searching the internet I can only find one reference to a display cabinet for model aircraft (http://glostransporthistory.visit-gloucestershire.co.uk/JetAgeRMCmodular.htm). Although this is interesting purchasing or cutting perspex is expensive and difficult (if like me you don’t have the tools). I can find lots of purpose built cabinets for cars, trains, figures but these are far too shallow even for 1:72nd fighters. So, what does everyone use to protect and display their models? What I need are wall mounted and floor mounted cabinets that are dust proof. Yes, there are plenty of home display cabinets (of which I have two) which look nice they do let a certain amount of dust in. I cannot find any wall mounted cases.
The alternative would be to make the cabinet detailed in the thread above however perspex is expensive if bought, cut and delivered it would seem. Any good suppliuers that offer resonably priced alternatives?
Something else to consider would be individual boxes for various scale aircraft sizes. Are there any?
I use book shelves for the few models which I display in my hobby room. The problem with them is that they get dusty and require constant cleaning which is why I don’t display a lot of them. I don’t have room for enclosed cases. When I complete a larger model such as a bomber I usually pack it away. As I have said on previous posts like this one, the fun for me is building the model. I think Mike has the right idea. I may start checking out moving and yard sales for old china cabinets and get rid of the book shelves.
I just pick up some boards from the local lumber yard (usually 12’ x 1/2" x 12")and some shelf brackets and add them where I need them. For the Large-scale birds like the 1/48th Fort, Lib, and Superfort dios, I have a metal utility shelf that’s about 2’ x 3’ x 6’ … I have to dust, but ah, well… Everything’s on dioramas, so I’m limited as to what type of shelving to use, but everything’s out since I don’t have small kids and m’ cats don’t climb (anymore)…
Cutting perspex/plexiglass is really not that difficult. All you need is a measuring device, straight edge, something to score with and a dowel. Measure the size of the piece you need and lay the straight edge there. Score along the straight edge. Put the dowel under the scored line and press down on both sides of the line. It will usually snap along the scored line. Just depends on how much perspex costs in your area.
As for how I store mine, When I was younger and didn’t have many bills, I had a cabinent shop make a case for me.
Curio cabinets. I have a small narrow one and a wide and deep large one. I picked them up on sale at a local furniture store. I regularly stop to check their display of damaged or clearance units. A scratch doesn’t bother me, nor does having to replace a couple of glass shelves. In many cases you can replace them with wood very cheaply, though you might have to add more lighting if you do but that is any easy thing to do too.
Otherwise my models hang on the wall or sit on shelves.
You can also check out a place that sells used store fixtures.I have picked up a few plexi cabinets with doors and locks. Two have damaged backs as they were hung on walls, easily fixed, and one is on a turntable/lazy susan type device.
Also there is a used/recycled furniture/fixture store near here that sells display cabinets they scavange from stores.
Used book cases bought at yard sales work, with a little addition of hardware to some plexiglass you can mount your own doors. They may not keep all the dust out but are an improvement. Do it Yourself hardware stores will cut plexi to size for you if you need help.
Auction houses are another good place to look for used display cabinets. I have one near my work that I check out regularily and though you have to be patient you can find some good stuff for cheap. I got this one about a year ago.
