TheRailwire
General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: tehachapifan on November 25, 2014, 03:36:19 PM
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A recent and ongoing medical scare has me wanting to start storing my N scale locos and rolling stock in their cases and in some type of shallow drawer cabinet, where the drawers are about as deep as a jewel case. I want to store rolling stock that's not in use this way in case something bad happens to me, so my family can sell off my stuff without having to first find the jewel cases for everything. Right now most my locos are in a display type cabinet on the wall with all the jewel cases stored elsewhere. Anyone have such a cabinet?
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As far as your medical condition is concerned, keep on fighting. It's not over till its done.
As far as a cabinet is concerned, I do not have one or know where you can get one, but what you are looking for is a map cabinet. The drawers are at most 2 inches deep and very large in both horizontal dimensions.
Best wishes
Tom
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Agree. Keep fighting.
I have seen people use the mobile tool chests on wheel with multiple drawers. Similar to what you see garage mechanics use.
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Hang in there. I use a plan file I got from a work move a few years ago. You might search a local used office furniture store, or antique stores.
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Hope the news was in error .
This looks like the biggest bang for your buck too me . http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Piece-2-Deep-Black-Plastic-Display-Tray-Jewelry-Storage-Stackable-Organizer-/400786316356?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d50b9dc44
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Good luck with your health.
You might try a map cabinet. They were commonly used for USGS maps. They are very large and heavy, but the drawers are shallow. You might find them for a good price used.
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I don't know how much map cabinets are, but I use this tool cabinet:
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/dff21901/20141115_212657.jpg)
When my trains aren't on the layout, they're in their jewel cases and in this cabinet. The top drawer is exactly one jewel box deep. The others are deeper. The second and third drawers are about three jewel boxes deep, and the fourth and fifth are much deeper and are where I store my hobby toolbox, many tools, and other supplies.
This tool cabinet cost $99.00 at Lowe's. And, as you can see it's on casters, so it can be easily moved. In fact, I've moved residences with it twice, and my rolling stock survived unscathed.
Hope this helps,
DFF
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I have the same fear: a room full of "stuff" that will have to be sorted out. If you still want to display everything, maybe tag each item and it's corresponding jewel case? This way, someone can match "item 0001" with "jewel case 0001". I would also add an expected retail value for items that should be sold if the cases aren't marked. Also, flag each item that should be treated as a heirloom - something custom made or of similar importance.
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I don't know how much map cabinets are, but I use this tool cabinet:
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/dff21901/20141115_212657.jpg)
Do you know how many jewel boxes this cabinet holds ?
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Do you know how many jewel boxes this cabinet holds ?
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/dff21901/20141125_221336.jpg)
As shown, the top drawer holds approximately 40 MTL-sized jewel boxes one layer deep.
The second and third drawers hold that same count but are three jewel boxes deep (approximately 120 MTL-sized jewel boxes per drawer).
The fourth and fifth drawers hold that same count but are five jewel boxes deep (approximately 200 MTL-sized jewel boxes per drawer).
Grand total is approximately 680 MTL-sized jewel boxes. Obviously, though, larger jewel boxes, e.g., locomotives, passenger cars, and longer freight cars, will eat into this total somewhat.
Hope this helps,
DFF
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I use these:
http://www.peachsuite.com/630-1791w/sterilite-17918004-clearview-white-3-drawer-organizer-17918004.html?gclid=COfhkOi5l8ICFUhffgodAmIAqw&kwid=productads-plaid^95194088699-sku^630@ADL41791W-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^47509930379 (http://www.peachsuite.com/630-1791w/sterilite-17918004-clearview-white-3-drawer-organizer-17918004.html?gclid=COfhkOi5l8ICFUhffgodAmIAqw&kwid=productads-plaid^95194088699-sku^630@ADL41791W-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^47509930379)
I can get them for under $10 when Fred Meyer has them on sale. Each drawer can hold 35 MT 40' cars in their boxes,
stacked 2 deep. There is very little wasted space. When I am industrious, I have cut a piece of thin 1/8"
aircraft plywood and placed it between the two layers of cars in a drawer, so the top layer can be completely
lifted out to see all the cars below. That really helps when you are looking for a particular car or cars, because
you don't have to dig through a whole layer.
