1980/81 train set boxes - paper or styrofoam?

[Carrera124]

Hello,

first of all, until now I thought that the change from styrofoam boxes to paper boxes was during 1982. This assumption is based on the technic sets from 1981 and 1982: all 1981 sets (8844, 8845, 8848, 8859) are known with styrofoam boxes, I've never seen this sets with paper boxes. 8090 from 1982 also comes in styrofoam box, while all other 1982 technic sets come in paper boxes (I never saw one of them with styrofoam box).

Now, I got into classic train sets, and I am a little bit puzzled. While styrofoam boxes of 7720, 7730 and 7740 are common, I've never seen a styrofoam box of set 7710.

The same applies to 7725 from 1981 - I often see paper boxes, but never have seen a 7725 with styrofoam box. Is there anyone who can confirm this?

Moreover, the styrofoam boxes of 7720 and 7730 seem to have the same size. If yes, is it possible that the inner trays from 7720 also fit into a 7730 box?

kind regards, Christian

[paul_delahaye]

I wonder if it could be country specific?

I know I've seen the accessory set of points packed in both styro and cardboard trays.

Paul

[Carrera124]

I wonder if it could be country specific?

I don't think so, because

a) I saw 7710 only in paperbox, both EU and US versions

b) I saw 7720/7730/7740 only in styrofoam, both EU and US versions

I know I've seen the accessory set of points packed in both styro and cardboard trays.

Yes, that's true. I guess the reason is that nearly all accessory sets have been sold for one decade 1980-1990, therefore TLC might have decided that this change would give them a benefit.