Where do you store your unbuilt models?

Hi SoCal Dude,

I think your question will also be influenced by the brand of kits and decals too.

I keep my stash in a spare closet.  I don't know if the temperature really affects them too much, but i suspect the biggest issue will always be humidity affecting the decals, discolouration of decals over time and, to a lesser extent, insects eating your decals/boxes (has happened to me).

Here in Queensland we get very high humidity in summer, however, i've had kits up to 12 years old and never had trouble with their decals.  These kits were mainly Tamiya and Hasegawa - i'm not sure how a cheaper kit, such as Academy would fair.

I don't think warping of parts would ever be an issue, unless you kept it in direct sunlight and/or had a weight on it.  I'm guessing they heat the plastic pretty high to mould it and doubt temperatures we human can tolerate in the shade would be sufficient to warp the plastic.

When you say you're keeping them in your garage - is that enclosed or partly open?  I'd have thought if it's indoors, in the shade, the plastic will be fine. 

Here in the upper end of the Sacramento valley. summer temps are typically above 100, and I have models that have been stored out in my shop for years without damage. I do store the decals, as well as paints, in the house. They take up very little space and I think it's good to protect them against the temperature mood swings we experience.

Mike

I might further add, i've heard of some people who will, as soon as they buy a new model, pull out the decals and store them in a binder.

I'm guessing if you do this, you can pretty much store them in the best place possible in your house, so you limit the risk of damage to them.

Information is so good. I found this site really handy for airplane model kits related information.

My stash is spread out all over the basement and garage.

Mine are in my shop in the back yard. Here in Texas it gets over 100 for a few months at a time....never have had a problem, Other than a few paints going south on me.

Thad

I keep the kits on shelves, that will eventually house the completed models.

I have bought kits second hand that were clearly kept in a garage or a storage unit (I live in South Texas). The decals were usually shot but the plastic has almost always been fine.

If you are running out of space do what I do.. Stop buying, start building. When you start renting a storage unit this becomes a hobby that eats.

Thanx to all who replied to my post. I am relieved to know that storing my models in my enclosed garage shouldn't have any adverse affect over time. Guess I can sleep at night now .

It also occured to me yesterday that I've got a box or two of never opened Tamiya Indy and other car kits up in my garage rafters that have been there for over 20 years! I think I'll open 'em up and see how they've faired....

I live in Florida where it gets hot and they are fine in the garage. I have some kits since the 1980's and all are mint.

I have them stored in a 45' double drop frame trailer next to the house.

I live in southern CA too, store my unbuilt kits on the shelf in my room, despite the temp fluctuations, there aren't any side affects. (some have been there for five years!)

One caution: if you have any car kits in the stash with vinyl tires, it's a good idea to get those tires out of the boxes. Seems they interact with the plastic.

Glenn