I have quite a few Maerklin models. Most of them have the newer packaging with the plastic liner and cradle. On some of the models from the 1990s, the plastic is yellowing and on many of the older models, the hinge of the cradle packaging has turned white and is starting to weaken.

Around 2002-2003, Maerklin stopped selling replacement boxes. At the same time, they also stopped selling the cradles individually. Since then, it is possible to once again order generic boxes (slider and tray), but the cradles are not available as replacement parts.

In an ideal world, these parts would be available so that we could replace the packaging once the cradle gets damaged from repeated opening/closing.
The other possibility would be for Maerklin to come up with a design that did not involve hinged parts, where the top part of the cradle could be put into place without having to fold or bend the plastic.

I thought that the recent Roco design with the foam cradle with top and bottom plastic trays was clever. It seems to hold the model in place quite well.
I wonder if some kind of cradle where you would insert the locomotive (sideways) and then place a plastic cover on top would be a solution. It would have to be more rigid than the ones used to secure cars and coaches in some packaging.

What would you think would be the best way to allow modellers to keep their boxes in top shape, protecting the models for a long time?

Regards

Mike C

I have made a box using 5mm foam core. It isn't that which I am showing but the fact that I have a lid on the box. This stops dust entering

This is how I store my Ep. I steamers. The C track width is such that the locos don't touch by side.



There are doors not shown in the photo that prevent most of the dust.
One way to expand this system is to have shelves with about 12 cm spacing in vertical.

The best was to have Train-Safe Vision instead of just C track. Maybe I will evolute to something in between. First step maybe to install vertical "walls"
between the tracks/locomotives using architect cardboard or wood.

This works by pulling the track with the locomotive in it and after it, gently attach the track with the locomotive to the track where the locomotive will be running.

I try to never touch the locmotive with my hands.