|
Storage Bins for HO Equipment
QUESTION:I've been trying to organize some of my collection and have noticed a
problem with all my storage boxes. The plastic footlocker types seem to
taper an inch or more from top to bottom, meaning that I can't stack the
same type boxes (Athearn kit type for example) top to bottom because
they'll either be too tight at the bottom or too loose at the top. The
same goes for the plastic rolling 3 drawer type bins. What do the rest
of you use to store your models and kits in? I would say most of my
boxes are of the Athearn, AHM, Tyco/Mantua type, so they are all similar
in width and thickness, just different lengths.
ANSWER: For unassembled kits, I use a large number of copy paper boxes. I've
also outfitted a couple with foam insulation board dividers to carry the
removable structures for my modules.
I have a few slightly larger boxes I got from a friend who works for a
soft drink bottler. It looks like they're the right size to hold a from
eight to twelve two litre bottles. These are just a couple inches longer
and wider, and are several inches taller. I use these mainly for
structures and for loco boxes that are larger than the typical frieght
car box.
I store completed rolling stock in a number of wooden trays I've built,
but have lately stopped building any more in favor of making corrboard
dividers for six-drawer poly plastic storage units from K-Mart and the
like. These are based on a design Frank Rosenbaum put together. You cut
the corrboard (corrugated plastic board, as used by sign shops) into
strips 2-2.5 inches high, then cut interlocking notches into the strips
so that you can make a 2 by 5 grid that fits into each drawer. A $20-25
six-drawer cart can hold 60 cars.
When I take locomotives out to modular meets, I use a bunch of cardboard
boxes which are each filled with a foam rubber block. The block has six
slots cut out, each capable of holding a locomotive about an inch
shorter than an E6/E7/E8. These were formerly sold by Rail Safe of Holt,
Michigan.
My favorite method of storing locos and cars under a layout is to get
old IBM card drawers. Unfortunately, they are nowhere near as readily
available as they used to be.
|
|
|
|
