Storing your prized models

[PiperguyUMD]

Hi all,

Given the amount of ridiculous kitbashing and scratch building that goes on here, this is the perfect place to ask. How do you store your most prized projects when they aren’t on the layout? For some of my diesel detailing projects, I modify the cradle or foam that comes in the factory packaging, simple enough. What I’m curious about at things like bbussey’s amazing New Heaven electrics. Something like that has no factory anything!

I thought that I had made a pretty good foam cradle for my WM Potomac that fit in a Bachmann Northern jewel case, but despite my best efforts, I’ve needed up with a crack in the back of the cab I’ll have to fix that and also come up with something to store the freshly out shopped K2.

Curious to see everyone’s solutions, and hoping to learn a few tricks!

[peteski]

How abut placing them in a nice display case hanging on the wall?  Or you are looking for a less permanent place where they are easily accessible for when you want to run them?

[PiperguyUMD]

How abut placing them in a nice display case hanging on the wall?  Or you are looking for a less permanent place where they are easily accessible for when you want to run them?

Oh good point - A display case would be great, but since I’m in the modular world, I was thinking something more portable.

[peteski]

Oh good point - A display case would be great, but since I’m in the modular world, I was thinking something more portable.

I have made foam cradles for models which didn't have boxes.   I use typical  jewel boxes from Kato and MTL, cut a slab of foam to fit the box, then slice a thin layer on the bottom off (for the bottom part of the cradle).  Then I place the model over the foam slab, and using fine point permanent marker I draw the model's outline.  Then I cut the foam following the outline by plunging a very sharp thin knife vertically from the top and following the outline using sawing motion.  Once cut, I pull out the foam plug, then using contact cement I glue the thin piece of foam I sliced off earlier to  the bottom of the cradle.

[u18b]

An engineering firm was closing up shop and I bought a map/blueprint holder.
10 drawers, exact size for most n scale boxes.

One of the best things I ever bought.

Like two of these.
https://ogtstore.com/salvaged-office-furniture/original-vintage-map-cabinet/

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I almost always use factory packaging (I figure if it can protect it across the ocean, it'll do fine in a box in my basement).

Then I store everything in Ikea Samla boxes: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/samla-series-12553/
They're not IP rated, but I feel like they're a good economical and practical way to protect and store everything.

[Spades]

Better post ahead.

[Spades]

Have you tried a Nail Polish Table Rack Display or something like it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052FZ3CI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[wm3798]

The trick with big steam with unusual tenders is finding a jewel box long enough to fit a foam cradle into.

My modified Trix 2-10-0 with the long distance tender is a beast.  I was able to fit it into a jewel box for a Rivarossi Berkshire with a little trimming of the blue insert, but then I got a Rivarossi Berk that needed a box, so it was evicted.  The best alternative is the long box Bachmann puts their A-B sets of Spectrum F units.  They're pretty spacious, so adding the necessary bumpers to hold your Potomac safely shouldn't be a problem.



Lee

[Lackawannae8]

Hi all,

Given the amount of ridiculous kitbashing and scratch building that goes on here, this is the perfect place to ask. How do you store your most prized projects when they aren’t on the layout? For some of my diesel detailing projects, I modify the cradle or foam that comes in the factory packaging, simple enough. What I’m curious about at things like bbussey’s amazing New Heaven electrics. Something like that has no factory anything!

I thought that I had made a pretty good foam cradle for my WM Potomac that fit in a Bachmann Northern jewel case, but despite my best efforts, I’ve needed up with a crack in the back of the cab I’ll have to fix that and also come up with something to store the freshly out shopped K2.

Curious to see everyone’s solutions, and hoping to learn a few tricks!

I run the feldherr boxes for my rolling stock. for my locos I use the kato book cases with the pull outs. cabooses im still brainstorming a better method of transport for clubs and shows over using the factory jewel cases that oddly stack inside my rollining packout. 

[nickelplate759]

I use the Axian Technology foam boxes.  At 28" long they're long enough for almost anything under 400 n-scale feet.

https://axiantech.com/model-rr/

[SAH]

Protecting the details during storage, transport AND removal of the model from the storage vessel without destroying the details - I well understand the problem.
My solution:




Creating the lift out cradle was my AH HA moment.  It works well for rolling stock too of course.  As you can see, only the finest cereal box cardboard will do.  It's kind of a fun exercise too.

[chessie system fan]

I've contemplated making a 3D nest for some of my unique models, or perhaps taking that 3D design and creating a press to make nests like manufacturers do.

I wish that jewel cases were easily available again. The Micro Trains supply disappeared about the time the fire happened. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Samla boxes in action

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[peteski]

I wish that jewel cases were easily available again. The Micro Trains supply disappeared about the time the fire happened.

MTL jewel cases are still all available for purchase (they got pricey), but you have to call them and place order over the phone. The nice lady I spoke with at MTL will take care of the order. Just couple of months ago I ordered some large and medium size boxes.  The phone number is on their homepage.

As for 3D printing the nests I would be worried that they are too stiff and hard to safely cradle the models.  The vacu-formed plastic nests aren't super soft either, but at least being very thin plastic they have some flex.