It's not a modelling project, but it's a project for my models.
I don't like to dust, so I've been trying to keep them behind glass. IKEA makes a pretty good display case for about $70, but they're a little small.
IMG_2366 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
Each shelf can accommodate two 1/48 scale, single-engine fighters or three 1/35 AFV's. Ships over a foot in length are too large. Some modellers boost the product's capacity by adding shelves, but I think that may be a little crowded.
I wanted to get a larger display cabinet, but they're expensive. I researched some DIY options, and I nearly bought some lumber. Then, I went to a thrift store with my wife. I saw the ugliest bookshelf that has ever been made. It was nasty. It had a white stain finish with a goopy polyurethane top coat. It had burn marks, stains and coffee rings. However, it was of a good size, it had a solid construction, and it had glass shelves. I bought the thing. I didn't take a picture, because it was so ugly. It took me hours to sand off the nasty old finish.
IMG_2457 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
IMG_2458 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
It got a stronger top panel, and two back panels. Then it got two applications of Minwax Espresso stain.
IMG_2552 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
I was as accurate as I could be with my measurements for the glass. I measured twice, then I measured another few times. Most of the panels fit like a glove, but I had to sand a little wood to get a side panel to fit. The eight pieces of glass took about a week from a local glass shop. I fit the glass doors with friction hinges and hardware from amazon.
IMG_2558 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
IMG_2559 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
The LED's came from amazon as well. They had a option to get a traditional switch or a motion sensor. I opted for a motion sensor. It would be like having the lights on all of the time, but the lights wouldn't actually be on all of the time. It doesn't work right mounted behind the glass, so I'll have to change that. I turn the light on by opening one of the glass doors. However, I love the look created by the lights.
IMG_2560 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
Here's how she looks now. The main rotor arc of my 48 scale CH-53E prevents me from placing it under glass, but most of my stuff is covered. My larger builds can reside in the new display case, and my smaller stuff can go in the IKEA cases. I still have the third IKEA case as room to grow.
IMG_2561 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr
I'm a little sick of wood. I'm ready to get back to plastic.
I'm glad my wife dragged me to the thrift store.
Thanks for looking,
Chris