When building a model railroad layout it is well worth putting in place systems to safely store the model trains and any spare gear you might need in the future. It is also a good idea to have systems in place to organize your parts and tools so that you can easily find and access anything when needed. Being tidy and organized will remove the frustration if you can’t find the parts and accessories when needed. It could also save you hours of time when everything is well organized and at your fingertips.

Tips For Looking After Your Valuable Trains

When trains and track are not on display they need to be kept safe to avoid dust or damage. This will help keep them in good condition and help retain their value.

1. Try to keep trains stored in the original boxes if you still have them

Keep them away from direct sunlight or fluorescent lights in a dry area. Those little silica gel sachets can be stored inside the boxing to help keep out moisture and humidity. The metal parts are less likely to rust and the boxes shouldn’t become musty. Store them so the trains don’t roll around inside rub against something.

2. Wrapping trains safely

Be careful when wrapping trains in newspaper as the ink could smudge over time. Bubble wrap gives good protection, but if wrapped too tightly, the bubbles can leave circular markings. Also, be aware that plastic and tape can tear off decals when too tightly up against tinplate or plastic items.

I know this sounds fussy, but also be careful if wrapping valuable trains in old clothing. Even though the clothing may be clean, it could have residual detergents, chemicals, or clothes dye, which could “over time” remove color or detailing. You might need to put the clothing through 2 or 3 hot wash cycles using your washing machine to remove all the residual chemicals.

Alkaline (acid-free) tissue paper is usually suitable for wrapping metal and plastic items. Use 2 or 3 sheets wrapping the item first in one sheet, then in a second, and possibly again in a third sheet. It is a good idea to stick a little label on the outside so that you know what you wrapped. The silica gel sachets will help control the humidity. Also make sure all items are dry before storing. Remember too, that polyethylene bags can trap in moisture. A dehumidifier can be money well spent.

3. Wrap items according to the need.

For example, I would wrap flatcar loads separately. Rubber tires can get out of shape if squashed for a long time in storage. The rubber can also react with the chemicals in plastic over time. If you do separate the loads from the cars, keep the separate wrapped packages stored together so that each load goes with the right car.

Avoid using rubber bands as they break down and stick to surfaces over time. If feasible, store car loads upside down as this will remove weight from the tires. Mounting other loads using blocks of dry wood is an option if it keeps the load off the car surface. You can also use this method when displaying trains on a shelf.

4. Beware of sharp edges.

When storing expensive trains be careful to avoid potential scratches from exposed staples, nails, screws, or anything else they could come in contact with.

5. Try to keep the humidity to around 50 – 60 percent.

If you have an Indoor Humidity Monitor you can measure the daily humidity of where your trains get stored. You won’t want the humidity too high or too low (paint and decals can crack, plastic can warp). A temperate of between 55F (13C) to 72 (22C) is the best range.

Safe Organized Storage

There are numerous options for parts storage ranging from compartmentalized cupboards, drawers and boxes either plastic or wooden. Have divisions in the containers or drawers makes it easier to find things and keeps everything neatly separated.

Here are a some storage options from the most expensive to cheapest.

A. Storage Cabinet System B. Storage Tower C. Oak Chest with Dividers D. Tool Box with dividers E. Storage Cart with 6 Drawers F. Storage Case Rack G. Compartment Divided Box