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Whether it's a club meeting or a
local contest, we have all faced the problem of transporting our
built-up models. My problem was packing up my models for a move
clear across the continent. I had been using inexpensive plastic
shoe boxes (available at department stores) to move and store my
models, but I never put more than three models in a box. I had
to find a way to consolidate my collection into the smallest
possible space for the move. How could I do this without a
disaster? How would I keep the broken or loose parts from
getting lost? Five or six models could actually be packed with
in a plastic shoebox, so part of my problem was solved. Now, how
to avoid ending up with just a pile on painted styrene? Making
individual supports form foam or cardboard was too labor
intensive. I found I could place a model into a plastic zipper
bag and not crush an aerial or break a prop! Any loose or broken
parts would stay within the bag and not float around inside the
box. Another part of the puzzle fell into place.
Bagged models could be layered in
the plastic shoeboxes. I had to use suitable packing material to
layer the models. Once I found 2 bags of plastic "Easter
Grass", I had the last part of the model packing puzzle.
Like making lasagna, I layered the Easter grass and bagged
models into the plastic boxes. I put rubber bands around the
boxes, then packed them into sturdy cardboard shipping boxes.
When I arrived in North Carolina,
I unpacked my kits. I was surprised to find very little damage
(one broken aerial and two props on the same aircraft). None of
the parts were lost, and they were easily fixed. I was very
pleased with the results. All the aircraft packed were single
seat, single engine, 1/72 scale aircraft, but I am sure that the
same results would happen with any type of model. |
