gonna try this again, how are you all keeping things dust free? Have you built a glass cabinet or jsut take a chance on the shelf and keep dusting? I want a storage, glass display case but can’t afford what is out there.
I hear ya broyher, I hear ya [BH][sigh]. What I don’t wreck in moves gets destroyed gradually by dusting and handling… I have now settled for the slow acquisition of glass cabinets for the smaller models. I got some cheap-ish Ikea book-cases that I can retrofit with extra glass shelving and glass doors when funds become available. There’s light at the end of the tunnel at least. The big ones (up to a metre in wingspan: the price of a big enough cabinet would be horrendous) will be hung from the ceiling. The dust won’t settle on the undersides [;)].
Buying an inexpensive Book Case & fitting it with plexiglass shelves & doors is about the least expensive & easiest option. Actually building a glass display case is beyond my limited skills.
Regards, Rick
I have been posting this for the better part of 2 years now and nothing has changed. I agree with you guys, nothing exists and it is expensive to make. What amazes me is I can fit my 1:700 waterline ships and 1:35th armor in these plexiglass cases that cost about 9 bucks or so apiece. I think they are designed for cars but work well. Right now I have three on my desk in front of me and the models inside look professional and pristine. No cat hair, dirt or grime, as nice as the day I futured them and decaled them and applied the final weathering and washes. 1:48 aircraft however, forget it. There is nothing to put them in that doesn’t cost more than the plane kit itself. Yeah, I went to IMEX or whatever it was and the plexiglass cases cost over 30bucks. Who can pay that for a collection of aircraft? You would think somebody out there would see a market and make affordable diplay cases that people can put in their model rooms and proudly display their larger builds. I am tired of this. Unless you live in a cat free, dogfree, kidfree and wife hands off house, you are SOL when it comes to displaying what often takes many many hrs to build. I am tired of this!!!
If you are willing to spend $9.00 per model for individual cases, the cost of a commercial display case isn’t too far beyond that. I bought a commercial glass display case a couple of years ago from a Store Fixture supply house. The case, with extra glass shelves, cost about $1,000 delivered, but it will hold approximately 80 1/48 scale WWII Fighter aircraft. That works out to about $12.00 per model. Of course if you build 1/48 Bombers or Modern Jets the number of models that can be displayed would be greatly reduced.
Regards, Rick
This is what I did about 35 years ago. A cabinent maker did it for $500, I think. It has a light and adjustable shelves. It’s 6 ft. high, 4 ft. wide, and 20 inches deep.
Beautiful case Wayne. But the $500 35 years ago was expensive then & would be at least double that today. Afraid there just aren’t many cheap alternatives to providing safe display for the models we build.
Regards, Rick
I agree Rick. I was single and working a lot of overtime. I agree with you, buy an unfinished bookcase and a sheet of plexiglass from a home improvemnet store, and make your own. That could run about $150, the price of 4 or 5 kits?, and you have it forever.
Looks nice, I want one.
I guess I better start saving[:D]
You guys need to think “auction”! As a Florida auctioneer, I’ve seen tons of glass front cases go for under $100. Sometimes way under $100, usually when I’m being paid commission! Used furniture can go pretty cheap. Check out your local paper for auction adds. Most auctions hold presale previews where you can see before you buy. If there’s nothing you want, leave. You may have to be patient but eventually you’ll find just what you want at a price you can afford. It may have started life as a book case with wooden shelves or not have as many glass shelves as you want but those can be added as time and money allows.
Later John