Storage and transport of detailed locos.

Hello, again !!! I realize I've been talking about starting my EJ&E engines for far too long, but I just want all parts on hand before I start. Waiting on a couple winter hatches, then I take the plunge !!! These will be my first detailed engines, so I'm wondering how you guys store them. Obviously, they don't go back in the original cases once you add all-weather windows, sunshades, different horns, antennae, etc. I suggested to the GF maybe a glass case with armed guard(don't laugh, I own two M1 Garands !!!), or possibly turning Wink into an "attack cat" !!! I'm pretty confident you all have better, or at least more logical suggestions. Although, I DO like the "attack cat" thing !!! THANKS !!!

 

I'm one of those that just puts the engines back on the layout after adding anything. I have never needed to or thought to do otherwise.
It will be interesting to see what take on this, others have.

 

I'm interested too, thinking about adding an AC unit to the cab of one but not if I can't transport it...

 

I use the deluxe innovations foam lined storage boxes, the passenger pack box is perfect for six axle engines and no problem with units that have added details. The boxes are out of production but turn up from time to time.

 

I guess it pretty much depends on what your interests are and your priorities. If your locomotives travel a lot like those that belong to Ntrakkers then having detailed locomotives may not be a high priority. Things do tend to separate themselves with a lot of handling. On the other hand if you have a home layout and can keep a locomotive on the layout with no need to store it or with minimal handling then detailing them is a different matter.

 

They're coming back

http://www.deluxeinnovations.com/announcements012013.html

 

That's great they're coming back, trailer packs a new one. How about the autorack pack that was announced several years ago but never produced?

 

Same here. I've transported all of my detailed engines via their original (insert foam modified as required) and have only had a few pieces need to be reattached. I do make sure the engine is not capable of sliding back and forth in the case though. Sometimes, it's all you have when you move as much as I do.

Brian

 

If they aren't on the layout, I use Axian storage boxes. That works for all of they engines except the ones with all weather windows, the foam messes with the micro-glaze I use, so those I transport in specially modified jewel cases.

 

For me, it is impotant to keep my locos in their original boxes wheels down for storage. When I detail an engine, I modify the box to accomidate. Most Atlas and Katos, I usually raise the bottom with a thin piece of foam and make a cut out for the sunshade on the bottom side. I then glue small pieces of square plasitc strips at the 4 cornes of the Kato boxes on the outside bottom lip so the lids will not fully close. I don't know the exact dimentions, but i is a small piece less then 1/8". If need be, I also trim the foam or plastic insert for things like airconditioners, bells horns etc. I transport them in their boxes in foam lined pistol cases I purchased years ago at a second hand store.

 

All good ideas !!! I would prefer to just leave them on the layout, but the layout is a generic branch line. Yesterday it was BN. Today it could be PC. Sat. it will be PRR (my buddy's stuff). Sunday could be GM&O. Also, this house accumulates incredible amounts of dust. Amanda doesn't use a feather duster, she uses a coal scoop !!! So... I gotta' put 'em in something. The Deluxe Innovations box got my attention, as did the pistol cases. This got the wheels turning !!! Plano Molding Co. has an outlet store about 1 hr. from here. It's all stuff that failed QA inspections. Containers big enough for pool and patio equipment, all the way down to those tiny zip-lock "heroin baggies" (Sorry, that's what I call them !!!), at dirt cheap prices. I paid $4 for my pistol cases and $7 for my rifle cases. I will give them a visit, find some foam, and let you know what I come up with !!! Thank you all !!!

 

I have a tendency to superdetail the hell out of my engines and rolling stock, so engines get their original boxes and liners modified so that the small, delicate parts don't touch anything. Sometimes I'll cut a hole in the top and bottom of a plastic box to accommodate such things as the awnings on my Geeps, so they don't get mashed off.

Other times, I'll cut some gray foam (I don't know where I got it) so that the model will fit in its box that way.

I also utilize clear lure boxes I get at Wally World for superdetailed cars...with pieces of foam holding them gently in place.

Works good for me.

Cheers!
Bob Gilmore

 

I have added my share of detail parts to mostly F units and have had my share of troubles keeping those parts either on or undamaged mainly while in storage. Many years ago I purchased some foam boxes designed specifically for N scale and still found them to be inadequate except for cars. As recently as a few years ago I purchased another type of box, some assembly required, with the same results.

What I have found is that the original packing box that the loco arrived in is the best option. Most are designed to have the loco fit snug with no movement and I just have to take a sharp No. 11 blade and carve out anyplace that needs to be expanded to fit any added items. The key is to prevent any movement.