How do you guys display/store your built models?

[Ben_B]

I’ve hit a storage/display space limit with my car models. The large display case I built in the ‘90s has been overflowing with airplanes for years, to the point where I’ve had to rotate out older models to make room for new ones. I started out displaying my cars on a large-ish corner of my desk where I used to have my printer, but now I’ve run out of space there and have had to resort to using a file rack as a parking garage.   

I have no space for a wall mounted setup. I was going to get this glass case from IKEA (LINK) that would perfectly fit the bill, but shipping costs more than the display case! I’d like to try to avoid building another case myself, mainly because it’s a PITA, but also the cost would probably be up close to what the IKEA cabinet would cost.

So, how do you guys display your builds? I need some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Ben

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

 When I moved into this house, intense and heavy negotiations resulted in this arrangement:
The room I wanted to be my hobby room became the large laundry, and my hobby room was destined to be a shed in the yard. (Don't say anything but it worked out better for me).  
In exchange, this closet in the middle of the house that made no sense whatsoever,  was released to me as a display case. Of course I redid it with glass doors, lights etc. 
That was in 2002.  

Old pic from 2008 but not much change since.


and a recent video:



Now, I'm running tight on space. I'm investigating if I can squeeze  one more glass shelf but so far it seems it will not work.  Recently restored old models are in big bins in the hobby room with the intention of rotating them in the display. But I haven't done so yet.
That's why I'm doing 1/700 and 1/350 aircraft now

Now, I may have more cameras than built models. That's another can of worms.  I need a building for that. Those are scattered all over the house, shed and apartment in bins, boxes, bags, ziplocks and whatnot.

Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ben,

display space has always been the final frontier in our hobby. When we 1st lived in a small apartment, I had to keep my models (aircraft in those days) in cardboard boxes in my closet. When I ran out of space, I stored them at my parents house.

I got an metal bakers rack from work with 5 adjustable shelves. I buy plastic display cases from Sprue Brothers 4 at a time in two sizes, one for 1/25=1/24 scale and the other for 1/20 scale models. They're stackable so the larger ones can be stacked 2 high, while the smaller ones can be stacked 3 high. I'll take some pictures later and post them along with the info on the cases.

joel

[arcticwolf]

Like this:

[Joel_W]

Paul,
how do you deal with dust issues?
joel

[arcticwolf]

Jul 2, 2021 15:53:14 GMT -8 Joel_W said:

Paul,
how do you deal with dust issues?
joel

A compressed air bottle like you use on computer innards - from a distance!!

It's not just dust, I have a Golden Retriever. There's a little bit of her in all my models. 

[Joel_W]

Paul,
I've never thought of that for even paint prep as I was afraid that the stream of air would cause more damage then it cured. But I'll give it a try as I always have a few bottles of it that I use for my monthly computer and keyboard cleaning.

While I no longer get dog hair everywhere, our cat seems to specialize in hair giving.

joel

[Ben_B]

It's been a year since we lost our Yellow Lab, and I still get at least one dog hair somewhere in the paint of every model.

Here's the current situation on my desk. As you can see, my parking deck on the right is rapidly filling up. Dust is a problem and there's always the danger of something falling on them.


And no room in The Monolith (my wife's name for it):


I think the only way I'm going to get the cars in a case is to build one myself. Retire planes have been going into plastic tubs, so I'll probably have to start adding cars to them soon.

Ben

[arcticwolf]

Jul 3, 2021 4:39:55 GMT -8 Joel_W said:

Paul,
I've never thought of that for even paint prep as I was afraid that the stream of air would cause more damage then it cured. But I'll give it a try as I always have a few bottles of it that I use for my monthly computer and keyboard cleaning.

While I no longer get dog hair everywhere, our cat seems to specialize in hair giving.

joel

It will cause damage if you get to close!! From about 2 -3 feet away at least.

How do you build models with a cat around? I'd end up with half a car if I'd tried that when mine was alive. 

[arcticwolf]

You guys have it easy. Half of my projects are 1/12th scale. 

[robhart]

I don't display mine. After completion they are photographed then boxed up ready for transport to the shows that I plan to attend. Between shows the boxes are stored in a closet under the stairs.

[Joel_W]

Ben,

I've got about 1 dozen aircraft and my entire tank/armor collection (all USA I might add) stored in plastic storage bins and the over flow in cardboard boxes in the basement.

Here's a quick grab shot of my bakers rack and the two sizes of display cases.

joel

[Ben_B]

Thanks for the comments! I guess I’ll continue with the plastic tubs for now. Maybe if I sell off more of my stash, I can add some more shelves in my office closet and display them there….

Ben