N Scale Train Storage

[BCR 570]

This topic has undoubtedly come up before, but I am looking for a current solution to off-layout storage for my N-Scale equipment.  I have tried various solutions over the years including V-Line Storage Boxes with foam, Dean Daughenbaugh's cases with foam, and most recently the Fast Tracks storage crates, which I have learned are now discontinued.  While some of my cars are RTR and came with jewel boxes which I still have, much of my equipment is built from kits or is scratchbuilt and thus does not have jewel boxes.

A few caveats:

I want to be able to store everything vertically ie. on its wheels and not lying down, so I can lift it out with a cradle made from plastic shopping bags (does not snag etched parts).

I do not want to have to assemble it or spend hours cutting and trimming inserts.

Ideally the boxes or cases would stack with one another.

I would also be interested in finding storage containers which are a good size for the various Atlas, Intermountain, Micro-Trains, etc. jewel boxes.

Anyone tried the A-Line N Scale storage boxes?  They seem to hold the stock vertically and come pretty much ready to use.


Any advice appreciated,

Tim

[ncbqguy]

When I was working at JMC/Con-Cor it was very convenient for me to sell the V-Line boxes.  I could have the knocked down cardboard and foam delivered to their dock, take home batches to assemble and label,  and sell them to JMC to distribute to drops across the US.   However, that was not allowed at Kato USA!!  So V-Line was no more.   
They were decent boxes and I still use the ones I have to store the original too-much-equipment which has some multiplied over the years even though I didn’t let them out of the boxes...
Charlie Vlk

[peteski]

When I was working at JMC/Con-Cor it was very convenient for me to sell the V-Line boxes.  I could have the knocked down cardboard and foam delivered to their dock, take home batches to assemble and label,  and sell them to JMC to distribute to drops across the US.   However, that was not allowed at Kato USA!!  So V-Line was no more.   
They were decent boxes and I still use the ones I have to store the original too-much-equipment which has some multiplied over the years even though I didn’t let them out of the boxes...
Charlie Vlk

We have a bit of model history here. V-Line.  I suspect the "V" is related to your surname.  Things we learn on the Railwire! 

[craigolio1]

Tim I’ve recently begun trying to come up with a solution for the same. Storing all of my custom built cars in ziploc bag and then in a shoe box isn’t doing it for me any more. A friend showed me his set up that he travels with to train shows. He has a large plastic tool box with the trays removed. He has made trays that stack inside out of foam board from the dollar store. The trays a divided to fit the cars in their side and the dividers are hot glued into the trays. All of the car spots are then lined with thin foam. I’ve recently built the same sort of set up. To line the trays I used thin foam that same furniture pieces came wrapped in. My dinner train is currently stored in one of these trays and is very secure and safe. I plan to add more trays in this tool box and store several passenger trains in it for transport.

Craig

[Steveruger45]

For storing trains in jewel cases I use totes from Walmart.
I’m actually working on re-purposing a long gun/rifle case for transportation of non cased items, but that will take a bit of work to complete. [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Sokramiketes]

We have a bit of model history here. V-Line.  I suspect the "V" is related to your surname.  Things we learn on the Railwire! 

V-Line predated Charlie’s ownership, but the V was convenient!

[MK]

Depending on what part of the country you live in, using that rifle case to bring your N-scale stuff into or out of a crowded train show may cause some issues.

I know in the metro NYC area where I operate, I would bet you'll get a lot of stops and questions from both on and off duty law enforcement folks.

[Steveruger45]

Depending on what part of the country you live in, using that rifle case to bring your N-scale stuff into or out of a crowded train show may cause some issues.

I know in the metro NYC area where I operate, I would bet you'll get a lot of stops and questions from both on and off duty law enforcement folks.

Ha. That is a good point. We Don’t think of things like that in Texas. Maybe should use a violin case instead 🤔😁

[MK]

LOL!  Maybe a cello case for those who run long trains.     I would love to have a carry permit in where I live but that ain't gonna happen in anybody's lifetime.  Have to move to Texas! 

[railnerd]

In my "personal hobby shop" N-Scale rolling stock and locos are stored in "Really Simple" Boxes I got at Office Depot.  I liked how they stacked up and they are very sturdy.

https://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/usa/

-Dave

[ncbqguy]

V-Line was Victor Napolitano (sp?) of Berwyn, Illinois who tooled the 2 bay ACF covered hopper and Baldwin Sharknose later taken over by DeLuxe.  He also had an FM Erie-built A unit shell tooled.  I bought about half of his inventory and was able to use the name which also worked for my last name.  I sold the shells and some were used by Con-Cor in a PRR Collector Series train set, the storage boxes, and ‘The Flagstop Inn” a small tavern inspired by Woodland Scenics Peter cast HO bar.
I built the master walls brick by brick in styrene and used 0.005 for the horizontal mortar joints.  It was in an article in N Sale Magazine.  Dick Billings of Fine N Scale cast them up for me.   I still have undec and a few painted Erie Built shells and tavern castings.
The next V-Line kit was going to be a Mortuary and I bought CarsNScale hearses for it but....
Probably 20 years ago Victor told me the toolmaker never returned the FM tools to him....I got on the phone and called the guy and said I was representing Victor (never mentioning I was an architect and not a lawyer).  Victor put the inserts on his fireplace mantle.
Charlie Vlk

[wazzou]

I’ve looked for that tavern kit for probably 25 years without success after seeing it on a few friends’ layouts.
If you have some available for sale, I’d love to purchase one.

[peteski]

Thanks for this model RR history lesson Charlie.  I love this kind of inside info.

[jmarley76]

I have a related issue to your box quandary - I have both A-line boxes and Axian boxes, as well as a third kind (bought on the bay long ago), but would prefer a much cheaper option.

Pros: They both work well to keep your cars safe and organized. Both are sturdy - A-line would be the better option if you are planning on getting their tote and taking your cars to a show or club. I do like the "collection" appearance when you open the Axian box versus just seeing the roofs when opening the A-line box.

Cons: Cost is the biggest one for me at the moment; A-line charges $115 for 5 boxes while Axain wants $29 a box. A-line boxes come with dividers, but no foam (available separately or on your own from Wally-world or a craft store). The cars lay on their side in the Axain box. And I have tried to go to Axain's website, but no luck. I keep getting the "page not available" message.

The "third" type of box I have is a corrugated tabbed mailer. The ones I purchased on ebay came with a chunk of saw-tooth foam to lay the cars on, and a thin foam pad to lay on top for protection when you closed the lid. These are available in a plethora of sizes from multiple companies that sell shipping and office supplies (U-line, Staples, Amazon). It would be simple enough to buy a bundle of these (usually 25 at about half the price of 5 A-line boxes, but then come up with your own dividers and foam (but still come out cheaper in the long run).

Hope that is helpful. I'll try and post some pics later.

[SD452XR]

Axion' s website came up fine for me. Would post a link, but not sure if we are supposed to on here. Just google axion n scale box.