Hi, everyone!
I couldn’t find any forums regarding display or transport of models, so I’ll try it here…
Since I was a kid I’ve been building scale models of aircraft, ships and vehicles. My main focus has been on aircraft, of which I’ve built about 200, primarily 1:72 scale. The size range is from the Fokker DR.1 to a B-52D. All of these models are now stored in the attic. It’s my kind of personal history book… [:)] Almost all of the planes are built straight from the box, and are NOT placed on display stands.
Now I’m going to move to another city, and want to bring my models with me, hopefully without breaking all of them. I’m prepared to do some repair work afterwards, but it’s my goal to keep this at a minimum… [:o)]
Any tips how I should pack and secure my models to ensure the minimum amount of damage to them while moving them? My budget for moving is low, so I should use common tools and materials that are easily and cheaply obtainable.
Furthermore, it shouldn’t take the whole summer to pack the stuff for transport… [:p]
I’m moving about 400 km (250 miles) along the coast of Norway, which means that by car there’s a lot of turns and hills and bumps which will not be easy on the models… Another way is moving by ship: the coastal express route, where it’s possible to bring a car or a container.
What should I do?
If I remember correctly, a fellow who exhibited his 200+ model collection at shopping centers around the US claimed that he just put down some crumpled newspaper in the bottom of a big box, put some models in, put down some more crumpled newspaper, another layer of models, etc. The trick is not to put any load on the models other than the weight of the newspapers and models themselves. He specifically did not put any antennas or other flimsy external features like them because they would be too fragile. Of course, he moved the boxes himself.
I’ve moved several times, but not with so many, by taking a big but shallow box, putting a thin perforated rubber pad in the bottom (used in the bottom of tool drawers, I think) and then setting the models on the pad with a couple of inches of separation between each model. The pad keeps them from contacting each other. However, this requires that I move the boxes myself, to be sure that they stay upright and are not dropped.
I haved moved a couple of times and what I did was put some peanuts on the bottom of the box. Then placed the models in the box carefully, then more packing peanuts, etc,etc,etc. All with some minor damage, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed.
Check over at the Aircraft Resource Center.
Click on Tool ‘n’ Tips in the header bar, and then look under “transporting models”
I saw a post somewhere, but I have no idea where. A guy got some boxes the right size, sprayed a thick layer of that aerosol styrofoam, put some waxed paper over the foam, and slightly pushed the model down into it while it was still soft. Pull the model out, let the foam set, then open the holes for landing gear a bit (if necessary). Do the same thing for the top of the model and you have a custom formed case for it.
You can get the foam at Lowes or Home Depot. It’s for sealing holes around the house.
Cardboard boxes, sheet & block polystyrene foam and toothpicks is my method.
Place foam in the bottom of the box (shoeboxes are ideal for 1/72nd scale) place the model in there. Pin the toothpicks around it, so it can’t move. Cut some block polystyrene higher than the model and put another sheet above it, repeat until the box is full. That should do it. Foam peanuts, as suggested above, should help too.
Pete
Having just moved I can say that the method Falcon describes worked well for me. I took a couple large boxes, cut a sheet of bubble wrap to fit, arranged the models on top of the bubble wrap with a little space between models. then filled in th space between them with sytrofoam peanuts to cover the highest points of the models (usually the tail fin) Once I had an even layer of peanuts, a another layer of bubble wrap and the process was repeated. This method survived the military moving system from the United States to Belgium with only a nose weel having to be glued back on a 1/72 RF-4 and a tail boom and engine to a 1/72 KC-135. Two Helos and several propeller type aircraft all with wheels down came through with flying colors The only disappointment when opening the boxes was being reminded that I have a long way to go before I can produce some of the beautiful models Ive seen displayed on in this forom. (almost make me wish 7 and 8 year olds would build models and post pics so I could feel better about mine [:)] ) Another trick I use… as Im in the military and move alot more than I wish, larger models such as 1/72 B-52 and a few 1/48 WWII Bombers, when building these models If I can get a peice like wings or tail fins to stay in place with either dry fitting or only a little tack putty I dont glue these items in place so they can fit in boxes when it comes time to move.
note: that when filling the boxes with peanuts, DO NOT pack the peanuts in the box. your only place enough peanuts in there to stop the models from shifting around and striking each other during movement. The top layer should go to the top of the box filling it completely but able to close the box with placing presure down. Another layer of bubble foam at the top is not a bad idea either. Good luck with your move.
I also read a post,(or maybe it was one of the weekly tips) where a guy used one of those styrofoam coolers, and packed the models in peanuts inside of that. 200+ models at 3 per cooler could get a bit spendy but look on the bright side, you would have plenty of coolers for camping after the big move! 
Please understand that when I said peanuts, I was referring to styrofoam peanuts, not actual peanuts. LOL
I have moved my collection (225 last move) and found that the crumple paper layer/model layer/paper layer works well. My last move was from the east coast of Labrador to Alberta, 5000 klm by commercial carrier. Removing antenae and landing gears was not necessary and those that were knock off were minor in fixing. What ever happen, don’t let anyone else pack for you. You know your models.
You probably ought to put the big, heavy (resin) models at the bottom…
JanMartinS;
I’ve moved 4 times in the last 5 years with 100+ built kits, what I do is wrap the model in one of those Wal-Mart shopping bags ( to catch any parts broken off during moving )then place the model in a box with balled up news paper or packing peanuts
great idea cuda… Ill have to remember that next time uncle sam uproots me
Thanks a lot for your help!
I imagined that styrofoam peanuts or paper would damage the models, but since you’ve experienced otherwise, I’ll try several of these methods and see which suit me best! [:)]
I’m very glad that some of you have had experience in this area, as I know nobody in my neigbourhood who has! (here are too few modelers, e.g. NONE that I know of… [:(] )