Looking for a replacement tray for a Samsonite train case

October 20, 2016 4:09 PM

I bought a red vintage Samsonite train case (like this) but it's missing the tray (like this). I'm looking for a replacement—either the original design or an alternative that fits my requirements. Aside from saving a search for "Samsonite train case replacement tray" on eBay and Etsy, what can the hive mind suggest?

13.5" x 7.5" x 2" (or as close as possible)
Under $20

It would be great if if was divided with larger/movable compartments (not just in a grid). But an undivided tray would be OK too. A lid is fine if it fits.

I'm thinking a plastic box like this could work, but it's hard to find one with the right dimensions.

posted by ottereroticist to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I'd take the box into a hunting and fishing and/or jewelry findings wholesaler and see what they have that will fit. You might have to make the lip that lets the shelf hover at the top of the box out of Sugru, though.
posted by Scram at 4:25 PM on October 20, 2016

Does it need to be divided? I found Muji trays fit well in the train cases I have but they are not Samsonite and I was just using them to stack things on the layer underneath. I can fit 2 shaped like the smaller one here in my case. I believe they also have ones that are exactly twice as big. I can't find them on the Muji US site right now but you might check listings on ebay - they are called "pp trays".
photo here
posted by oneear at 4:57 PM on October 20, 2016

Some of the train cases being sold on ebay have the tray in them and cost about $20, so that's a worst-case approach.
posted by aimedwander at 6:36 PM on October 20, 2016

I have that exact same train case, as far as I can tell, also in red.

Mine does still have the plastic tray. Honestly, you aren't likely to find a not -oem replacement that will fit like the real thing. The shape is the problem. Can't photo right now, but the original tray is not only curved on the corners, but curved along the front, and to make it more fun, is actually angled so the rear is taller than the front.

Because of the age, the plastic is a bit brittle, though it is fairly thick. Which will be a problem with any oem tray.

Good news, if it is the exact same case, it does have the nice metal tabs in it so that any tray that you can find that fits does have a place to rest. Realistically, because of the odd shape, the best way to find a tray is to haul it around to craft stores or wherever. Or order until you find something that works.

The one you linked to is not going to work, it is too molded and has a locking handle. The cheaper and plainer ones are a better place to start.

My tray actually measures 13.75 inches across, ~6.5 in the middle and only 6.25 at the ends, depth of 1.5 in the front and just under 2 in the back. Tray is not blue, it is white.
posted by monopas at 1:02 PM on October 21, 2016 [1 favorite]