This method for transporting large display cased models may or may not work for everybody. But I thought I’d share/show what I did for one of my models as an example. If anybody has questions and comments, let me know.
I built a 1/350 scale USS Louisiana BB-71 MONTANA class battleship long ago and had put it in a display case that I commissioned someone to make.
But the problem was: How do I store/transport it to contests or other events?
I found a solution on Amazon by searching through listings of Christmas tree bags. I found one that I needed to be longer, wider, and taller than the display case itself. If people are going to select/use such a bag/tote, then make sure it is of good quality construction, especially if it’s made of fabric. I can’t stress this enough.
After getting the bag/tote, I had to measure carefully the inside dimensions so I could build a PVC pipe framework to give the tote some “strength/structure”.
How other people build their own PVC pipe framework is all up to you.
I then went to a craft store and got some upholstery foam and laid a “bed/sheet” of that on the bottom. The bottom layer of foam is probably 2-3 inches thick. After that, I then hot glued smaller blocks of foam around what would be the circumference of the display case to help prevent the display case from sliding around.
After that, I then began to add smaller blocks/sheets of foam on the ends and sides for more “cushioning” so as to protect the sides of the glass display case from getting broken. These extra side pieces of foam are not glued/attached to the bottom bed sheet of foam that is under the display case. The side foam pieces are removable.
What a great idea WhatIfRebel! I can imagine the guys who build those “fragile” WNW large planes would appreciate this idea too provided that the models are under glass too.
I wish that I would have had a bag like this when I was shopping the vendors’ area at last year’s nationals in Madison.
@MR_TOM_SCHRY
True story: Whenever I’ve taken this tote/model to past contests, some person would jokingly go “What have you got in there? A dead body?”
To which I’d jokingly reply “Yes.”
That is indeed a good idea. I’ve not built a ship yet, but I will definitely consider this tip when I get around to it as I’ve seen a few small disasters when transporting builds like this into a show.
One of the major problems with using my method is that it won’t work for large sailing ship models. Those ships are TALL with their sail masts.
Whether my method works all depends not just on the size of the model itself, but also the size of the display case that the model is in.
And when using PVC piping for the support structure, make sure it is good, strong, and sturdy. I would probably not recommend gluing the PVC pipe pieces and connectors together as you may want to disassemble the whole thing in case of repairs or other issues.
@MR_TOM_SCHRY
It was this site here. But the person who runs the site and makes a lot of stuff there no longer makes display cases anymore. I got the display case back in 2021 I think?
