Anyone know of any good websites or places out there that produce good display cases for model aircraft and armor? I really don't have a place to display my finished models. When I finish building a model I typically put it right back in the empty box and stash it away in my closet where it won't get disturbed or broken by my kids. Any help where I can acquire a display case that is heavy duty and large would be great. Almost similiar to like what they have in the department stores. My largest model is a 1/35 scale Trumpeter MI-8MT/MI-17 HIP Helicopter and its rotor blade span is huge. I have the rotor blades detached away from the main body for now since I fear of breaking them off if I am not careful. I would love to have my completed models displayed since a lot of friends and family never get to see what I have built in person except for what they see in photos I show them. Any ideas or photos of what you guys do to display your completed models would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hey Ryan- I know there are a few guys on here (including me) who use a relatively inexpensive cabinet from Ikea, the DETOLF:



Its not bad- each shelf will hold something about the size of a 1/48 Tomcat. That might be a bit small for what you are looking for. I do know that there are guys/companys out there who make custom cabinets- they sometimes advertise in model mags, someone here might even know one or two close to you in the States.

Hope this helps a bit.

Ryan,

I'm not sure if you are looking for big cases like above or small individual cases, but this conmpany is very good. They produce an excellent product, custom sizes and ship fast. I have used them several times.

http://www.casesforcollectibles.com/

Dave

I like www.gemodisplays.com

a good product,a little pricey,great people and service

Ryan, not sure if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, but they have a great selection of clear display cases that are very inexpensive (especially if you have one of there 40% coupons). They are also stackable which is very nice. They range in size to fit 1/35 armor.



http://shop.hobbylobby.com/search/default.aspx?CFID=8239149&CFTOKEN=67f7705bf49de6af-EE356F75-0077-004C-015AA6197E10182E&searchTerm=display+case

That Ikea DETOLF actually looks quite good...

From the Australian Ikea Website:-

Width: 43 cm
Depth: 37 cm
Height: 163 cm
Max. load/shelf: 6 kg
Cost: AUD $149.00

Might look into getting a couple of these.

If you're looking for something a little larger, try and see whether you can find a store that's going out of business. Sometimes they'll sell their display fixtures.

there is a LHS near me that has something like this. the hobby store itself is insanely overpriced and their products are outdated, but they sell alot of old toys and used items. they had 4 8-shelved barrister bookcases for 100$ each. unfortunately, they sold before i could get one

I manufacture individual bespoke glass display cases.
Very recent innovation on my part which is why mostUK modellers won't have heard yet, apart from the ones who have seen me at recent shows.

Nige

I'd keep my eyes open on Craigslist and also retailers that are going out of business. I cleaned out a salvation Army store that was closing. Cost me less than $500 for 8 display 6'cases with lights. I had to drop another $50 or so in materials to rewire them, but it was worth it as all of them are now lighted on a single switch. Craigslist is probably your best bet to find them cheap..or at least more affordable than buying something from a dedicated case manufacturer. Hope this helps. "Q"