Model train enthusiasts know all too well how important it is to handle locomotives with care – especially when it comes to packaging and shipping them.
If you’re selling a model train collection for yourself or someone else, you want to make sure your trains arrive safely to their new destination.
Safe Shipping of Your Model Locomotive Depends on Smart Packaging
Improper packaging can lead to broken parts, scratches, or even complete destruction to your prized models. When you’re shipping model trains, it is crucial to follow a few smart packaging techniques to ensure they arrive safely and in the same condition you sent them.
Think of it like this: in real life, locomotives are meant to move. For their model counterparts, it’s just the opposite when it comes to shipping them safely. The goal is to prevent the locomotive (or rolling stock, etc.) from moving in the box during shipment, because it significantly raises the risk of damage.
5 Quick Tips to Safely Ship Your Model Trains
1. Inspect the foam before you package
This is the #1 most important tip! Why? Because HO scale locomotives are, by nature, delicate pieces of craftsmanship that require careful handling. This is especially true for brass trains. Original foam can disintegrate over time, leading to severe damage in shipment.
Check the foam carefully: If you notice the foam is compromised in any way, take the locomotive out, discard the old foam and wrap the locomotive in bubble wrap instead.
! Even though the foam may look intact or in otherwise good condition, sometimes just touching it can cause it to turn to dust. When in doubt, take it out and replace.
Here are some photos of foam in unacceptable condition:
2. Choose proper packaging materials, starting with a strong corrugated cardboard box.
It’s fine to recycle boxes, just make sure the box you choose:
- Is sturdy – flimsy cardboard that bends easily is a poor choice
- Isn’t damaged (i.e. dented corners, torn sides or punctures)
To support the locomotive during shipping, surround the model with at least 2” of padding, such as crumpled Kraft paper, clean bubble wrap or Styrofoam packaging peanuts.
3. If you don’t have the original product boxes, wrap individual items in bubble wrap.
Particularly with rolling stock, the old manufacturer boxes may be long lost or discarded. For shipment, secure each in bubble wrap. Avoid using unsupportive materials, such as newspaper, paper towels or tissue paper.
4. Use a packing slip.
If you don’t have one, write both your and the recipient’s address on a sheet of paper and enclose in the box before sealing. If your shipping label is torn off or otherwise damaged, a packing slip can mean the difference between your shipment being forever lost – or delivered successfully.
5. Insure your shipment!
If you’re selling your model trains to us, our shipping labels already have insurance. But if you’re shipping your trains for any other reason, be sure you’ve got full insurance.
If you use a third-party platform like Pirate Ship, insurance coverage is usually offered through an independent carrier like Shipsurance for a small fee. Or, if you ship in person at your local Post Office, you can purchase insurance directly through the USPS.
Whether One or an Entire Model Train Collection, Packaging Can Make a Difference
“I wish there was a foolproof, 100 percent guaranteed way to prevent damage to models, but there isn’t.”
-Jason Shron, President of Rapido Trains, in a Model Railroader article
As the quote above aptly states, there is no 100% guarantee to guard against damages in shipping – even despite your best efforts. Most anyone who has ever received any package knows how rough shippers can be, whether that’s the USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.
If your shipment is a high value, consider taking photos prior to shipping in case you need them later on for an insurance claim or to reference anything.
The good news is that simply using a few smart strategies can go a long way in ensuring your shipment is received safely. It just makes sense, Which do you think is more likely to arrive intact:
- a locomotive shipped in a flimsy box with no supportive packing material, or…
- one where someone put the effort into choosing a sturdy box, adding proper packing materials, etc.?
True, as we’ve already stated, nothing is foolproof – but why not make the effort to ensure your prized model trains arrive to their new destination intact?
Have a model train collection to sell? Whether you’re selling one locomotive or an entire collection, consider Nightwatch Trains. We specialize in buying and selling quality HO scale brass train models. Get a quote today.
