How do you save/organize your train manuals

I used to keep them in the box, but that turns out to be a PITA for me.  Just made one more thing to cram into the box when I put them back away.  I now stash them on a shelf together and just take them out in the rare occasion I want to look at them. 

I have a three-ring binder with plastic pages, and the manuals are inserted cover-out (of course).

3 ring binder with plastic page sized sleeves. Keeps the manuals within easy reach and protects as well.

Dang John, you scooped me!

pdf FILES ON COMPUTER & BACKUP TO DVD

I just read them once then throw them away…just kidding!
I keep them all in one box close to my layout.  When possible I also download the manual to a folder on my computer.

Remember.. two is one, one is none. 

K.C.

 

Yeah, that's kinda my thinking.  Half the time the styrofoam inserts don't "compress" they way they were when you first opened the box.  And then to cram a 10 page manual in…you're right, it can be a PITA.

I keep them all together in one of those magazine boxes that have an open front.

As others have mentioned, for anything that's available in digital form, I also download it and save it as well. 

I'm all over the place i.e. layout, family room, bedroom. That's where I spend time reading. I should implement what is mentioned above.

 

Cesar

I contact Mike Caruso or Gun Runner John when I can't find mine.... 

 

Hard versions stay with the box.

 

PDFs on computer, if available.

 

For most they are all the same (I have PS-1s mostly), so I printed 1 and keep in handy.

 

I have one PS-3, but no DCS, so compared to the simple PS-1 transformer button pushes, I now need to clap, spin and do the shimmy to get the engine to do stuff - so that original manual is kept nearby!

 

 

Dang, I've been doing it wrong.  No wonder it takes me so long to find stuff!

I used to use binders. But, after many decades of collecting trains, it was too much. So, I scan them into my computer.

 

I used to do the binder/sheet protector thing until eventually that became impractical (weight).  Now I just use large ziplock baggies and have the baggies labeled for RailKing Steamers, RailKing Diesels, Premier Steamers, Trackside Accessories, Operating Cars, etc.  I keep them in a box in the train room and the ziplock keeps them dry and free of bookworms.

 

Stack

I keep the original hard copy manual in the locomotive box, together with all of the original packing pieces, module etc. This way I can always find it quickly if needed.

If available, I also download a digital version onto my Mac. 

When engines aren't on my layout, I store them in plastic tubs.  The manuals go in the tub with the engine.  I had tried keeping the manuals in the original boxes but, I keep the engine boxes packed away in large moving company boxes.  Whenever I would need to find a particular engine box / manual, it would become a real pita.

Curt

Grouped together on a book shelf in the train room.  When I do a thorough cleaning or repair or oiling, I write down the date I did it, what I did to it, and the odometer reading on one of the back pages of the manual for that engine.

File folder in a two-drawer cabinet right here by my right knee.

 

Pete

I used to keep them in the box but recently moved them into a filing cabinet under the layout, so they are more handy.

I used to keep them in a big box and generally couldn't find them when I needed them. With my new items (and many older ones)  I download the PDF from Lionel and keep them on my computer and iPad, so much nicer

I keep them with the box.  I guess as I get more items, that'll be harder to do.  But I also try to download all of them as well so that they are on my computer/tablet/phone too.  And if one didn't come with a manual, I download, print and then put the printed copy with the box.

That is exactly what I do.

I put them in 3 ring binders with plastic sleeves after I scan them and save to a train manual file on my computer.

X 2 on that.

One for MTH's, one for Lionels, one for all others.

I tried leaving them in the engine box, but I found it was a real PITA digging around under the layout trying to find the right box, then opening everything up to find the manual.

I guess its whatever works for you.

 

Rod

I have been using Magazine, self boxs. The bkind that dip low in the front and has a place for lables in the front.

I have them labled one for Lionel, one for MTH, one for assorted and one for household.

This works ok, but the three ring binder idea sounds a little better.

Nothing scientific, I place them in a container for quick reference.

I built a wall rack in my trainroom and I cram them in there.  

All manuals; engines, cars, buildings, etc. kept in a box in the trainroom. Sometimes a pain sifting thru them but eventualy I find what I'm looking for, At one time I had them separated by category but you know how that works. (LOL)

All together in an old computer paper cardboard box under the layout; more than adequately organized for my purposes. All brands, all products (not just locos) that

I feel should have the instructions kept. Always know where they are.

 

When I sell something (horrors!) I just find the instructions in the box and put it with

the piece.

3 ring binder with plastic page sized sleeves, too.

I scan them and turn them into PDF files that my tablet can display so I can just look it up that way. The original goes back into the box and safely stored.

 

Dave

This is a timely thread. Some locomotives are coming with a brief user guide; you can download the full manual. I'm leaning toward Jay Jay's option for long-term retention.

Bathroom on top of the tank. 

In various piles here and there.
Sometimes on my bedside table, near my control panel, in the bathroom.
In a drawer.

My older Postwar originals I keep in a clear plastic folder.
Us left handed creative types are not big on organization.

Mine are in a desk drawer reserved exclusively for those documents; separated by brand and type, and further organized (in many cases) by road name.  I hope/plan to place them in a large (fat, not large format) binder one of these days.

I file mine away...

... In a specially designed, plastic lined, cylindrical shaped file.

I keep mine in a clear plastic wall mounted file holder.

I keep mine,not just locos in my desk in the train room in a file format by brand.

I have box, and instructions from one TMCC Virg. Rect., same for a hotbox ref.

A few mpc accessory instructions?!?(I don't own what the sheets are for!!?)

170 pieces on my rosters, 40+ years, and not a manual in sight! Not too many boxes either, about 20. Still too many.

Ive used a LHS, or library for repair info. My internet files and Lionel PDFs now saved, are the closest things to a manual that I have I guess. 

2.5'x2.5'x5' under the layout is the new limit on paper, boxes, and junk bins for me.

If its not used, or displayed, bye bye .

 

   

 

Mine are kept in a folder stored in a repurposed microwave cart/cabinet that forms part of my train layout.  They are very accessible if needed. 

I keep mine in a small two drawer filing cabinet.

 

  Jeff

For any engine that is stored away, I keep the manuals in the original engine boxes, just as they came from the factory.  As for the current "rotation" of engines that are out of their boxes and available for running on my small layout, I keep those manuals in a gallon-size zip-lock bag on a shelf under my control panel.  In the event I have to reference something for a particular "in-service" locomotive, the manual is right there.

I think we all probably are pretty diligent about keeping the manuals in some format that protects them and makes them readily accessible. 

 

With all due respect to one of my favorite brands of trains (MTH), perhaps MTH could solicit among us a list of units for which they do not have the manuals available and posted to their web site, and probably get copies of those from us to then update their site. 

 

Just sayin....  Maybe another thread for me to start.

 

 

Have several 3 ring binders with dividers and plastic sleeves.  Sorted by motive power (steam /diesel/electric), power, accessories, rolling stock, etc.  Also maintain pdf files.