Display Cases

[skyking_comms]

Hi,

I have a number of large models, such as a 1/48 B-1B, 1/72 B-52 and 1/72 RC-135. All are built but now I'm looking to put them in display cases. I don't want to spend the hundreds of pounds charged by the companies that specialise in making cases for events. Wondering if there are any other solutions?

Ideally just looking for a Perspex case with a nice wooden stand. I know the sheets of Perspex are cheap, but I wouldn't trust myself to do a good job of sealing the pieces together (Someone mentioned fish tank glue / sealant)

Hours of work was put into making these models and now I want to protect them and show them off

I live in Evesham and would appreciate any assistance!

Thanks,

Darren
http://www.raf-fairford.co.uk

[keithjs]

I sometimes build models for people and they usually ask for a 'basic' case just to keep the dust off.
I tend to get some 2mm or 3mm plastic sheeting from B&Q and join it with Dicloromethane which we happen to use at work for cleaning. It works by capillary action along the 2 joints. Not sure where you'd get from commercially tho? I must admit I've never tried the fish tank adhesive but I'll give it a go next time.....
The sheets in B&Q I use are 4'x2' and are £17. You can get much bigger ones which do work out more cost effective.
It's a simple process of scoring the plastic 2/3rds through with a Olfa P cutter and snapping. Make sure your joints are flat and square and give yourself enough working space.
On the sizes you're talking about it won't be so important to get measurements exact but its easier to fit the sides to the top first one at a time rather than make the top fit the sides if you see what I mean. Plus its easier to keep it all square.

As for the base I personally use mounting board covered with the appropriate coloured card or grass effect. (Hobbycraft does that). It's a lot lighter and you can simply cut it to the size of the finished case.

Anyway, hope that gives you an idea.

[skyking_comms]

Thank you keithjs - this is exactly the type of method I was thinking about! Sounds like you have good experience of doing this...
I basically purchased the kits and after market decals, whilst a model maker put them together for me. I also have a 1/48 U-2 and a 1/72 SR-71.
I'd be looking at getting them all put in cases. It's much easier to transport them also in display cases.

Where abouts are you? Would you consider the challenge?
I personally wouldn't want to take on the challenge as I'm sure my finished product would look very poor!!

Darren

I sometimes build models for people and they usually ask for a 'basic' case just to keep the dust off.
I tend to get some 2mm or 3mm plastic sheeting from B&Q and join it with Dicloromethane which we happen to use at work for cleaning. It works by capillary action along the 2 joints. Not sure where you'd get from commercially though? I must admit I've never tried the fish tank adhesive but I'll give it a go next time.....
The sheets in B&Q I use are 4'x2' and are £17. You can get much bigger ones which do work out more cost effective.
It's a simple process of scoring the plastic 2/3rds through with a Olfa P cutter and snapping. Make sure your joints are flat and square and give yourself enough working space.
On the sizes you're talking about it won't be so important to get measurements exact but its easier to fit the sides to the top first one at a time rather than make the top fit the sides if you see what I mean. Plus its easier to keep it all square.

As for the base I personally use mounting board covered with the appropriate coloured card or grass effect. (Hobbycraft does that). It's a lot lighter and you can simply cut it to the size of the finished case.

Anyway, hope that gives you an idea.

[keithjs]

I'm in High Wycombe so that's 90 miles (ish)

Just done a few scale conversions and the cases are quite big. I'm sure you've got more accurate measurements but the biggest is the BI at 38 x 20 x 9 (wings swept back).Followed by the B52 at 32 x 27 x 7.
You'll obviously need 4mm for the larger ones or they'll just sag and bend.


As I said, I've never used wood as bases so you'd need to sort those. Me and wood don't get on I'm afraid.....

Might be a project for over the Christmas week.? What would the logistics be regarding transport etc? If you'd like to PM me with a quote etc I have a think about it.
A quick look on the B&Q website tells me it'll work out at about £100 for just the materials.....

[skyking_comms]

PM sent