I am starting to amass a collection of boxes in which came HO kits andRTR rolling stock. I am thinking that the only reason to save many ofthem is if I ever want to sell them. In many cases, once constructedand ready to put on a layout they either fit very loosly in the box orfor some reason not at all due to size or details that don't fit inthe pre-formed shipping inserts. Alternatively, what might be thebest way to store and transport the completed items?

After trying many things, I've switched mostly to the A-line 'HobbyTote" system. These are high grade cardboard 'trays' (with lids) thathold the trains for storage of transport. Several (4 or 5) trays slipinto a nylon carrying 'tote' for transport. A 'tote' and set of trayscost the better part of $100, which is not cheap, bu the result isefficient and durable storage. Consider that the contents of the unitwill almost surely cost several times what the 'packaging' costs.I was at first put off by the cardboard, but it's proved more thansatisfactory. As long as you don't get them wet, and use reasonablecare, they seem to last forever. I have some that are near 20 years oldnow, and you can hardly tell them from the new ones.Each HO tray holds approximately: (20) 40' cars, (12) 50' cars, oreight 80' passenger cars. For one 'tote' set, that's a couple locos andabout 50 freight cars. A whole moderate sized train.Separate trays are available.Almost everyone in our club group has switched to...

Boxes, to keep or not?

Apr 02, 2004 23 Replies

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Jeff Finch 22 years ago

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (Hzakas) tickled the keyboard:

I've found the A-Line system for under $100 (1stPlaceHobbies.com) for the short case set with tote. How does this compare with the price of a set of the Axian Car Cases? I haven't located where to buy these yet so as to have a comparison. I'm leaning toward the A-Line due to the upright storage but since I already have one Car Case, if the price differential was adequate I might be pursuaded to go with that system instead. I did check ou the web site of the one other system that was mentiuoned but their HO site is still under construction and there was no indication of price or much on specifications or features so at this time they are on the bottom of the list.

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Hzakas 22 years ago

Jeff,

Based on the MSRP as recommended by Axian, the "whole enchilada" runs about $125: five cases at $18.95 each, plus around $30 for the tote bag. (Granted, various places may discount, so it's better in some cases to go by the list price.)

Dieter Zakas

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Jeff Finch 22 years ago

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (Hzakas) tickled the keyboard:

So assuming Walthers would be list price for the A-Line system it sounds as if they might be less expensive. Coupled with my preference for the upright as opposed to on-side storage it looks like A-Line is the one for me. Now all I have to do is decide on the box issue, which I'm leaning toward the 'toss them' since some of the cars won't fit back in their form-fit boxes after adding couplers and details.

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Jeff Finch 22 years ago

snipped-for-privacy@aol.com (Hzakas) tickled the keyboard:

Can anybody suggest some known sources for the Axian tote cases and bag? I just got my first A-Line set and really like it but am thinking that since I need more than one case I might just as well get some more of the Axian ones and a bag to go with the single case I already have. Besides, the spare divider foam that comes with the Axian case makes a perfect divider foam for the A-Line case.

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