Those long white boxes slide out of the carrier pretty easy. I've seen 5 or 6 boxes of equipment hit the ground a couple of times when a fellow NTrakkers' stack of boxes slipped out of the carrier. None of these solutions is bulletproof. I've got some of the foam-lined boxes from a seller here in the metro phoenix area, and the foam can catch ladders and grabs and pop them off.
LT, I like the way you said that. Yes, for a couple hundred dollars, you could have the simply best-protective case on the market built for you, or save your budget for more Trainworx Quads and get some thing different and more inexpensive. True, each storage system has its flaws, and its pros, but nothing is perfect for 29 bucks. I feel that this system is best for my needs, since I have all the storage I'll need, and I'm not refinancing the house in order to do it. I asked about the end-to-end protection, and they sent me some scrap foam, which works very well for in between engines, etc. If something hits the ground hard, no matter what it's built like, there's likely gonna be parts and pieces knocked off. It's part of the risk of moving the collection. I am, however, interested in seeing photos of other storage solutions as well!!
that's kind of where i am at hemi, i have something that works ok. i had thought about building a case out of plywood, but if i can get something that will provide almost the same protection, while being lighter, and not needing massive amounts of time to assemble, it might be worth it for me to "trade-up". i too would love to see some more pictures!!
I use the same USPS boxes that my friend LT uses. They are sturdy and can be obtained at the USPS by asking. If they can ship my "trainstuff" to me in those USPS boxes, they are good enough for storage. Stay cool and run steam.....
There is a new system on the market made by Proto Power West (A-Line), they have been making this tote system for the HO guys for years and now make one for N-Scale. http://www.ppw-aline.com/HobbyTote.htm I have this system and it works great, your equipment is stored upright with foam between the engines and rolling stock. The sides are made of cardboard. This is a very professional way to carry your N-Scale items. Usual stuff here, just a very happy customer.
Thanks for another nice review! The concept is similar to TBP that I have, but how are the items protected against shock, themselves, and movement? I know nmtexman has a ystem of these, or something similar. I liked that concept then as well.
All of these systems have one fatal flaw. They are made of cardboard, that is, paper. It could be corrugated cardboard but it is still paper. I would think one of the qualities one would be interested in in a transport/storage container would be having something more sturdier. Because things do happen and when that 300 pound gorilla of a fellow club member decides to sit on your container... Well, cardboard ain't gonna cut it. I have seen it twice. Once with a member's girlfriend who sat on another member's cardboard storage box. No, thank you, I'll stick to the fishing tackle trays and the tackle box. Even I can sit on them and I have too!
doofus... that is one of my other considerations (and reasons for procrasitinating on my wooden one). after some figuring and cypherin' it is going to be one heavy dude that might make it more likely to be dropped than the cardboard route. any other opinions out there? thanks!!
got a TBP box in. a couple of observations (haven't taken to the club layout yet). there really isn't a way short of dropping off of a table that a car can move. seems to be gripped pretty well in the foam. plus, it is easy to see everything and the overall package is nicely sized and light weight to prevent dropping them while going up and down stairs. the loaded box seems to be pretty stiff to torsion. i haven't loaded any locos or tank cars in it b/c i was running out of room and was worried about breaking the ladders off of my corn syrup cars. anyone else try CSC in these? thanks beast
tried it (tbp box) out last weekend when i went to the club layout. worked great!! now i need to figure out about the corn syrup cars and my locos and probably order another here in the near future.... anyone else have any comments or concerns???? beast
This happened last weekend on the way back from running trains. When I opened the hatch on the Durango, one of the white Axian boxes fell out and hit the ground. Well, fearing the worst I opened up the box, and nothing had moved! Amazing! A good thing they weren't in a box where the cars could move if struck on end!
I tried the corn syrup tanks and they are fragile, detail-wise. Just be extra careful hen installing and removing them from the TBP case. I install them first, spreading the foam away from the car, and gently lower it in. Like you said, there are tons of details, and many try to snag. Just go slow, and spreading the foam helps a lot! On a side note, I just entertained the thought of building a plywood box to put the TBP cases into, for moving. Stand, sit or whatever on it, and they won't give in! Maybe 1/2" should be enough? Build it for 3 cases, or only 2 cases, to keep weight down, and build a second box...
Just thought I would let you see my Storage. While it's fixed I figured you should see it. When I bought my house this was already in place almost like someone built it for me. The top shelfs are just the right size for the small Micro-Trains boxes and the lower shelfs fit the larger boxes as will as the Kato boxes. As far as transporting my trains I use the High Iron Boxes and love them. Thanks, Mike [ August 03, 2005, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: BN6480 ]
Beast, you may wish to build a frame-like cage instead of a fully enclosed box. You could carry numerous TBPs within the frame and not have all the weight of the enclosed box. You could use PVC pipe for the construction material. If you build it right, you could set the empty frame on end and use it for a chair!
doofus & hemi, that does sound like a good idea. i may look at that after i get another box or two. by the time i get everything i plan on having i could hopefully have a full train in one box and two trains per tbp box. that would be a good way to move them..... i'll have to keep that in mind. hemi, did you try it in a 3 slot tray or a 2 slot tray? beast
