Getting Locomotives out of the Styrofoam Boxes

I think that's the best method.  I tip them over onto a bed in a spare bedroom.

All of my MTH engines have the ribbons in place to lift them out -- and that works really well.  I've learned to be more careful setting the ribbons in place when I have to repack my engines, though. 

I have this issue way more often with rolling stock.  And delicate cars like Atlas O woodside reefers raise my stress level, even though they are worth the effort.  I have a few small plastic bags labeled with tiny parts set aside for gluing later. 

Tipping them over on your lap, your bed or on your workbench with a towel in place are all great ideas.

Mike

I find the ribbons a PITA.  I just lay a doubled-up towel on my workbench and holding the pieces in, tip them over onto the towel.  Then I lift the box off them and I'm all set.  It's much easier, faster, and more sure than the stupid ribbons.

Flip 'em and drop 'em.....gently of course.

I've tried the ribbons with mixed results.

My fat fingers wouldn't fit into the foam to lift them out if my life depended on it.

I dislike the ribbons, always afraid of breaking something by pulling too hard.

I prefer to use gravity to aid in getting the engine to slide out of the box.  It usually works well for me.

So, if you turn the box over and dump them out.  What is the best way to get them back in?

Does the "r" word work then? (ribbon)  

I use a 2" thick slab of foam rubber much the way Gunrunner uses a towel when removing locos. I do however use the ribbons when reinstalling the loco in the foam box.          j

gravity is your friend when putting them in the foam too. I still set the ribbons in place but usually just line it up and slide it in.

Getting them out the first time can be a PITA, but from then on I cut a small circular hole in the bottom foam big enough for my fat fingers.  An Xacto with a #10 blade works great.  The next time I need to remove the item, a little boost from the bottom will lift the item enough to remove it without damage.

The gravity approach over a soft surface is also a good idea.

Stand the foam so the engine is sitting on its wheels. Normally you can get a finger up under the pilots or behind the wheels. Once you work it out far enough, just grab it by the fuel tank and roof and slide it out.  

I usually slide fragile things back in the same way.

@MikeH posted:

I tip them over onto a bed in a spare bedroom.

BINGO! That's how I have been doing it for many years.

Didn't think of the bed system myself, but that's a good idea. I'm going to have to try that out.

I do not know about how to get the train out of the box but never store your train in a Styrofoam lined box without protecting the train from the Styrofoam with an old clean tee shirt or polyethylene bag.  Styrofoam will run the train paint if left stored next to it.

Charlie

Based on some of you unboxing your locomotives on your beds, this suggests that some of us sleep in bed with our locomotives.  

How many of you sleep with the same locomotive every night ?  

How many of you sleep with a different locomotive every night ?

How many of your spouses tolerate locomotives in the Bed ?

I use oversized RR tee shirts as PJ tops when I sleep at night.

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