How do you store your trains?

I just use 10 gallon buckets to store track, and I normally keep my trains in the buckets, too, but I would like to use a shelf for them.

I'm always trying to think about better ways to store my Plarail collection and thought I would start a thread to get other peoples ideas and solutions gathered in the one place for everyone to benefit from.

I am sure there are more efficient ways to store track, scenery and trains than what I do but to start off I will share what I have come up with so far.

I have gone with the plastic tub approach but to make it a bit more manageable I put rubber bands around every 5 pieces of track (so 5 straights or curves or switches). I found this makes it easier when getting track out rather than have a big jumble in the tub. I can kind of stack them better too. Here are some pics:

    

Now for the girders I previously stored them in the tubs like this:



Until it dawned on my that I should intertwine them more like this and it allows me to squeeze more in to the same space:



My tubs with scenery are more of a mess because you have all these odd shapes that don't really fit in. I just try to place them gently and try not to crush anything.

So anyone else have any tips for storing their collection?  I would be keen to hear any smart ideas or suggestions? Does anyone have an optimum pattern for arranging the girders?

I don't know if it's the best way to do it, but I just stack the risers in towers, lay them on top of eachother, and then stick straight tracks down into the voids. I'm sure you could optimise this approach more then I have

[Super]

@Finno

I have merged your Thread into this as one as the original is going on 6 years old. Its nice to revive it because storage ideas change and new ideas are always coming around. This also gives other Members a chance to see many different options in one place and for new Members to Post theirs. I know I have to update mine as some of the ways I have use has changed since I Posted in this Thread as I would imagine others have too.

These look to be very helpful ideas! Holding track with rubber bands like in set boxes, shoving track through stacked risers to make it easy to pull out... I especially like the idea of an upside down-right side up pattern for each two large risers (though it might be even more compact to have one sideways with vertical ones between it).

@Finno

I have merged your Thread into this as one as the original is going on 6 years old. Its nice to revive it because storage ideas change and new ideas are always coming around. This also gives other Members a chance to see many different options in one place and for new Members to Post theirs. I know I have to update mine as some of the ways I have use has changed since I Posted in this Thread as I would imagine others have too.

Thanks Super. I normally search but must have missed this old thread.

[Super]

Not a problem Finno, this is a Thread that should be revived every few years or so.

Recently got a bookshelf (yesterday) and got it in my room today.
Video on the shelf.


Most of my rolling stock and spares are in tubs, my destinations are in drawers, and my rails and risers are in bags and a blue tub.
(not pictured atm sorry)

[Super]

Very nice, neat and orderly Ffar and the trains are easy to locate and grab when you want to give them a run around a Layout.

It's much more convenient than having them stacked directly on top of each other in a bin, saves a lot of time with cleanup as well, they all have their designated spots to go in when I put them onto the bookcase.