Packing Models for Interstate Move

Best thing that I've seen thus far was an article, don't know where, that talked about having a box for each model. And inside each box was a styrofoam insert. that was specially cut out for the AC's landing gear, props, wings, etc. Then the top of the box was the same thing.

Sounds lke the "best' way to go, but also sounds a little time consuming and costly IMO. However, sounds like a good plan if you move often, but maybe no the best for a one timer....

Last time I moved, I just picked up a couple of those "slide under the bed" type plastic containers at wally-mart, and a huge pack of cheap-o toilet paper and got to padding/ packing. Everything came out just fine and it was a 1000 mile drive/ move in a uhaul.

I didn't move cross country, just from my office to home and back.  I used packing peanuts, sprinkle a layer on the bottom of a box, put the models in with enough room between them to prevent them from bumping into each other and start filling with peanuts.  Shake gently to settle them every so often until the box is full.  watch as you first start filling to make sure the voids are filled.

I wouldn't trust a box packed this way for movers or the post office, but for careful handling by yourself, it should work great.

It's a good idea to write on the outside of the box what you have in it, so you know when your are done unpacking.  Since you can't just pour out the box at the other end, you have to carefully scoop out the peanuts to expose the models.  I grabbed an old box with peanuts the other day and discovered a model I forgot to unpack over a year ago.

Paul

Make up a CD or MP3 file that includes:

STP ~ Interstate love song

AC/DC ~ Highway to Hell

Sammy Hagar ~ I can't drive 55

Far as packaging the models... Best of luck and hopefully you left the pilot tubes on the aircraft to be removable!

One tip I used from FSM is to attach all breakable thingys with white wood glue, the bond will break away without removing paint or damaging the part. Little late for this but added anyhow.

I just pack with styrofoam peanuts, and make sure that I have a glue bottle ready for the unpacking..  However, I didn't pack that many as I don't keep my models very long anyway... They get torn down for salvage all the time, usually after a "shelf-life" of a year or so because I get tired of looking at them.. The only ones I'll keep from address to address any more are my Bill Mauldin dioramas and few models that are nowOOP and the molds are gone forever...  Everything else is "expendable"..

If I'd have  kept everything I've ever built, I'd have well over three thousand models to pack... Wouldn't be worth it at all... Frankly, I have more broken and torn down models than I do built ones, by about 4 times...  Now that I'm able to digitally keep my models forever, it's much less bothersome to "part" with them.  I wish there had been digital cameras back in the 60s...

Regardging the shipping containers though, I recall an article where a guy had to ship a completed diorama overseas and built one helluva custom shipping container from styrofoam.. Had cut outs, clamps, and had removable parts, complete with reassembly instructions for the "loose" parts.. I gotta dig that one up... I know it was in an issue of either Scale Modeler or Scale Armor Modeler  magazine... If I can find it, I'll post it...

Thanks, guys...I will be using a combo of all suggestions. i will be getting some peanuts, but plan to make some sort of styrofoam apparatus for a couple of my super detailed aircraft....

Thanks for the suggestions and the sympathy....glue is on hand!!!!

but plan to make some sort of styrofoam apparatus for a couple of my super detailed aircraft....

FSM tip Route # 66

Try suspending the aircraft with twisted elastic bands. Wrap around solid areas of the wings and fuselage, twist to elevate it above the container and drill holes to 'peg' the elastics from the outside of the container. It will provide shock absorption for your super detailed aircraft.

 The best thing I have found is black packing foam. Cut blocks about an inch wide, then cut out a notch to cradle the aircraft, one up front, one in the back. For smaller models (1/72) a cradle up front and just a slit to slip the tail in(upside down). For much larger models, cut a support block for each wing to keep it from rolling. Don't be affraid to put some upside down, for some this is required and easier, especially if they're loaded up with ordnance.

My 1/32 A-10 has seen 3 trips to shows in this box, not one bit of damage.

When I move from KS to MI, I had 8-9 big shipping boxes with 3-4 layers in each one. Packed the bottom layer, then used styrofoam block to set the next cardboard shelf on, pack that layer, more blocks, shelf, and so on. I had anywhere from 15 to 20 in each box.

These are on the second "shelf" of a smaller box.

I always cut the cradles a little tight, just to keep this where they belong. I have never had any problems with packing them this way.

Oh yeah, use plain old elmers glue for the foam.

When possible, put the whole thing in a plastic bag. it makes the broken off bits much easier to find.

bondoman

When possible, put the whole thing in a plastic bag. it makes the broken off bits much easier to find.

And if the packing fails, you have a pre-packaged "scrap" bag.

Love the black foam idea....I put my armor in plastic ziploc bags and buried them in foam peanuts.  Aircraft were just too big for the bags (1/32), but I am happy how they are packed, so far.