Best way to store Locos

[PLD]

A topic we've done a number of times in the last few years, a couple of recent examples:
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=43756.0
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=45842.0

My Locos are kept in their original boxes stored upright.

The reason for storing upright is that from experience, locos stored upright are, as the OP suggests, less prone to pickup issues than those stored on their side.
This is because of the lack of springiness of the brass used by Bachmann for pickups, and if the loco is left laying on it's side for a prolonged time it does distort resulting in bias to the side that is taking all the weight. The 03, 04 & 14 diesels seem to be particularly prone to this.

[Tonye]

  When storing your valuable locos don`t do what my sister did with her ten , that was to oil them and store on their sides . Years after storage they took some serious cleaning to get them running again, also the oil had damaged some paint work.

Tony..

[Newportnobby]

I keep all my locos in their original boxes (just in case they need to be sold) and either on their sides or on their wheels. Some of the interior packaging can be a very tight fit, in which case I cut some away to avoid damage in removing the loco whilst still gripping it so it doesn't slip. Where locos are held by foam I place a polythene sheet in the foam before placing the loco in it with enough polythene each end to lift the loco out as a whole. I do tend to prefer the 'hinged' plastic used more frequently lately as it's easier to rotate the loco for the layout before removing it, rather than lifting one from the foam and then manhandling it 180 degrees.

[Bealman]

Yes, the packing on some stock is way too tight. I damaged my brand new Deltic and a couple of carriages on my BP, just trying to extract them from their boxes! 

Incidentally, Mick, you did a great job in packing those three locos back in July. All arrived safely, and run beautifully. 

[Chris Morris]

I keep the original boxes but don't store my locos in them. I've made a few stock boxes which carry a lot of stock in a very small space.
I buy a Hobbycraft geometric photo box (2 for £6.00) and then cut up some hobbycraft foam board to make the actual storage dividers. The sides are tall enough for N gauge stock to sit safely inside and I can stack three layers in one box.

The longitudinal sand the crossmembers are interlocked to keep them strong and everything is held together with ova adhesive. It takes a bit of time to make a box but the foam board is extremely easy to work with.

I put a little dip in each crossmember so it is easy to get to the stock to pull it out.











This box is for my late sixties stock! Peace and love man.

[silly moo]

Has anyone had problems with various types of plastic and paper they have used for wrapping and storing rolling stock?

I've used tissue paper, kitchen roller towel, and bubble wrap on occasion and was told that the tissue paper should be acid free and that bubble wrap can cause problems with paintwork.

At the moment I'm using a type of thin plastic foam slightly thicker than tissue paper to line rolling stock trays.

[Bigmac]

Most of my locos and stock stay on the track all the time. I dont like boxing and unboxing them if i can avoid it..thats when damage can occur

[Chris Morris]

Most of my locos and stock stay on the track all the time. I dont like boxing and unboxing them if i can avoid it..thats when damage can occur

You clearly don't have enough locos!

[longbow]

I'm using KR Models N Gauge storage trays, which can be ordered for either upright or sideways stowage. I use the latter as they have a little more capacity and make it easier to view the contents. I wrap freezer bag strips around the locos which allow them to be extracted without handling.

[Antipodean]

I'm using KR Models N Gauge storage trays, which can be ordered for either upright or sideways stowage. I use the latter as they have a little more capacity and make it easier to view the contents. I wrap freezer bag strips around the locos which allow them to be extracted without handling.

How do you find the shipping costs to Oz? I assumed that KR were American, and the Yanks always seem to charge more for postage.

[longbow]

It's a strange set-up - KR Multicase invoiced me from the UK but in US$, and shipped my bulky case postage free in lieu of deducting VAT.

[njee20]

Ahh KR Multicase. I thought we were talking about the people doing the GT3.

I'd sooner keep models on the layout where possible. I do keep original boxes, but find them too much of a faff for everyday use, and many are just too prone to damaging stock, particularly the older 'yellow foam' Dapol ones.

I use cardboard storage cases from "Avocations" on eBay, similar to the KR Multicase ones they comprise five foam trays in a box, I idly aim to keep locos on their wheels because them being on their side may have an effect, but I've no actual evidence either way.

[Bigmac]

Most of my locos and stock stay on the track all the time. I dont like boxing and unboxing them if i can avoid it..thats when damage can occur

You clearly don't have enough locos!

Shhh. 50 so far..dont want er indoors seeing this.

[railsquid]

I'm in the process of migrating my British locos to Kato boxes, which are much more efficient in terms of storage space and accessibility.

Not quite a loco, but a Class 101 DMU undergoing downsizing:


Bachmann vs Kato storage by Rail Squid, on Flickr

The grey inserts are surplus from after-market Japanese book-case inserts (which are a very efficient way of storing coaches and multiple unit stock), here a Kato mini 4-car bookset upgraded to store 6 cars (with space for two more):


kato-standard-compact-case-torm_tu-702b_insert-6-car-set by Rail Squid, on Flickr

Original boxes etc. all retained, but moved to the loft.

I have yet to experience any adverse effects from storing locos on their sides. Gear weevil infestations however, that's a different story.

PS on a general note a pox on any manufacturer (Fleischmann, cough cough) who puts the product number but no description on their boxes, that's one thing which Farish and Dapol at least do.

[railsquid]

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