Displaying Locomotives

[Switch Track]

I just bought a curio cabinet. I placed my locomotives upon E-Z Track inside of it. Will displaying my locomotives upon track cause them any harm?


Thanks so much,

Tom

 

[Selector]

None whatsoever. In fact, the greater harm may be from a lack of activity over time. The greases harden without occasional massaging around the gears. You needn't worry about any damage to your engines from sitting for long periods on rails. It was, after all, what they are meant to do, both in your world and in the real world.

Enjoy them, moving and static.

-Crandell

 

[Trucula]

Crandell is right. There would be more damage to the surface its setting on (like wood shelf) than the engine itself. (barely noticeable tho, maybe a minor indent in the wood from years of sitting)...There isn't enough weight per square inch to do any more damage to it on a hard surface than sitting on the rails. But it looks nicer on the rails and EZ track w/ ballast makes a great display. And he is right about sitting. Any electronic isn't good to sit for long time periods. I even roll my live steamer back and forth every so often just so things don't seat up.

 

[Switch Track]

Selector & Trucula,

Thanks so much for extremely helpful advice. Is there a better way of displaying locomotives than on E-Z Track in a curio cabinet? If you guys were going to display locomotives, how would you do it?

My curio cabinet is oak, with sliding glass doors, about 3.5' x 1.25' x 6'. It's illuminated by a single interior light. There are six glass shelves, and the bottom shelf is oak. I'm thinking of displaying my 4 heavier American Flyer locomotives on the oak shelf.

BTW, I have only five worth-displaying HO locomotives: 2 steam & 3 diesel. I will add a BLI Hudson to my steam line-up and a Genesis ATSF F-7A/B Passenger to my diesel collection...when they're available.




Thanks,

Tom

 

[Trucula]

Yeah that's fine. I have a small one I display in..(its like half a stop sign shaped one looking at the shelves) Anything that keeps dust back is a great way. I have a couple clear plastic shell displays that have track in them. They make all scales. And are priced reasonably. These work the best in saving dusting. I still get a little dust after month in the curio.