The quest for storage containers that suit the needs of Technic builders is almost never ending. Well, I ended my search when I got hold of some PLANO 3700 tackle boxes. They offer the following features which make them ideal:

• Relatively low cost and wide availability
• Three depths for different storage needs
• Removable lids for easy access to parts
• User defined compartment sizes
• Rounded compartment bottoms for easy scooping
• Full height dividers - parts won't migrate when box is inverted
• Most LEGO parts fit perfectly
• Look impressive in a big stack

Stowaway 3701 - 1 3/8" Depth

Use this box for all of the fiddly bits like axles, pegs, and gears. The photo below is a good selection of parts out of the Mindstorms kit in one of these boxes.

Stowaway 3700 - 2" Depth

Use this box for most of your collection. It will hold lots of typical sized beams, wheels, and other medium sized parts. I have an entire 8062 Universal Building set in one of these boxes - way better than the Technic suitcase it came with.

Stowaway 3730 - 3 1/8" Depth

Use this box for all of those beams you collected when you bought the 8277 Giant Model Kit on clearance. Also good for huge ballon tires, battery boxes, air tanks, and Technic figures. Remember to leave air holes so they can breathe.

The only parts I have found so far that do not fit perfectly are SuperCar and Motorcyle wheels, and of course the RCX brick and transmitter. With this in mind, I attempted to modify a box to make the parts fit - I'm such a consistency nut... What you don't want to do is try to cut the plastic with side-cutting pliers or a knife. The high point stresses these tools introduce will literally shatter the plastic. The next thing I tried was a Dremel tool, and while this did get the job done, it did not look very clean. Then I noticed that the plastic was really quite soft and might be melted successfully. After experimenting a bit, I found that a soldering iron produced just enough heat to do the job, but the plastic ruins the tips of any iron. So I looked around my workshop for something that any LEGO builder might have and came up with a heavy paper clip. The next photo shows how to tightly wind the paper clip to the iron and bend it to make a melting tool. This is an old iron I use for soldering lugs and heavy wires - the tip has been unscrewed to make it easier to work with.

When you use the tool, remeber to take it slowly and let the tool do the work. Practice on some spare dividers until you get the feel of it. Remember that there is more thermal mass in the actual box, so it will be slower. I was able to cut at about 3/4" to 1" per minute. Below is an image of the completed cut and now my Motorcycle wheels fit in the box!

For more information contact info@hempeldesigngroup.com