Got more stuff than places to put stuff? I do. I built some simple storage cases for my rolling stock. Most of my stock is 1/29, but the case dimensions should work with other scales as well. I use the cases for winter storage, but you might need some for transporting trains to club meets, train shows/displays, or visiting other layouts.
I tried to design cases that were strong but not extremely heavy. I wanted them to be stackable and manageable for one person if necessary. Oh, and not real expensive. I used dimensions that left the least amount of scrap. All the construction was kept as simple as possible- something you could do in a few hours. All cuts, grooves, and rabbets were done with a table saw. You’ll also need a drill. Use all proper safety gear when using power tools. Unless, of course, you’re planning on being a pirate for next years Halloween party- Eye patch, hook hand… you get the idea. I was originally going to build the cases out of cheaper grade 1/2" plywood, but my local lumberyard had an incredible deal on 3/4" cabinet grade. I couldn’t pass it up and it didn’t add much weight to the finished project.
Plywood:
2- 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood
4- 4x8 sheets of 5.2mm (Slightly less than 1/4") luan
NOTE: You will need one small extra piece of 3/4" plywood- 9" x 23". Maybe you have some scrap lying around or can borrow a piece from a friend. If not, then check the scrap bin at your lumber yard or big box store for some scrap.
Cutting Diagram For 3/4" plywood (Look- I’m an official “Napkin Builder!”):
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Cut all pieces as shown. As well as the extra 9" x 23" piece.
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Using a dado set cut a 3/16" deep x 3/8" wide rabbet along one length of all pieces (you can also use a router). It will look like this:
- Measure down 3/16" from the opposite edge of the piece. Using a 1/4" dado set, cut a 1/4" wide x 5/16" deep groove along the length of all 36" pieces and 8 of the 23" pieces (not all 16 of them).
It will look like this:
- At this point we need to dimension the final 8 pieces of 23" plywood. These will be the fronts of the cases. Set all other pieces aside so you don’t accidentally grab one of your finished pieces. The dado blade is already set to make the perfect width of cut for these final 8 pieces. I would not normally use a dado blade for ripping, but we are already set to the correct dimension (hey- we’re only ripping 8 pieces, but if you want, you can switch to another blade). Now raise the dado blade up past the 3/4" thickness of the plywood and cut the final 8 pieces to size.
Looks like this:
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If you want the insides of the cases to be painted, this is the time to do it. Much easier than after you assemble them.
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Each case is made from 2- 36" long sides, 1- 23" back, and 1- 23" front. Assemble all sides using 1 1/2" screws. The long sides should butt up to the backs of the short sides. If desired, you can glue before you screw. I didn’t and the cases are plenty strong. Turn the case over on it’s top (bottom side up). Make sure your cases are square by measuring diagonally across from two opposing corners. Do the same for the opposite two corners. When the numbers are the same, the cases are square. Measure for the case bottom between the rabbets (nyaaa… What’s up Doc? Sorry, couldn’t resist). It will be about 36 3/4" x 22 1/4" but measure to be sure!
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Cut the bottoms out of the 5.2mm luan. Paint if desired. The bottom should fit into the rabbeted edge at the bottom of the case. I used an air stapler to attach the bottoms- plenty strong!.
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The top of the case is meant to slide in the groove that you created way back on step #3. Measure the dimensions on the inside of the groove near the top of the case (it will be about 36 3/4" x 22 1/4"). Make the tops slightly narrower than this. Cut the tops out of the remaining 2 sheets of 5.2mm luan. Drill a 3/4" finger hole for easier opening (larger for sausage fingers!). Attach a large handle to each short side.
The finished case should look something like this:
The top slides off for easy access and the cases stack on top of each other for storage.
I lined the floor of the case with bubble wrap (bubble side up) to keep the cars from rolling during transit (large bubbles). Works great, adds no weight! There is also some room between cars, so you could put some padding if necessary. Most of my rolling stock is made up of 40’ and under cars. I can get 8 per case…
Mental note: I must replace the hook and loop coupler on the grey hopper (bottom right… oops!).
I can also get 4 streamliners in a case…
Heavyweights will also fit.
-Kevin.
