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[reaping]

Can any give me some ideals on how to make a display case for a model ship and what types of stands are used and preferred.  I would much appreciate your help.

[tigertiger]

For display cases, glass is best. Perspex can/does scratch easily. One limiting factor may be the size of model, and if the case is also going to be used for transport.

If not used for transport, and it is to go against a wall, the back wall of the case can be of thin ply and a picture/seascape can be used. Picture frame glass is very thin and light and may be suitable for smaller cases. The case can be constructed from simple 'L' section timber. The base can be of thicker ply and also be the base for the stand, whatever stand you use.

If using it for tranport. The base can be made of 6mm ply and also act as the base for your stand. The sides, top, and back can be made out of thin ply (you can use door skins which are about 2.7-3mm) The front panel can be one that slides in from the top, and this can be perspex. It allows it to be displayed, and lakeside it allows kids to look but not touch.


I have only built travel cases. The only thing I have found is that it is too easy to over-engineer (especially the corner framing), and the weight goes up very quickly and this then can become a problem.

As for stands, I used wood that has been shaped to fit the hull. But I also transport.
The neatest stands I have seen for display models is where a hole is drilled vertically down throught the keel. A bolt is then inserted in the hole. A small brass sleeve only about 5-6mm long is placed over the bolt, and then the whole thing is bolted down to a base board. Bolts are were are spaced at about 150-200mm centres. So number of bolts will vary according to hull length.

Sorry I am no expert here. I have based this info on what I have seen and heard.
But Now I have started I am sure lots of people will tell me the error of my ways,a nd this will give you all the info you need.

[barryfoote]

Good morning,

Much depends on the size of model you want to case. If it is a large model, then glass is not really an option due to weight. Acylic is the the best material in these circumstances. Take a look at this web site.

http://www.cabinets.col-uk.com/model%20ship%20display%20cases.htm

I bought a case for my Victory from them and delighted with it I am. Having previoiusly cased Victory myself and used glass I can promise you the acrylic works much better.

[nhp651]

one point, though,sadly.

If you are going to show your model in public,in a show cabinet( ie at any show such as blackpool etc)and if you put glass into your cabinet, even a private exibitor HAS TO HAVE toughened glass,.
It is usually overlooked by the show organisers, but they also will have a clause in their rules of entry regarding damage/injury etc and therefore allow models in cases without toughened glass, but if there was an accident to a member of the public caused by none toughened glass causing injury, the owner of the boat/case would be held liable.
The minimum thickness for toughened glass is 4mm thick.
It doesn't cost any more than 3mm acrilic in price, but oh boy does it weigh more.....hernia time for a one man lift.

[Ian Robins]

Hi,
Just a word on the plastic display cases, You could use polcarbonate which is vertually unbreakable, and would weight a lot less, but it scrtches easy and is expensive.
hope this helps
ro88o0

[TCC]

The neatest stands I have seen for display models is where a hole is drilled vertically down throught the keel. A bolt is then inserted in the hole. A small brass sleeve only about 5-6mm long is placed over the bolt, and then the whole thing is bolted down to a base board. Bolts are were are spaced at about 150-200mm centres. So number of bolts will vary according to hull length.

I've used this mthod... next time I'm going with a wooden stand as the holes let the water in.

Nah, seriously.. it seems a question of glass or 'plastic' and if glass, to go toughened or not. What about if you have a big 6 or 7 ft boat that's 2 ft high. Allowing for a few inches to breathe, that's gonna be one big sheet of thin glass. What do those guys use?


Acrylic: scratches easy? How so? Would polishing it with 'Pledge' or the 'Mr Windows' on a yellow duster leave those circles at certain angles to the light?

I'm just toying with this subject myself. I don't think I'll ever 'display' it in a club setting.

What to stand a working model on in the display case? I've always thought that series of wooden blocks mimicing the shape of the hull was OK looking. Or is that 'so 80's?

I KNOW I need to make a big 'L' shaped cradle to lower mine in the water. I took it out day before yesterday and nearly followed the thing in the drink as I lowered it from a (too) high lakeside. The idea is you hold the top part of the 'l' and the boat is on the '_' bit. This will save those nasty snagging incidents on capital ships with 2 masts and interlinking rigging.

I'm planning on the 1 case: the difference between 'showing' and 'transportation' will be what front is on it. Now I'm thinking on having 2 grooves at front/rear panel. When showing, I'll hide the transportation front behind the rear panel (against the wall and out of sight) and when moving home, I'll slide it in front of the glass. For trips to the lake, I'll put the front on and take the glass out. If you follow...

The lining of the case, green velvet & hardwood with trims/mouldings?

[tigertiger]

If we draw a distinction between showing and displaying.

The bigmodels that I have seen in display cases were static models or engineering models. These have been in company offices and they do not move. They are made of glass. I would assume this is not picture frame glass, but safety glass. Very heavy, but installen insitu and not designed to be moved.

Another use of dispaly case is in a semi-permanent display. If a static model then showing off all the lines of the hull is more desirable, and as it is a static model holes in the keel are not a problem.

For showing at show, the needs of the working model are a concern, as is the need for mobility. So perspex and wooden cradles come into their own.