hi all
Was looking to see if some of you have used any space under the layout for train storage using a drawer system. Have available space in some areas underneath my layout that I have created by cleaning out alot of junk under the layout. Would like to possible store my rolling stock there. My height max would 40" and depth 30". Thanks
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Borderman01, I was thinking of doing the same thing,in fact a neighbor of mine was getting rid of an old dresser so i took 2 of the drawers just for this purpose,they are the perfect height for my rolling stock,i just haven't decided if i am going to go this route,i will be watching to see the responses you get,should be interesting.
I did that for a while, but I noticed the roofs of the cars were getting scraped when I opened the drawer; so turned them into shelves.
Scott Smith
Borderman,
I wanted to have drawers for my extra locos, rollingstock and supplies as well. Instead of installing permanent wood drawers, I choose to go with plastic drawers. They are available in a bunch of different sizes to fit different areas and different items. They can be added or removed at any time and give me great flexibility. Just another idea to consider.
Jay in Ottawa
I use a drawer system under my layout for locomotives and some cars. Works great for me and I can lock each drawer in case my 3 year old get curious. The lock is not a key lock but a simple and quick drawer stop device.
I also use a drawer for my controls, remotes and switches.
The one thing that I wish I had. That's photographs of my two prewar layouts. My families thoughts cannot be explained nor will I forgive. I'll describe the best I can.
Around my layouts I had rolling drawer assemblies like those used by beauty shops at each of their work stations. They did resemble those used by,"jay ottawa". They too, were hid behind skirts. Thank you, Jay. Your photos brought back memories.
hi all
Was looking to see if some of you have used any space under the layout for train storage using a drawer system. Have available space in some areas underneath my layout that I have created by cleaning out alot of junk under the layout. Would like to possible store my rolling stock there. My height max would 40" and depth 30". Thanks
Hi borderman. I have no pics right now but I can tell you I found some bathroom vanities that had scratches etc on them at the Home Depot and lowes (mostly on the sides) so I bought them cheap and used them under the layout. Gave me a lot of drawer space and cabinet space. It also looked great because I finished the remains space around them with some veneer ply. It worked out great for me 
hi all
Was looking to see if some of you have used any space under the layout for train storage using a drawer system. Have available space in some areas underneath my layout that I have created by cleaning out alot of junk under the layout. Would like to possible store my rolling stock there. My height max would 40" and depth 30". Thanks
Ok I got a couple of more pics so you can see how I used the dent and scratch cabinets. It is pretty functional
@TRK posted:I use a drawer system under my layout for locomotives and some cars. Works great for me and I can lock each drawer in case my 3 year old get curious. The lock is not a key lock but a simple and quick drawer stop device.
Hi TRK. Where did you get these drawers?
Bad idea.
I made potable flats with 1" spacers. Some trays will hold 57' cars.
Marvelous idea! I wish I had the depth to do it! I went with bookshelves instead.
I made the drawers from scratch using 3/4 inch plywood. I used very long roller bearing slides so the drawers could extend a long way out. I mostly use the drawers for my engines. My rolling stock sits on shelving.
I have made a few sets of train drawers for under my staging area. The first was made of salvaged mahogany. The next two were made of oak veneer plywood for the sides and top, solid oak for the drawer fronts and whatever I had on hand for the drawer sides.
I built this cabinet to fit beneath my layout. Each drawer can hold up to 28 pieces of rolling stock. I can put two 18" passenger cars end-to-end. The only problem I have is that I filled it up already!
Tom
Tom, that’s beautiful. Do you any plans or instructions on how you built them? Thanks Chris
I found some cheap plastic drawers at Bed Bath & Beyond. They do the job.
@RSJB18 posted:I found some cheap plastic drawers at Bed Bath & Beyond. They do the job.
Those look like a good idea, I may have to check those out.
What did you do with all your boxes?
This is what I did. Took a 4 wheeled parts cart added shelves dividers and line all of it.
@RSJB18 posted:I found some cheap plastic drawers at Bed Bath & Beyond. They do the job.
Those look like a good, economical solution.
One problem I've had with similar units (haven't used them for trains) is that they tend to stick when opening and closing, and the process isn't smooth. How do these stack up in that regard?
Also, I noticed that you have some trains wrapped in bubble wrap. It's not a good idea to have trains in contact with bubble wrap for extended periods - the bubbles will leave ghosts on the finish that can be difficult to remove. Don't ask how I know this. 
@Mallard4468 posted:Those look like a good, economical solution.
One problem I've had with similar units (haven't used them for trains) is that they tend to stick when opening and closing, and the process isn't smooth. How do these stack up in that regard?
Also, I noticed that you have some trains wrapped in bubble wrap. It's not a good idea to have trains in contact with bubble wrap for extended periods - the bubbles will leave ghosts on the finish that can be difficult to remove. Don't ask how I know this.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Those look like a good idea, I may have to check those out.
I must confess that the CEO spotted them. She even found two in the pile that were on clearance (notice the orange tags?)
The bubble wrap is just separating layers but I will look for something else to protect the cars. I'm sure I can figure out how you discovered that it leaves marks behind. They are very easy to open and close. No issues at all.
All of my boxes are in the attic.
Thanks
I should mention that they are individual units and they stack together.
ClemK; that was where i got my cart and modified it so I could more init then the three shelve unit.
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