I recently purchased a case to use when I am taking locomotives and rollingstock to operate on another layout (hint hint GATS). I am wondering which is the best method to put dividers and what is the best way to make dividers for the case. Photo 1 - Carry case Option 1 - Trains standing Option 2 - Trains on side Any advice would be much appreciated
Paul,if you can get some closed cell foam sheets and cut grooves in it just big enough for you cars and locos to fit snuggly in to keep from damaging while traveling. I use a case similar to this to transport several locos to shows however Ileave them in the cases.
I was thinking the same as Mitch with the models standing upright in square cut grooves, double layered. Possibly look at having a 3mm base (MDF) and a simple handle arrangement each end to remove the top layer which rests on the lower layer foam clear of the models. ps - who says you're invited?
They would be my first port of call and they should be able to do the cutting for you. If not, they may know who can. What are the dimensions of the case?
I would prefer the trains standing (wheels down) position in case any lube/oil were to leak when on their side and possibly ruining the paint job. The short time you are actually carrying it shouldn't be a problem. Be sure to place the case on it's side so that the wheels are down when you put it in your car to minimize loco time on their sides.
Try a dedicated photo/camera/equipment store. I am pretty sure ( at least in my area ) , you can get the foam insert panels that fit in these type of cases. They have them for hardshell camera cases much like what you exhibit there. These foam pieces come in various thickness and are pre-perforated in small 1" squares which you would cut out for the opening you require. Much like the idea that Deluxe Innovations do with their foam in their storage boxes.
If you find the foam that has been mentioned in the other posts, here is a suggestion on how to make any cutting easier. After marking where you want to make any cuts put the foam in the freezer to get very cold. I don’t have an exact time line for this. Being “frozen” will make cutting easier since the foam will be least likely to collapse when “frozen.” Furthermore the “frozen” foam will tear less then “non-frozen.” Good luck Gary
I went to Clarke rubber and purchused a foam / rubber composite. I wanted 40mm thick however they only had 25mm and 12mm so I bought both to make up a 37 mm mould. I measured some of my locomotives and cars and decided to make the top row 25mm wide to allow for sunshades etc and the others rows 20mm wide. 1. First i marked up with a pen 2. I cut out the rubber using a very sharp exacto knife 3. I installed both layers into the case I am thinking of removing the divider in the top row to allow storing of 3 locomotives. I am also wondering do I need the middle dividers at all? Should i glue the rubber into the case if i did I could certainly remove the middle braces that hold each row intact I still need to trim then i will place some cars and post photos
Here is the first test. I removed the middle separator from the locomotive area only. I'm concerned if I remove all the middle sections it may become unstable although i could use removable filler pieces 1. Case with the thin cover 2. Trial with 3 locomotives and assorted cars
Just looking at what you are doing and tossing ideas in my head, what about carrying several small "inserts" that you can choose to place between Cars/Engines which allows for various lenghts. :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin:
I'm thinking the exact thing I'm just concerned on whether it will cause the rows to become unstable. I am also considering just gluing the outer areas to the case
Some nice handy work Paul. You could remove every second divider to give you extra room for cars. This should still have enough support to keep the cut-outs in shape and your insert stable. Terry
Just a thought ... If you had a thin layer of foam under the dividers you could glue to that. It would keep each section in place and if need be the whole thing could be removed.
Today i bought another piece of rubber and made a base. I then glued it all together and removed the centre column. It turned out great and I'm please with the end result as shown below
I'm glad that worked out for you. Looks like it gives a bit more room for rolling stock that way. :thumbs_up:
