Looking for an elegant N Scale Rolling stock Storage solution

[orionfield]

I've been brainstorming the past few months about a better way to store my N scale rolling stock. Right now I just have 12 of the cardboard Car-cases stacked up in my home office/workbench area. Its not really the best solution for me, since they are big and awkward to move around in a confined space.

My first inclination was to look into drawers for everything, but I haven't been able to find anything that seems to be a good fit.

How do you store your rolling stock that isn't on your layout?

[mmagliaro]

I use these Sterlite #2093 Wide 3 Drawer storage units:

http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=404&ProductCategory=186&section=1

They are stackable.

I do not store anything that isn't in a box, however.  I don't put any rolling stock in there that's just "bouncing around".

I also cut thin 1/8" aircraft plywood sheets to be the same size as the drawer bottom, and then I put a whole layer of rolling stock in each drawer, lay the plywood sheet on top, and then put another layer of rolling stock on top.  That doubles the storage of each drawer.  The drawers in these units are just high enough to hold two layers of N Scale rolling stock in their boxes.

[StewRRFan]

I have three of these from Ikea storage.  Used the foam from the boxes.  Work great and slide under the layout.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40196241/

[Mark W]

Rolling tool chest.  7 Drawers of rolling stock, and the bottom drawer for Command Station, Boosters, Power Supply, ect.





Built these trays with craft foam on the bottom and window insulation for row separation.  Average 5 cars per row, 8 rows per tray, two trays per drawer, 7 drawers total = 560 pieces of equipment.

[RBrodzinsky]

I have three of these from Ikea storage.  Used the foam from the boxes.  Work great and slide under the layout.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40196241/

What I use, too

[orionfield]

Rolling tool chest.  7 Drawers of rolling stock, and the bottom drawer for Command Station, Boosters, Power Supply, ect.





Built these trays with craft foam on the bottom and window insulation for row separation.  Average 5 cars per row, 8 rows per tray, two trays per drawer, 7 drawers total = 560 pieces of equipment.

Mark, I think that what you built is probably the closest thing to what I was envisioning.

[Cajonpassfan]

I made something similar to fit a drawer chest from my now grown-up daughter's old bedroom. My preference is to have the equipment upright rather than laying on its side. The foam insulation strips prevent it from rolling around, and the trays are stacked several deep. I do remember stealing the idea from someone here I think...
Otto K.

[u18b]

I use a map drawer case.  Similar to the above but much wider.

Got it when an engineering firm left my town and was selling off stuff.

A large portion of me equipment and collection all fits in there.  And only a couple of N scale boxes are to tall when laid on their side (I store locos wheels down so oil and grease head down.).

[orionfield]

Thanks guys for the great input.  I am going to the hardware store later today to see what I can find. I'll let you know.

[rickb773]

I originally stored my freight cars in cut down Staples boxes:



and cheap plastic storage units (<$20 at Big Lots)



When I got my layout underway. I just took 6' 6" shelving boards and made them L girders with a 1x3 and laid them between the leg bracing on my 6' modules.
Under a 24" center module I used a 12" shelving board and the 1x3 to make it a "T" girder. Stacked 3 high the singles hold 144 cars each 6' section. The double sided center section hold 288.

[orionfield]

I did something similar to Mark, Here you go:

[dougnelson]

Here's what I use for rolling stock storage. I got at at IKEA, but I don't think they carry this now. You might find something similar looking under craft and hobby storage.

[crrcoal]

I use these same drawers for my N scale cars n locos. Picked them up at Walmart.

I use these Sterlite #2093 Wide 3 Drawer storage units:

http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=404&ProductCategory=186&section=1

They are stackable.

I do not store anything that isn't in a box, however.  I don't put any rolling stock in there that's just "bouncing around".

I also cut thin 1/8" aircraft plywood sheets to be the same size as the drawer bottom, and then I put a whole layer of rolling stock in each drawer, lay the plywood sheet on top, and then put another layer of rolling stock on top.  That doubles the storage of each drawer.  The drawers in these units are just high enough to hold two layers of N Scale rolling stock in their boxes.

[Chris333]

[Cajonpassfan]

Here's my other storage....
Otto K.