I thought I’d post a little review of something different. Our club is involved in a big race next summer with other clubs from across Western Canada which means we will be traveling and lugging cars and tools for the race.
Last year, I took my small race case and we threw the rest of our supplies in a big Rubbermaid bin. A few things ended up getting banged up and some fluids leaked. :oops:
This year I started researching slot cases. Well, 98% of what I kept coming back to was the old school wooden case. So I started thinking about making my own, but honestly with my skills, lack of proper tools, 3 busy kids and a demanding job, I quickly came to the realization that was a pipe dream!
So back to researching and I found the Scaleauto SC-5150 which caught my eye. Being purpose made for slot cars I started looking for vendors. And guess what I found? Nearly everyone is sold out and even when I could one in stock, the cost of shipping was extremely prohibitive ... nearly doubling the case’s cost!
After taking note of the Scaleauto case design, I started Googling rolling cases and came up with some hits. After looking into what was on Amazon I came across some cases which looked nearly identical to the Scaleauto case. And when I looked a little deeper, the same cases were being listed with different makers. I narrowed my searcand choices on designs and most of what I could find fell into two manufacturers, both looked like Chinese white label makers.
The strange thing is all these were being marketed as rolling makeup trolley cases. Yep, you read that right...makeup! :lol: There was a variety of colors and exterior designs to choose from. One model in particular, from Sunrise (#3366) got my attention as it had many of features I was looking for. Some of those key features were:
Bottom Case
1. Wheels for rolling case with telescopic handle for easy transportation
2. Dimensions aligned with carry on baggage.
3. French doors for quick access without taking up much space
4. French door interior with bands to hold tools, and little pockets for storing miscellaneous items
5. Open compartment (for storing a portable power supply)
6. Sliding drawers for storage
7. Rubber stoppers on the case bottom to prevent the case from tilting /falling over when stationary
Top Case
1. Lid had elastic bands underneath where I could secure a controller
2. Multiple modular pieces, like shelves
3. Modular storage pieces which could be set up to be flexible with dividers
4. Modular pieces which could be secured to each other
So let’s get to the pictures....
First let’s take a look at the case all buttoned down.
One thing I noticed right away, there was no badging of any sort on the case. Which to me, confirms this is white label model. Makes me wonder if Scaleauto badged a similar model case?
As an aside, one of local club members got a decal made from our club logo a few years back. Finally I could put it to good use.
From behind...
Here’s an interesting picture, the top and bottom cases separate. One thing I wasn’t expecting was to receive two lids.
Glad I did, really gives you some flexibility.
Next is with the bottom case lid and/or top modular pieces off. Notice the aluminum stopper in the middle which gives the top of the French doors a stopper.
During shipping, there was a foam piece behind the doors to provide some support. I believe I’ll keep that to provide some support for the doors.
French doors open to the right...
To the left side...
Note the sliding drawers...
The drawers are not super tall, but tall enough to store a compressed air container.
Now there is a bottom, open compartment. After fitting my portable power supply, I had some pick’n’pull foam and after some measurements I was able to make up a few pieces to secure the power supply from moving around in the case.
Now without the foam barriers...
And with the power supply removed...
Definitely a decent sized area.
Now without the lid on the bottom case, there is another storage area :-)
And if you flip over the lid, we see the rubber bands which can hold your controller...
So now let’s turn the attention to the top case. Aside from a duplicate lid, each level is like modular drawer. With each, you will get one wide divider plus two smaller ones to make up compartments.
For one of these I took all of the dividers out and used pick and pull foam as a storage for cars.
I’ve done this with my smaller race case, and it keeps the cars very secure from moving and safe from breaking off any bits.
Then I used some of the extra dividers saved from the level above for a second level which has most of glues, tape, my little hands helper, plus a few other goodies
Just as an aside, I recently bought a couple of NSR EVO chassis (that have the front axle ride height adjustment) that come in these clamshell cases which I like. While the cases themselves are not what I’d call high quality, they could be useful for transporting cars. Probably very similar to Slot.it clamshell cases.
Here’s a picture of the third and last upper case compartment. I’ve got my Hudy tire truer here, and nothing else. I actually ran out of things to put in the case. But nice to know I have lots of extra space is required. I may end up doing up some pick’n’pull foam and make up an area for an extra controller here.
Another thing to bring to your attention, all of these top 3 modular compartments have a solid bottom with feet . So you can put the lid on one, two or all of them and they will stand on their own.
Also, I’ll point out that aside from the latches that hold these compartments together, there are keys that can be used to secure them.
Actually two sets of keys, one pair came each for the bottom and top cases.
Before I wrap up, im sure you are wondering about the case specs. Information direct from the seller I bought my case from.
Details
4-in-1 professional trolley makeup case
High quality aluminum finish and construction with reinforced steel corners for extra durability
Beautiful new black smooth pattern with black aluminum trimming
Heat resistant exterior material keeps the case cool and protects your cosmetics
Heavy duty handle for added comfort and grip
Easy to clean interior
Overall case dimension (LxWxH): 14.5" x 9.5" x 35"
Top Case Specification:
Three removable trays w/adjustable dividers
Top lid with removable mirror
Secure easy close latches with key locks
Top Case Dimensions
Removable trays dimension (LxWxH): 13.75" x 8.75" x 3.25" each
Overall case dimensions (LxWxH): 14.5" x 9.5" x 13.25"
Bottom Case Specification:
French door style opening
Wider opening top compartment for easy access and adjustable dividers
Removable mirror under the case lid
Retractable/telescoping handle for extra durability with inline skate wheels for easy rolling
Two aluminum finished drawers
Rubber-band attachment on front lid for brushes and other beauty accessories
Bottom Case Dimensions
Telescoping handle fully extended height: 40"
Top storage dimension (LxWxH): 14" x 7" x 2.25"
Drawers dimension (LxWxH): 12.75" x 6.5" x 3.25" each
Hollow space below drawers dimension (LxWxH): 14" x 8.75" x 6.75"
Overall bottom case dimension (LxWxH): 14.5" x 9.5" x 21.75"
I did weigh my case, 31.4 pounds while loaded with all my gear but without the power supply (which weighs 4.6 pounds on its own).
The case itself while not “Samsonite” gorilla quality, is still light and robust enough for my needs. Overall, this model isn’t what I would term a cheap alternative. But there are other models for under $100USD. And, if you live in the US, it’s as affordable as the Scaleauto box, and my seller had a 2 day shipping that was less than $30 CAD.
Hope this provides some insight into other options for slot boxes. I do have to say that I’m impressed and still surprised and how well everything is now organized and I still have room to spare! That and the other option to break it down into two smaller cases is a real bonus.
Cheers, eh!
