There was construction in my neighborhood when i first moved it,vibrations collapsed a shelf costing me just 2 models,I feel your pain
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I still have mine from the 1950s, can`t think of parting with them, after 3 moves, they are still perfect.
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After my second return to modeling in 2016 I started storing storing completed models in plastic containers. I found that to be fairly expensive and rarely found a container that wasnāt oversized.
I started making sized to fit model boxes from 3/16" foam core board. Six rectangles taped together with white glue at the joints. I also make braces to keep the models from shifting around. ( completed Zoukei-Mura and Academy Phantoms will fit in the original boxes). I store the boxes on shelves in my basement work area.
The only model I donāt still have is the first 2016 build - an Eduard/Academy F-4B - which jumped to its death from a tabletop.
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Very interesting topic. Iāve had three phases of model building, youth where I probably built 20+ kits (cars, aircraft, Apollo, visible V8 etc.) that are all gone.
My 30s where I built three aircraft and started three more. After carrying them around in boxes for 30 years, I regretfully, gave away the built kits to some kids who helped with our last move, but still have the started ones that I plan to restart one day.
Last yearās restart is going strong with three completed aircraft and one 75% completed. I expect to keep this round of builds on display indefinitely as I enjoy looking at them and they represent my development in my craft.
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This is a far more cost-effective solution. I have a few stored in under-bed storage tubs (not under my bed, though, but in the attic), but all they have to keep them from moving around is a bunch of packing peanuts - which donāt keep the models from moving at all. I might just borrow this idea for future storage.
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I have models that I built back in late 1980s this one i built back about 1993 and still have it on display now it a 1/25 AMT model of the General steam locomotive
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Most of my earlier collection was wrecked when hurricane Sandy ruined my house. I have since moved and have glass storage cabinets.
The question that this topic brings up for me is what will happen to them when we punch out. So much hard work and I donāt think there are many that will want them.
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Iām hoping some of them, historically accurate builds, will be accepted by local museums. Others, what-ifs and other fun builds, will last as long as Iām around, though some didnāt survive house moves.
Some kids might enjoy receiving them as gifts.
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Last time I moved house (about 10 years ago), I decided a few of my aircraft models were not worth taking with me, mainly older ones which showed my rather average skill at the time I built them.
I remembered what I had been like as a young school boy, when I wasnāt particularly fussy about the finish on aircraft models. There was a primary school (I think they are termed elementary schools in the US) only a block or two from my house, so one night I took a cardboard box filled with the unwanted models and left them on a bench seat in the school grounds. Incidentally, I left the top open so they were visible, in case a teacher spotted the box first and thought it could be a bomb or something. 
I only wish I had seen the faces of the kids when they discovered them.
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I usually just give them to family are friends that I know will appreciate them. Some have gone to a small museum.
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Iāve had that thought as well. Iām going to leave instructions in my will with suggestions for the stash, which hopefully will be small by then. As for the built models, my family can donate them to the land fill if they want, Iāll make sure they know that my joy is always in the building and I donāt expect them to feel like they have to keep them.
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One thing that I feel like we overlook in a conversation like this is even giving them back to local hobby shops for display. One of my favourite memories was walking into a shop and seeing a glass cabinet filled with built models (various skill levels represented). The finished models there were inspiring, physical proof of what could be done with another new kit. Hopes and dreams blossomed, wallets became lighter, a happy kid with a new kit and a mind racing with the possibilities.
If what you build is just going to be disposed of when the time comes, perhaps let it have a second life on display in a local shop. From there, if it eventually finds its way into the bin, then so be it, but it may just provide that spark to someone wandering by. If you go this route, please remember to let the shop know that you donāt expect to recover said model.
If you want to display and get it back in the future, make sure that is also known and ensure that your contact info is available to the store with good identification of said model. In my way back days, we had a couple people come in to the store I worked in, claiming a couple of built models after years on display. Unfortunately sometime after, the actual owners came by and their displays were gone, never to be seen again. Weird situation and a bit of an issue to explain and rectify.
Another option, especially for civilian vehicles, would be to see if a local dealership might want a brand replica for display in their showroom or parts / service department / coffee room, etc.
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If there were any local hobby shops left near me, that would be my first choice, but alas, there are none and Iām certain hobby lobby wouldnāt want them.
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Anything I have built good enough to keep/display was always given away or built as a gift. I just recently bought a small cabinet to hold stuff I am building for myself. I am quickly realizing its not going to be big enough. I will need to replace it soon. I have since changed the way think about when I purchase kits. More selective. If I am not going to display it, or want to look at it after, then I wont buy it.
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I feel much the same, Iām a day or two away from ordering a glass case myself. Iām proud of my builds, all three and a half of them, and how each one tells a story about my development as a modeler and I want them out on display.
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I got this case on Amazon a couple of years ago. It was not expensive, but with all the glass, it was a bit heavy to get it upstairs. However, now that I have it, my models stay mostly dust free and I get to see them every day. I will probably get another case soon, as I have few ship models in the works and each will occupy its own shelf. The F-101, F89, F4F-3, SBD-1 and the Spad are all over 20 years old and have survived 5 movesāthough all the landing gear is now brass-rod reinforced. The A-4C and the F6F-5N are over 10 years old and the Chevelle is about 8 years old. The T-33, A-4B, F2H-4, S2F and HSS-1 are all newer builds, though the S2F was started about 20 years ago and only completed in 2024. I too enjoy looking at the progression of my builds over the years and also to find motivation when itās time to start a new project.
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If youāve got one nearby, IKEA sells fairly inexpensive glass cases. I loved the older versions they had, but the newer ones look pretty nice.
BLĆ LIDEN glass-door cabinet, black, 133/4x125/8x591/2" - IKEA
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So far, Iāve got all of my completed works since 2012(somewhere around 20), 3 totally revamped originals from my childhood and one untouched build from childhood in my display area. I build so slow that I donāt add much to my display area at only 2 builds per year although I think Iām headed for 3 this year. So far I havenāt had any lossesā¦fingers crossed.
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Your build schedule is about the same as mine, 2.5 per year. Iām hoping to get to three this year but work and, chores, quality family time, and the need for sleep keep getting in the way.
Love to see your display area.
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This is a very interesting question.
For the longest time, I thought Iād keep my models forever, like theyāre Horcruxesāthey contain a part of my soul that cannot be shared with anyone.
Now, Iām starting to look at things differently and I would consider gifting them to people around me, either because they showed interest or as a complete surprise (say, for a birthday). I would also sell if anybody were to make me a decent offer. In the case of gifts, however, I think I would pick with care, because I do want my models to survive and be well cared for.
I would still keep a subset of my work, say my first medal, or one Iām particularly proud of; anything with which I have a special connection beyond my sweat and tears only.
I also have to deal with space: 2 or 3 projects a year adds up quickly, and I donāt have that kind of room!
It also makes me curious regarding why people wonāt give away their models, and if it may come from the belief that their work is not good enough to be gifted.
I would also argue that, by giving our work, we promote the hobby and, arguably, the art. One can also build its reputation this way outside of social mediaāno shame in wanting to get recognition for our hard work; I do!
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