N Scale Train Trays

thingiverse

When I first started with our N-Track club, I was hesitant to part with the original boxes that came with my locomotives and cars. This made setup and cleanup a much longer process than it needed to be. To solve this problem, I decided to repurpose tackle box trays by lining them with craft foam. I kept all of the original boxes in storage and set up the tackle box trays as containers. However, I soon found that removing the lids was a major issue when trying to access the box that I wanted. After purchasing a 3D printer, I decided to print custom trays with open tops. Unfortunately, this didn't work out as planned. The printed trays were always warped and couldn't be printed large enough to meet my needs. My next attempt involved purchasing trays and printing dividers for them. I lined the trays with craft foam to provide a smooth surface for the locomotives and cars. To organize the containers, I set up the trays to support consoles. I used a Brother Label Printer to print labels that fit on all four sides of the trays. The labels helped me keep track of what was inside each container. The system allows you to stack up to 14 trays high. It's essential to leave the top tray empty or use it for paperwork only. To prevent the contents from getting damaged if they're tipped over, I use a strap to secure them. If you're only taking a few trays, make sure to use the shorter strap. When carrying the system, I prefer to hold it by the handles and use the strap just in case. The straps are reusable and come in different sizes for tall or short stacks. The system also comes with a reusable grocery tote bag that can hold over 40 pounds of contents. This is perfect for transporting the system to events or storage facilities. To print the custom trays, I use a da Vinci Mini Wireless 3D Printer. The printer includes a 300g filament and can be upgraded to print metallic or carbon PLA. I also use the Da Vinci Jr NFC Unlock Pro app on my Android device to reset the Da Vinci tags. This allows me to use cheaper filament for printing. The system requires some maintenance, including cleaning the LokBuild 3D Print Build Surface after each use. I also use a paper cutter to trim the craft foam and dividers. For labeling purposes, I use a Brother Label Printer or a DYMO Label Maker. The printers are easy to use and provide clear labels that fit on all four sides of the trays. The dividers come in various sizes, including five high by three wide, five high by four wide, and ten high by one wide. These are files that I haven't had time to sort through yet.