Some of us started our modelrailroading hobby with a starter set gift from Christmas and over time, our collection grew from one locomotive and few cars to many locomotives and too many cars of various colors, shapes and sizes. Some kept the models in their original boxes and take them out when we want to run our long trains.

Our MIST-61 group members use this AUER transport box. called Linton Midi-Trainbox to store and transport our models to our operating sessions. The box is sturdy and lined with protection foam so that there will be no movements during transport and absorb any shocks especially during ride. I have 6 Linton boxes but as my collections grew, I needed alternative solution due to space contraint at home as well as cost factor.

Ciltylife 4.5 Liter Storage Boxes for My Collections

On Amazon DE, I found the Ciltylife 4.5 Liter storage box for documents the perfect solution for storing my H0 models. It comes in 3 or 5 boxes per set. Each transparent box is 37 x 26 x 7 cm and comes with a lid. The grey clips hold the lid tightly.

I inlaid each box with 2.2 mm Selitac parquet and laminate underlay, cut 30.5 x 23 cm to fit to the bottom of each box. In addition, I cut several pieces of the underlay 4 x 15 cm to serve as protection sheets between models.

The Magic Question: How Many Models can a Citylife Box Store?

6 RailAdventure Dmz wagons, each 30.3 cm long, fit perfectly in a box.

16 Märklin 4415 refrigerator car type Ichqs-u 377 (Length 115mm) can be packed into a box. Great storage for Märklin refrigerator cars collectors!

Otherwise, up to 6 long cars can be stored on the long side and space available for up to 2 cars. In the first photo below, I managed to store 11 cars of various lengths.

My ICE 2 3-car and Thalys 4-car sets fit into the box. I added a folded protection sheet to prevent any movements during transport.

Pros and Cons

What I like about these Citylife boxes are:

• Lightweight → The box is much lighter compared to a Linton box.
• Transparent → Makes it easier to find specific models.
• Affordable → €10.00 per box vs. €77.00 per Linton box.
• Space-saving → Takes up less room and stackable.
• Airtight → Suitable for storage in the basement.

Overall, I am happy with the storage boxes and can now optimise my modelrail collection storage space with Linton and Citylife boxes.