I'm moving to a new house at the end of June. I've got about 10 fully built models (evenly divided between tanks and aircraft) that are worth taking the time to move properly. But I have no idea how to do that! Who here has moved models? They don't have to go far (only about 15-20 minutes), but I want them to be secure. Thoughts?

There are two ways I've moved my models in the past.

1. Models not on a base:

Put them in a box and use small Styrofoam packing peanuts. The smaller the better. Just pour them in gently and loosely around the models. DO NOT PACK THEM. If done right, won't cause any damage.

2. Models on a base ie. diorama

I use a box with a sheet of Styrofoam on the bottom. I then cut out a hole in the Styrofoam that is the shape of the base but slightly bigger so that the model can be easily removed after the move. This is actually the way I transport my models to and form model shows. I have yet to have a problem.

HTH.

It all depends if they are on bases or not.

If they are on (and I mean glued to) bases then get a box, tape the bases to the bottom of the box and move them in your car.

If they are not on bases, then you can count on losing an antenna or two or an MG or the like. You won't on all of them, but you may well, and better to expect it beforehand than to be surprised at it afterwards. :-)

Moving them isn't too hard, I get a large low box and pour in the foam peanuts. For aircraft, place the plane into the peanuts so that the foam under the wings and tail are supporting the aircraft. The wheels will be dangling down into the peanuts. Place some peanuts around the sides and make sure the wheels don't touch the bottom of the box and you'll be OK. You can pack several models into the box and as long as there are at least a couple of peanuts between each kit, then you should be OK.

For armour, use the box and peanuts again and settle the kit downinto the peanuts letting them ride up the sides of at least the suspension. Again, the kit shouldn't touch the bottom of the box.

All of this works for transporting models over normal roads over pretty good distances. I've moved some of my models to contests like this with drives of several hours each way. However, if something big happens, like a massive pothole or an accident, then all bets are off. Models glued to bases which are taped into strong boxes are better prepared for larger trauma.

HTH

Paul

Your local UPS store, Mailbox, Etc. or similar packing/shipping outlet can provide you with boxes (if you don't have your own) and a good quantity of the foam/packing peanuts. I use boxes of varying sized and use the same methods described above to move models (armor) for shows/contests and have never had a catastrophic incident. For armor, if you've got antennas or MGs mounted, just put enough peanuts into the box to stabilize it as opposed to covering it completely...and move those boxes last. Good luck with the move!

I carry mine rather haphazardly over short distances. Long distance (as in approx 2,000 miles as I did years ago)

For aircraft, I take a box and stretch 2 rubber bands longitudinally and 1 laterally, anchored with paperclips. I slide the wings between a pair and the tail goes through the other.

They can bounce and wiggle to their heats content, no breakage!

Tanks were put in cardboard stalls surrounded by bubblewrap.

I just found this topic, and fortunately for me... I'm about to move in a few months.
Thanks guys.

I moved recently, & had quite a few kits to move, none on bases, & including some Protar motorcycles (with delicate clutch & brake levers, sticking out nicely!), & the Dragon Sdkfz251 Funkwagen with 1ft radio mast! I used the old kit boxes I'd saved, & filled them with small expanded polystyrene balls that are used for filling bean bags. I didn't have any breakages (I was only moving about 2 miles)that I've discovered so far in the move, but I don't know that I'd recommend the packing to anyone - it gets everywhere & took hours to get it all out of vehicles interiors, track units etc!

If you can move them under your supervision (in your car/van) that would be the best situation. Its even worth making two trips if necessary.

Martin and Pauls pointers are great and right on.

I packed all my models and someone else (a Moving company) moved them from Germany to Scotland a week or so ago. As soon as I find them I'll show the packing used and the state of the model when it got here.

Mainly they were packed in bubble wrap.

Hi there

Fine Scale Modeller had an article on this in the Oct 2006 issue.

They said for things on a base, put a towel in a box and put the base on this. The towel will stop the bases sliding. For things not on a base, especially aircraft. Get a flat piece of styrene foam, big enough to fit the model and put the model on it. Then use toothpicks to hold the model in place on the foam.

Cheers
Wiz

One way is to hire very unskilled movers who you trust will break them all. in that way, once you cry.... swmbo will have pitty and inflate the modeling budget...

or look at this article...
http://www.swannysmodels.com/Packaging.html
Frank

The last time I went to a modeling event, I came up with a solution that worked great with aircaft.
I first cut a piece of packing foam that fitted inside the box (styrofoam should work as well). Then I cut blocks of the same material, to which the model is attached. Position the blocks so that they will be under the wings and horizontal stabilizers. Finally, the model was fixed in place with toothpicks and strips cut from the packing material found in Games workshop blister packs. (of course, other materials can be used too)
If you attach the holders properly, you could transport the box upside down. (still, I wouldn't recommend that! ) Because the model is held only by the wings and stabilizers, antennas, pitot tubes, landing gear and other fragile parts won't be harmed while moved.
Here's one of my boxes with a Morane fitted in: