The ExactRail Box - N Scale, Wheels & Trucks
In part one of the The ExactRail Box I went over the various boxes we have used in HO scale, now we will look at N scale as well as wheels and trucks.
N Scale Box
The original box that was used for N scale was essentially a scaled down version of the HO scale Evolution series box. The only changes being the listed scales and swapping out the series names. For the 2nd generation box, the artwork was refined for all scales and product series. The different product series each had unique colors assigned to help differentiate them. N scale was given orange. Along with the new box art and color changes, N scale was given a new logo.
Jewel Case
After a few years we decided to switch over to a jewel case to now display and protect the product. By switching to a jewel case we needed to generate new artwork for the paper insert. We decided to go with a much more simple design than what we had been using previously. This new design used ExactRail blue on all sides of the insert with a simple yellow line running around the sides. Two flaps were added to the front that displayed the ExactRail logo and the N scale series logo. This design is what eventually became our current charcoal box.
Box Sizes
The standard box size that was used in N scale measures 6.5x2.25x1.25". You could squeeze in a car the was about 60-65 scale feet long but was better suited for a 50 scale foot long car. For the Vert-a-Pac, we needed something longer, so a 9" version of the standard box was designed. We also had a 6.5x7x1.25" box that was used for a three pack.
For the jewel cases we use two different sizes. The more common size is the 6x1.75x1" case. This holds about the same size car as the standard box did. For longer cars we use a 7.5x1.875x.875" case.
Wheels & Trucks
Our standard 12 pack of wheels & trucks use a very similar package. The artwork is printed onto a cardboard backer which is then slid into a plastic carrier. The trucks use a slightly different carrier that cradles the pair of trucks so they are not causing damage to each other during transit. For our bulk 100 pack of wheels, we use a bag that has a bi-folded cardboard label stapled to it. It's simple but it gets the job done.
For the Worlds Finest Wheel Sets we developed a custom clamshell that better displayed the fine quality wheels. A paper label was inserted into the clamshell to designate the different wheel diameters and materials.
I hope this project brought some insight for you into the ExactRail box and packaging.
Happy Railroading,
Chris Brimley
7 Responses
Walt Huston
I too would like to see you produce additional road names on your Evans cars. Additionally, I’d like to see more road names on your Thrall Gondolas and your covered hoppers. So far I have nearly 50 ExactRail models cars running around my layout. I want more. I change out the plastic wheels on all of the cars I get with metal wheel sets. I’d like to see you selling 100 packs of your wheels, with axel lengths to fit other brands, at a reasonable price of course. Thanks for “listening.”
Dallan Schowe
Jewel boxes are great, but please make them out of a recycleable plastic. This is a lot of waste.
Daniel Leavitt
I hope we will be seeing more in N scale than just a blog post on boxes! I have really enjoyed your products and would love to see more early Evans 5277 boxcars.
Don
Love your rolling stock, but I was disappointed that you chose not to pursue development of the N scale variant of your “World’s Finest Wheelset”. BLMA had no meaningful competition, though Fox Valley Models and Intermountain are close 2nd and 3rd. I understand Intermountain is making improvements. BLMA cannot keep up to demand, and the market needs some quality competition. How about it?
- DEP
John
I would like to buy N scale wheel sets to replace the wheels on many of my older cars so that these cars can run on code 55 (or smaller, like code 40) rail offered by Atlas, Peco, and ME.
Thanks.
Loren
Incredible. I’ve just begun my N-Scale collection. One thing I’d like to see is a “bundle box” with three identical pieces of rolling stock— and a meaningful discount as a bonus.
The jewel boxes do a fine job of display and protection, so when I opened my second purchase, the Trinity reefer, from the annual Amherst show, I knew it was my fault when a very fine orange coupler air hose snapped off to my touch. (A repair under magnification ensured, successful.) This was my first encounter with the delicacy of these models— they are not toys. The packaging telegraphs this to us, and preserves the work. The rest is up to us.
Keep up the fine work. I will extend your care to it.
- LSM
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Airport West Hobbies
March 30, 2016
The new logo & colour for ‘N Scale’ looks cool & its really matched with blue colour.
For jewel cases, I liked the one which has only blue colour compares to black-blue colour combinations. The package of custom clamshell also looks good.