11 replies to this topic

[Alan Wolcott]

Just so happy with the results, I wanted to show this off. 

 

I acquired this box (full of 1960's 1/24 cars and parts) at a Phoenix slot car swap meet in Oct. 2020.  Bought it for the contents, but thought the box was kind of cool. From my short research, it appears to be a knock-off of a Hoffman #1600 box, but is probably missing a top tray. 

 

Two photos show outside and inside as bought it. I didn't know exactly what I would do with it, until I realized I had been seeking a solution to store and transport most of my modern 1/32 cars. After a lot of measuring and calculation, I was able to get in 26 cars.

 

The inside of the box was sanded and refinished. The warped and filthy shelf was replaced, as were all the dividers in the drawer. Then the dividers for the top and bottom were made from some scrap plastics I had.  Everything was covered in adhesive-backed 1/8" neoprene foam (thru Amazon). In the bottom section, there is enough room between the cars and the front door to carry my controller. Straight on view of lower section has drawer removed for clarity. For modest tool and part storage, I made the top a reversible insert, since that was otherwise dead space.

 

So now it looks like a well-used '60s slot box on the outside with a modern, lined interior.  So I call it Ratbox!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Alchemist]

It's good you didn't alter the outside - it offers the "patina" of yesteryear and for me, looking at it brings back fond memories of my early exposure to slot cars.

 

That's a nice collection of 1/32 scale cars.

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

Ernie

[Isaac S.]

Awesome!

 

Are the cars modern 1/32? Carrera, Fly, etc. 

[Alan Wolcott]

Thanks for the complements Ernie/Alchemist! 

 

I thought I could have refinished the outside, but then it would have been just a prettier box, but with no history. 

 

I still have my pit box from the 1960s for my 1/24 vintage stuff, anyway. Speaking of vintage, I remember that 30+ years ago, there was a seafood restaurant near the ferry terminal there in Tiburon that I liked. Can't remember the name, but remember how pretty Tiburon and Belvedere Island are!

[Isaac S.]

I have a Carrera 917K which I really like, handles and accelerates better than my Monogram and Scalextric cars. My Pioneer Trans-am Mustang is a touch better though, really fun. 

[Alan Wolcott]

Thanks, Isaac!  Yes, the cars are all modern.

[SpeedyNH]

Nice! 

[Dan Searcy]

That turned out really nice.  Good job.

[elvis44102]

had one just like it in the 60s...then the 70s came and many of us switched to the smaller half size box....car controller and stick-it...maybe dremel and unger..but mostly minimal tools two cars putter car and race car...probably cant do that now but somebody always had a tool one did not bring for those rare catastrophes

[Alchemist]

Hi Alan,

 

 

 

I remember that 30+ years ago, there was a seafood restaurant near the ferry terminal there in Tiburon that I liked.  Can't remember the name, but remember how pretty Tiburon and Belvedere Island are!

 

 

I believe you are referring to "Sam's Anchor Cafe" since they have been at their location for over a 100 years now  - how awesome!   

 

https://samscafe.com/press

 

 

Pardon the thread drift - just want to assist in answering your inquiry!

 

Hope this helps!

 

Ernie

[Martin]

Great save Alan. Very nicely done.

[Alan Wolcott]

Thanks for the compliments, Steve, Dan, & Martin!