suggestions for how to display/store rank slides

Once again, I find myself blankly trying to figure out a easy (read economical) solution to storing my rank slides so that at a quick glance I see what the heck I have and what I am missing.

I have quite a few overall but am likely missing almost as many as I have. Honestly it is hard to tell as they are stored in a box that is full. Every time I take them out to start sorting them, I get sidetracked or something come up and I have to scoop them up and put them back into the box, only to have to restart the sorting all over again. I am up to 4 false starts in the past weekend.

I thought about using the Mylar sheets like the ones for hockey card collectors, butt it seems the pockets are just a touch too small. I took with me a combat LOG slide as a guide. I don't really care for the idea of stapling them onto cards either.

Any suggestions for what you guys go would be most appreciated.

Good day Cliff,

I used this method when I first organized my badges, but before I had enough Riker mounts to display. Now, I don't know if these are still available in stores, but I used the disposable, plastic bags used for baby bottles, like the "Platex" brand. Laying flat, they are wide enough to take a standard 3" x 5" filing card. You just have to snip a little off the open end to square it up, slip in the card and then the rank slip-on, fold over the open end of the bag and then tape or staple the end shut. You should have enough room to do that without damaging the slip-on.

When I first started doing this method, the bags were clear. However, later Platex starting printing on one side a volume scale and trade mark. I just ensured that the printing was on the back of package and not visible.

Once this is done, select a suitable box to hold and organize the packages, standing them either upright or on one side.

As I said, don't know if these bags are still available, but they weren't all that expensive. And a pack of file cards at a stationary store won't break the bank either.

Hope this helps in some way. Stay safe and have fun!

Cheers,

Ian

Cliff,

Here are pics to show you what I mean:

1. Generic, plain bag with end cut off.

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2. Platex brand bag.

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3. Box of 50.

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4. 3 x 5 file card inserted.

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5. Cutting off end.

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6. Epaulette slip-on inserted.

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7. Securing open end.

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Realize that you may be looking for some way to DISPLAY. However, until you find a way, I hope this system allows you to organize your slip-ons instead of a jumble in a box.

Ian

What about a map cabinet? Too big? My brother in Carleton Place was looking to get rid of one last fall. He might still have it. Combine that with the bottle bags and it would store and sort well.

Todd, I may have a use for that map cabinet. I live close fairly close to Carlton Place, I drive through it every time I heading to my dads place.

I like the baby bottle liner idea, I could maybe set them against cardboard and put that into my books until I get everything sorted.

Cliff, glad you like the idea. As I said, it won't break the bank; and your only limit is your imagination on how to organize.

Stay safe and have fun!

Ian