There are 3 drawers in a unit, so that's 105 cars. And the units stack nicely on each other. I have 8 of these
3-drawer things under my layout right now to hold all my unused rolling stock, as well as all my locos and loco boxes,
and all my engine carcasses which will provide fodder for future projects.
Clean, inexpensive, sturdy, expandable.
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When I am industrious, I have cut a piece of thin 1/8"
aircraft plywood and placed it between the two layers of cars in a drawer, so the top layer can be completely
lifted out to see all the cars below. That really helps when you are looking for a particular car or cars, because
you don't have to dig through a whole layer.
Good idea! When I store cars in multiple layers in larger cardboard boxes I started taking photos of each layer before covering it with more cars. Then I print those photos on letter-size paper and place them on the top of the box. I also keep a copy of the photo on my computer for easy viewing.
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Xerox paper boxes ......
They can be cut down to the length of a jewel case and they come with a tight fitting lid. You can even read the "label at the end of the case" . I put foam core material between layers of jewel cases to separate them which allows easy access to "that case".
Cheap, simple and works for me.
Sincere best wishes regarding your health .......
eja
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Another idea is a baking cooler rack . You can but baking pans as needed , and cover it with a pan and add elastic skirts for pregnant overweighters in layers like a multi layered chimese dress , http://www.dhresource.com/albu_718069683_00-1.200x200/wholesale-womens-sexy-sleepwear-lingerie.jpg , allowing easy access at all levels . Or you can box it in or stick it in a cabinet of your choice .
http://www.centralrestaurant.com/Lakeside-155---Roll-In-Cooler-and-Proofer-Rack-29-1-4-inW-c79p44743.html
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I too hope that all is well and the scare in nothing more than that.
For the exact same reasons you suggest, I use a drafting flat file, common from the architectural and design industries (this may be like the 'map cabinet" as GN fan suggests). They can be found on craigslist and ebay periodically. I found mine in someone's waste, and refurbed it. The drawers will typically hold MT and atlas jewel cases two deep. My 5 drawer unit holds over 500+ pieces of rolling stock. this is a 42 x 36 unit but there are also other widths, 36" and 24" . i have not seen one less than 24" (I am in the design industry, and yes I remember the days before CAD :D ). They are usually stackable and there is room inside to mount heavy casters underneath. They are heavy and I added heavy duty carrying handles on each side. Mine will eventually have casters when I build a large layout so I can roll them to a location and load cars onto the track. as you can see the drawers are full extension, up to about the last 6" or so.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dr6KoUgCnyc/VHXNBXXKsqI/AAAAAAAAA0k/9TvPmjgfKd8/w1024-h576-no/20141126_051218)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQrjEb3c9fo/VHXM_SQq2EI/AAAAAAAAA0c/6BGmFKhfm64/w1024-h576-no/20141126_051243)
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I ultimately decided upon "caseless" storage and store mine in foam lined cardboard boxes.
Before I did that, I was looking at this: (or something very similar at Container Store) http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/drawers?productId=10000528&N=62561 Definitely not cheap, but perfect for the job, and lightweight so if you need to move it you're not moving heavy drafting furniture. That may not be an important consideration for you but it was for me.
I went "all in" with caseless storage and tossed the cases. The loss in value is surprisingly small, in my experience, and the reduced clutter factor is golden. Personally, I don't cling to any notion that my train items are "collectible" or an investment. In my mind it is simply buying a movie ticket. I get some bit of enjoyment out of that $10 movie ticket, but the money is gone forever. I don't intend to put pressure on my family that they must fight to squeeze the last dime out of my possessions. I do know that a lot of model railroaders "justify" their hobby by promises of grand collector markets that will grant returns and retirement cashouts beyond any 401k's wildest dreams. But, I simply know better and have no intention to deceive like that.
I'm not suggesting anyone here *IS* doing that, but I have seen it and it's a sad thing when someone is so stressed over something like that...after already having lost their loved one. I will probably encourage them to donate the lot to a local train club and let them sort it out and use that money to support their club endeavours....something along those lines.
Anyway, I'm sorry for your troubles and I hope that your health issues subside for the long haul. As uncomfortable as these discussions can be, they certainly are necessary...we all face that future of health problems and mortality.
