shelf, contents all wheels down.

[Graham]

Like the OP, I store all mine on their side in foam lined drawers of the stock cabinet.

I must admit to being quite chuffed with building this.

[Bealman]

You should be! That's a very professional job! 

[njee20]

You tease though Graham, taking it at such an acute angle!

That looks great.

[Trainfish]

I don't have a posh wooden box like Graham but mine generally lay on their side with no adverse effects:



Some end up on their wheels if there's not quite enough room for them all:

[Graham]

I built it on wheels as i was fed up of carrying stock boxes out to the garage where the layout resides. The stock normally stays in my study unless I am having a running session.

[Bealman]

Yeah, I saw the wheels. Great stuff. 

Wouldn't work at Chez Bealman though. Several steps between study and garage! 

[chrism]

There certainly shouldn't be anywhere near enough lube that any might run while the mechanism is in storage - and believe me I've had second hand locos where that was the case!!   

For Bulleid spamcans that's superdetailing 

[Graham]

I also have steps so I built a set of portable ramps to help there.

[Bealman]

No end to your ingenuity and woodworking skills, Graham! Most impressive. 

[Chris Morris]

I don't think vertical or horizontal matter. Where you store them might be.  I maybe wrong but I prefer to store mine inside the house (my wardrobe) where it is warm and dry. I don't think spending the winter months in a cold garage does the motors any good. I haven't done a test comparison on this but I do find locos stored for months over winter in the garage can be a bit reticent when put on the track.

[Bealman]

Unfortunately, most of the time, my garage is roasting!