...how does one achieve this without the modelbeing damanged? My models have been bought by a collector. So any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Charles,

I use a sturdy cardboard box, slightly bigger than the model. I use news paper for the packing.
First add a layer of scrunched-up news paper in the bottom of the box.
Place the model on top of the bottom layer.
Add scrunched-up pieces of paper around the model, pressing it gently in, using enough pressure to secure the model and paper.
Add paper untill you reach the top of the box, and add a gentle layer on the top.
Leave a gap around any really fragile parts, such as MG's, aerials, etc.
To leave a gap , roll up a lenght of paper, and make a circle out of it.
Close the top of the box, gentle, and secure with tape.

This method has served me well, and is shipping company employee proof. I am confident enough to throw my packed models down the stairs, and they don't get damaged.

The paper give excelent protection, but won't move, or rub the model, which the polystyrene 'peanuts' sometimes will.
For really fragile kits, on a base, you can cut pieces of polystyrene packing to size, to jam the base in the box.

Hope that helps, I'll try to take some pics later to show.

Henk

ahh, boxes. Shops usually have a variety of boxes, in all shapes and sizes. Try greeting card shops, model shops, and book shop for example. The large supermarkets are not a good place to look for boxes..

Thanks for the tip. Though I will be waiting for the pics so I can get a better understanding.

Another suggestion........ put the model in a plastic bag before packing in the initial box.....It'll keep all the bits that might break off from getting lost in the packaging

Good suggestion. I'll consider it.