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Russ -
I hope whatever it is you're experiencing can be easily overcome.
I built a storage chest many years ago as seen below. I actually got the idea from a Baseball Card shop.
There are 10 drawers with the bottom three intended for locomotives and longer jewel cases like KATO passenger cars and the like. The drawer you see and the seven others like it can hold 108 cars in MT type jewel cases.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kJ0WjHn276g/USBsph_5GvI/AAAAAAAAARI/jkXW2HPo1oA/s720/Workbench%25202-16-2013_1.jpg)
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I use these:
http://www.peachsuite.com/630-1791w/sterilite-17918004-clearview-white-3-drawer-organizer-17918004.html?gclid=COfhkOi5l8ICFUhffgodAmIAqw&kwid=productads-plaid^95194088699-sku^630@ADL41791W-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^47509930379 (http://www.peachsuite.com/630-1791w/sterilite-17918004-clearview-white-3-drawer-organizer-17918004.html?gclid=COfhkOi5l8ICFUhffgodAmIAqw&kwid=productads-plaid^95194088699-sku^630@ADL41791W-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^47509930379)
I can get them for under $10 when Fred Meyer has them on sale. Each drawer can hold 35 MT 40' cars in their boxes,
stacked 2 deep. There is very little wasted space. When I am industrious, I have cut a piece of thin 1/8"
aircraft plywood and placed it between the two layers of cars in a drawer, so the top layer can be completely
lifted out to see all the cars below. That really helps when you are looking for a particular car or cars, because
you don't have to dig through a whole layer.
There are 3 drawers in a unit, so that's 105 cars. And the units stack nicely on each other. I have 8 of these
3-drawer things under my layout right now to hold all my unused rolling stock, as well as all my locos and loco boxes,
and all my engine carcasses which will provide fodder for future projects.
Clean, inexpensive, sturdy, expandable.
This is exactly what I use to store anything/everything related to model railroading. Locomotives, rolling stock, detail items, tools. They've helped dramatically improve the appearance and organization of the train room. I have an even dozen of them
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I use these IKEA storage units (http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50264927/). The top three drawers are exactly 2 jewel cases deep, the bottom three are 3 cases deep.
Best wishes Russ.
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I stumbled on a garage sale a few years back and saw this beautiful cabinet, 48" high, 37" wide, 20" deep sitting in the driveway. No idea what its original purpose was. The seller wanted $25 for it. With little refinishing, the best hobby buy I ever made!
Otto K.
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I use these IKEA storage units (http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50264927/). The top three drawers are exactly 2 jewel cases deep, the bottom three are 3 cases deep.
Best wishes Russ.
About how many cars is that?
Jason
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If you know anyone that has any connections with a printer supply place that uses the big Xerox 6,000,000 character cartriges these will hold about 25 cars with cases and they have a flip top lid with tabs that's what I use and mark on the sides what road names and manufacturers and such , and GET WELL SOON GGOD LUCK!!!!!!!
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...and all my engine carcasses which will provide fodder for future projects.
Boy, would I like to see a picture of that group!
Mark in Oregon
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Another idea
http://www.worthingtondirect.com/storage-furniture/244876-40-1-2-w-x-28-1-2-d-5drawer-stacking-flat-file.htm?utm_source=thefind&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=product
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I lucked up and bought some map/blue print cabinets from a company going out of business.
(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/map_drawer.jpg)
(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/map_drawer_open.jpg)
I love them. Most of my collection fits in them.
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Thanks, everyone, for the great tips and all the good wishes! I really appreciate it! :D
I really like the metal map cabinets as those seem about perfect.
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About how many cars is that?
Jason
Sorry for the delay - finally got a chance to check. Inside dimensions are 23.5" w x 16.5" d, so each layer can hold 3-4 jewel cases wide by ~7 deep, so ~25 per layer (for modern cars). At 15 layers total this gives ~375 jewel cases total. I'm close to needing a 3rd cabinet now...
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I agree with Doug above. +1!!!
My local shop contracted out to have their own line of laser cut foam storage boxes made. They're kinda cool because they made some rows wider for taller cars. One thing you learn in taking your trains on the road is that the jewel cases gotta go. I've been making some extra money selling the cases off. A very rebellious thing to do, I realize. But its much more practical for me.