Template design & Constuction

In order to make neat and tidy boxes good template is required, the important thing is to get the correct right angles and equal measurements. Use thin plain cardboard for templates, cereal packs are too thick.

In the design for "OO" rail stock 37mm is about the best width, height and length depends on your requirements, I use a marked out mat like below to get the correct construction lines in, or you can use a drawing board or even a PC.

In this example a coach template is under construction

Dimensions for a typical "OO" wagon box 37mm x 55mm x 5 inches, the top flap forms the base of the box.

Packing to protect the couplings I use tissue, but any thing will do

Coaches are not a problem if the length is at right angles to the folds on cereal packing, again use the existing folds as best you can.

Locos been heavier best suit thicker cardboard, pizza packing is idea.

For the master box anything will do, sometimes no a bad idea to pack the base with sheets of cardboard, in the last couple of years notice most boxes have a wax or plastic covering. these are idea for attic storage, also I add a dummy box with holes in, the box full of that silica gel, which keeps the damp down.

Label the master box with permanent pen, stickers tend to fall off