What do you do for track storage?

The drawer-type storage bins in my shop do not tolerate heavy contents. The frame work is too flimsy and tends to collapse. 

I would go with individual tubs, one style/size/length per tub. You may have to  have duplicates for large quantities of the same size track.

RoyBoy posted:

The drawer-type storage bins in my shop do not tolerate heavy contents. The frame work is too flimsy and tends to collapse. 

I would go with individual tubs, one style/size/length per tub. You may have to  have duplicates for large quantities of the same size track.

Let me second that opinion.  I am using individual plastic bins (tubs).  Switches (turnouts) are individually wrapped in packing paper within one bin.  Straight pieces occupy another.

George

I use individual tubs as well.  I just put a label with what type of track is contained within.  

Greg

Clear storage bins are what I used when we moved.

I use the shallow "under bed" tubs with wheels.  

Where do you buy plastic tubs long enough for Lionel tubular straights that are 40 inch or 48vinch lengths? Target, Wal-Mart? I need to do the same to store track for the time being.

Dear Ted

I would try the Container Store and see what they have available.  I do not have anything that long expect the Atlas 40" track and I keep that in a cardboard box. Since it is in a cardboard box by itself I know what is in that box and I also label it. Things ways get misplaced in a house move, I am still looking for so pots and pans that my wife packed.

Whatever you decide to store your track in, be sure to place some moisture absorbent packets in with them. 

Thank you all for the suggestions. The totes may be the best way to do it sounds like. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right solution huh?

Ted Bertiger posted:

Where do you buy plastic tubs long enough for Lionel tubular straights that are 40 inch or 48vinch lengths? Target, Wal-Mart? I need to do the same to store track for the time being.

While you many not be able to find them now but the Christmas wrapping paper containers may be large/long enough to store these items. It may not be easy at this time of year, but the local Walmart or other stores may have something similar. That's where I purchased mine. You could always check online also and see if they will ship to Walmart or other store.

Ted Bertiger posted:

Where do you buy plastic tubs long enough for Lionel tubular straights that are 40 inch or 48vinch lengths? Target, Wal-Mart? I need to do the same to store track for the time being.

Wal-Mart usually has them in different sizes and length. No sure of 48" thou.  

i used an old "real wooden" dresser, works good....holds alot of track too....

I have the deep clear bin from Walmart works great. Fit a 18pcs 072, 18 pcs 060, 8pcs 036, 3 072 switches in boxes, 10 36" straights, 30 10" straights, a set of bumpers and misc smaller pcs. I was impressed works great and fits under my son's bunkbed.

Clear plastic tubs permit see-through viewing of the contents, but I use colored plastic tubs that provide an instant "color code" for identifying the track sections.  The local Office Depot has them in six colors.

Mike

All good advice, and many of my friends Have Piles of track, engines, cars, accessories, scenic materials, Wire, Lumber, Screws, Bolts, Tools, And Have "NOT", STARTED using the materials to Build that Dream Layout????  Some actually have the House/LOCATION, for their Layout, but just CANT Begin??? So, here is an idea, Store metal goods in a dry area, boxes on shelves in a dry area...Build shelves for your Rolling Stock in your train room...Place your favorite trains on the shelves so you can see them easily.....Happy Railroading....Use your materials, Have Fun..

RoyBoy posted:

The drawer-type storage bins in my shop do not tolerate heavy contents. The frame work is too flimsy and tends to collapse. 

I would go with individual tubs, one style/size/length per tub. You may have to  have duplicates for large quantities of the same size track.

I was just talking about my wife and her ability to scour the net, over on "What did you do on your layout today?" A good source of heavy inexpensive plastic tubs is webstaurantstore.com  , just watch out for the shipping. What you are looking for are bus tubs. I have dozens of these things, lids sold separately. These are stackable when you use the lids.

Why do we need to have storage for track?  Get it up on a board and run the trains.  If you have a layout, then plan an expansion.

Find some business in your town that prints out banners and election signs.  The raw banner material usually comes in a roll with a long, heavy duty cardboard box.  I use that for 40" straights.  For smaller stuff, I get a double wall cardboard box  (Not of asian origin, the cardboard has a very low fiber content).  I glue all the flaps shut, turn the box on its shortest side and cut off the depth of the size of box I want from the two ends.  Basically the bottom of the new box was originally the two short sides.  If I need increased strength on the walls, I just glue more card board to the sides.