Does anybody know where I can get bags for Lionel cars in box’s. Any help is appreciated.
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Look for dental tray covers they are about 10" x 14". Check Amazon or Ebay or if you have a dentist friend.
Look for cheap oven bags or bread bags.
I like the plastic bags that protect my daily newspaper (Yes, I still read paper). They are perfect for trains.
I take them to train shows and put my finds in them before putting them in my tote. Another level of protection. Even boxed cars go in these bags, boxes and all, for the trip home
Mylar bags are a good choice, they are strong and they don't break down the way plastic bags can. They also can be well sealed and if you put anti oxidant sachets that they use for long term storage of grain and the like, can help protect the item.
Newspaper bags.
Guys, @bigkid makes a really good point worth considering. Especially for long-term storage.
I discovered the hard way, that plastic bags will leave residue over time on your train cars. Now maybe because I do so much repainting, and maybe that paint is having more of an effect on the plastic bags than would the factory applied paint job. I no longer use plastic bags, save for very short-term use, like transporting train cars to an event or show.
I don't know about the long-term quality of the plastic bags that were being used by the manufacturers for brand new boxed train cars.
And @Lionelski, the newspaper plastic bags are the worst. Yeah, perfect size, but they're made as cheaply as possible and they break down much faster. Think about it: Their purpose is to keep your newspaper dry for you to read. Very short term purpose. So I'm sure they're manufactured with that in mind.
For my storage train shelves, I now use a piece of acid-free paper folded into a channel that the train car can slip into, for dust protection.
I have been very happy with the bags I received from ClearBags .
Another forum member pointed me toward them last July.
John
Agree with brianelO27 regarding most plastic bags leaving residue. A serious train collector (former president of LCCA) and close friend told me over 40 years ago NOT to store or transport trains plastic bags even for short periods due to potential damage to the finish. He used newspaper when going to and from train shows.
@brianel_k-lineguy posted:And @Lionelski, the newspaper plastic bags are the worst. Yeah, perfect size, but they're made as cheaply as possible and they break down much faster. Think about it: Their purpose is to keep your newspaper dry for you to read. Very short term purpose. So I'm sure they're manufactured with that in mind.
I agree brianel.
As I noted, I just use them to avoid scratches after I put my finds into my tote bag.
For short term storage the bags I got from Clear Bags work fine. For long term I wrap them in acid free paper I got at Amazon first.
John
I’m talking about putting the boxes in the bags. Not actually wrapping the train in plastic and making contact with the train. I’m looking for “see through bags” that fit the box snug so I can still see the name on the train car. I have some boxes in bags and they are holding up better than the ones that are not. Most train car bags are the same size. I checked Lionel and they don’t sell them.
I think that bagel bags would be the perfect fit for most rolling stock and smaller engines. However, I don’t know how they would hold up over time.
Generally, I wrap trains in wax paper to protect the finish. I found that you can actually scotch tape the wax paper to keep it wrapped up.
Alan
Try U-Line. They have all sorts of bags and such. To place an order, you will, of course, have to open an account. The only downside to having an account is you'll receive a new 800-plus page catalog about every two weeks...for life!
The OP wants bags to fit over boxes, but for those commenting on bags to put over cars inside boxes, I use the clear plastic bags that peel off rolls that are used in grocery stores to put your produce in. They work fine.
Hi Mill City,
”The only downside to having an account is you'll receive a new 800-plus page catalog about every two weeks...for life!”
LOL! You got that right. I purchased several large metal storage cabinets from U-Line a few years ago. Perfect product for what I wanted but those catalogs are huge.
John
Go to a local bakery, ask to see the manager and then ask for a few dozen bread loaf bags. Had a guy do this way back when I was a baker 20+ years ago. I think the manager asked him for a $20 food bank donation. She was cool about it.
I use acid-free tissue paper first, then cut a piece of plastic drop cloth to fit (if a bag isn't available) and back into the box.