Is it safe to store engines in closed plastic bins?
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I don't see why not as long as you have climate controlled storage. If you're experiencing temperature or humidity extremes, then it would be best to have them well ventilated. Of course, temperature and humidity extremes should be avoided if at all possible, there's always a risk of damage there.
Thank you very much John
If you have a smoker in the house, I would keep them sealed. Temperature and humidity control are key, as mentioned.
I keep all engines not on my layout or on a shelf in closed plastic bins. Throw in a couple of those small desiccant packs and you’re good to go.
I’ve been doing this for at least 20 years with no issues.
Curt
@juniata guy posted:I keep all engines not on my layout or on a shelf in closed plastic bins. Throw in a couple of those small desiccant packs and you’re good to go.
I’ve been doing this for at least 20 years with no issues.
Curt
Those desiccant packs are good for a few days under humid conditions. They have no value in extended storage.
I usually store engines in a tin tall cabinet with a golden rod inside.
@Jim R. posted:Those desiccant packs are good for a few days under humid conditions. They have no value in extended storage.
Understood. My basement has low humidity year round. I imagine keeping lids on the containers helps too.
I also replace the packs in the containers every six months. You can get a large inexpensive bag of these on Amazon. I transfer the unused packets to a large freezer bag for storage until used.
Curt
Also, you might want to consider removing any batteries for long term storage.
"If" the plastic bin was packed and closed with a high humidity present, I think would be a bad thing. I woukd think a cardboard box and humidity control would be the best option.
@Train Nut posted:"If" the plastic bin was packed and closed with a high humidity present, I think would be a bad thing. I woukd think a cardboard box and humidity control would be the best option.
I think packed in anything with high humidity will be a bad thing!
@wb47 posted:I usually store engines in a tin tall cabinet with a golden rod inside.
OooKaay wb,......you have definitely peaked my interest sir. 
Goldenrod or golden rod ? 
What is the history and purpose ?
Do a search on Amazon for gun safe heater
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I think packed in anything with high humidity will be a bad thing!
If the container were air tight and "if" you could get all the moisture out before closing it, you could store it in a steam room and it wouldn't matter.
All I was saying is if you trap moisture inside it's worse than packing in a cardboard box.
@Train Nut posted:If the container were air tight and "if" you could get all the moisture out before closing it, you could store it in a steam room and it wouldn't matter.
All I was saying is if you trap moisture inside it's worse than packing in a cardboard box.
All true, but it's a pretty rare plastic container that's air tight. Also, almost everyone totally underestimates the amount of drying agent you need to actually protect the contents of a large container.
For the 30 x 18 x 14 tubs I use under the layout, assuming they were totally airtight, I'd need 124 grams of silica gel according to Silica Gel Products. That would be 21 of those tiny 6 gram packets that come in product packaging.
IMO, there is no good way to store a large quantity of trains in a high humidity environment. At least not a method that's practically feasible at a reasonable cost.
Thanks for everyone's insights. Fortunately I don't think I'll be dealing with extreme humidity. The silica packets will arrive tomorrow and I feel confident that they will do the job. Thanks again.
@Dallas Joseph posted:OooKaay wb,......you have definitely peaked my interest sir.
Generally used in gun saws to keep the air in the safe dry and free of humidly plugs in to any outlet. It is drying rod.
@RJT posted:Generally used in gun saws to keep the air in the safe dry and free of humidly plugs in to any outlet. It is drying rod.
Thanks Rick. I was beginning to think that I missed some mysterious property of wild flowers. 
@RJT posted:Generally used in gun saws to keep the air in the safe dry and free of humidly plugs in to any outlet. It is drying rod.
I've had a Golden Rod in my safe for years, it's just a heater. It's a simple idea, if you keep an object warmer than the surroundings, condensation won't form on that object. It's why the heated mirror in your bathroom doesn't get covered with condensation when you take a shower. 
Heated bathroom mirror? I feel like Rip Van Winkle...next thing ya know we'll be starting our cars by pressing a button!
I suppose this subject begs the question: as importers pack and ship their items in plastic bags, is it best to keep trains in such bags when not in use? Personally, I recycle those bags for the reasons mentioned above, and just store the trains in their boxes. Maybe someday I'll build enough shelving to store everything, if I live to be 150 years old, that is.
I prefer to keep engines and cars in the original clear plastic bags that are open on one end to allow some breathing. I am uncomfortable seeing an engine stored directly in styrofoam packaging. I have no evidence that the plastic bag is better or worse, I just don't think the direct styrofoam contact is a good idea. Probably the best option would be wrapping in acid-free tissue paper, and then the plastic bag, THEN the styrofoam, and finally the outer carton for sturdiness.
Dale
@Pennsylover posted:Heated bathroom mirror? I feel like Rip Van Winkle...next thing ya know we'll be starting our cars by pressing a button!
In a way we do start our layouts with a button.......when we start our cars like that when they are all electric.....we may have to have the local fire department on SPEED DIAL.
@Pennsylover posted:I prefer to keep engines and cars in the original clear plastic bags that are open on one end to allow some breathing. I am uncomfortable seeing an engine stored directly in styrofoam packaging. I have no evidence that the plastic bag is better or worse, I just don't think the direct styrofoam contact is a good idea. Probably the best option would be wrapping in acid-free tissue paper, and then the plastic bag, THEN the styrofoam, and finally the outer carton for sturdiness.
Storing in Styrofoam directly in contact is a very bad idea! It will stick to the engine and damage the paint. I've seen this multiple times, fortunately not with my stuff1 
FWIW I have stored my passenger sets in plastic sealed containers for 25 years. No ill affects of any kind.
