Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
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Topic author - Top Designer
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Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
Hi all
probably not many of you will need these kind of information but since I will probably move back to Italy in the near future, I am starting to bring back over there some built kits. Obviously the dreaded task is how to pack them properly so that once at destination the kits will still be in one piece...or two maximum
First of all we are talking about 1/20 kits only which I will bring with me along the journey (one boat trip, one 12 hrs flight and another 1 hr long flight to my hometown). I will not check them in at the airport but will bring them as carry-on luggage.
For each one of my models I had previously bought display cases which I have now used to pack my kits.
Then I had to hold down the model onto its base so that it would not move, for this I used a temporary holding tape (Nitto 3800A) which is the blue tape you see in the photos below, this is not supposed to leave any adhesive markings on the surface of the model.
Second thing is to protect the rear wings which are the frailest parts in the kits. I placed styrofoam cubes either behind the rear wheels or behind the gearbox so that the car would not move backwards and hit the wing on the plexiglass cover.
After this I put the display cover on and made sure it would stay put and well attached to the base using the usual blue tape:
I have bought a couple of boxes 40x30x20cm which could fit six kits, placed over two layers, three kits stacked over three kits:
It is going to be a long trip so will see how they withstand this intercontinental journey! Will update after arrival back home.
probably not many of you will need these kind of information but since I will probably move back to Italy in the near future, I am starting to bring back over there some built kits. Obviously the dreaded task is how to pack them properly so that once at destination the kits will still be in one piece...or two maximum
First of all we are talking about 1/20 kits only which I will bring with me along the journey (one boat trip, one 12 hrs flight and another 1 hr long flight to my hometown). I will not check them in at the airport but will bring them as carry-on luggage.
For each one of my models I had previously bought display cases which I have now used to pack my kits.
Then I had to hold down the model onto its base so that it would not move, for this I used a temporary holding tape (Nitto 3800A) which is the blue tape you see in the photos below, this is not supposed to leave any adhesive markings on the surface of the model.
Second thing is to protect the rear wings which are the frailest parts in the kits. I placed styrofoam cubes either behind the rear wheels or behind the gearbox so that the car would not move backwards and hit the wing on the plexiglass cover.
After this I put the display cover on and made sure it would stay put and well attached to the base using the usual blue tape:
I have bought a couple of boxes 40x30x20cm which could fit six kits, placed over two layers, three kits stacked over three kits:
It is going to be a long trip so will see how they withstand this intercontinental journey! Will update after arrival back home.
"In my days, the drivers used to go out after a race and chase girls. These days, they thank Vodafone" - Sir Stirling Moss
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
One thing I might suggest is that even though the tape isn't supposed to leave adhesive, maybe put some cloth or foam between the tape and the model, that way the finish is definitely protected and the tape will still hold it down.
Dave
Dave
Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
Instead of tape use clear plastic cling film - it sticks to itself, nothing else.
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
Having moved several times, from North America to Europe and back, and long distance in Canada, one of the main things is to ensure is, however the models are secured, vibration will not cause undue and damaging friction between the packing materials and model surfaces. The propensity for this type of damage is often not easy to appreciate until after it appears.
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
I recently moved and had to pack all my models up. I only moved a 15 minute drive away and obviously was able to move the models myself so it's different than your situation.
Anyways, I copied how some diecast open-wheel models are packed. I set the model on a piece of firm cardboard and then use flexible metal wire carefully looped over the front and rear suspension near the wheels. The wire is then attached to the cardboard (through holes in the cardboard and tied or taped on the bottom). Finally I find a strong box and securely tape the cardboard+model to the bottom of the box.
I've moved several times this way and most recently moved 7 models this way without any damage.
Anyways, I copied how some diecast open-wheel models are packed. I set the model on a piece of firm cardboard and then use flexible metal wire carefully looped over the front and rear suspension near the wheels. The wire is then attached to the cardboard (through holes in the cardboard and tied or taped on the bottom). Finally I find a strong box and securely tape the cardboard+model to the bottom of the box.
I've moved several times this way and most recently moved 7 models this way without any damage.
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
I have moved models a number of times (Oz to NZ return, Oz to England & return, Oz to the US & return) and use a similar 'base-and-case'/'base-and-box' system.
The trick is to ensure that the model cannot move both relative to the base/case...or its parts relative to each other.
I try and avoid relying on the kit suspension; firstly because they tend to be weak points and secondly they are hard to repair if there are breakages.
To this end I support the underside of the chassis with a packer - a laminated block of scrap styrene double sided taped to the base with a bit of cloth on top.
Then I secure the tires to the base with a loop of wire threaded through holes drilled in front and behind each tire and twisted to close the loop.
I have used a strap over the top as you have done but protect the finish with a pad of micro-fiber cloth.
However, I prefer to cut a block of foam to fit between the seat and the top of the case to ensure that there is no vertical movement...less chance of damage to the finish on what is a prominent part of most F1 models.
Lastly a sheet of bubble wrap around the case takes care of any small impacts.
The trick is to ensure that the model cannot move both relative to the base/case...or its parts relative to each other.
I try and avoid relying on the kit suspension; firstly because they tend to be weak points and secondly they are hard to repair if there are breakages.
To this end I support the underside of the chassis with a packer - a laminated block of scrap styrene double sided taped to the base with a bit of cloth on top.
Then I secure the tires to the base with a loop of wire threaded through holes drilled in front and behind each tire and twisted to close the loop.
I have used a strap over the top as you have done but protect the finish with a pad of micro-fiber cloth.
However, I prefer to cut a block of foam to fit between the seat and the top of the case to ensure that there is no vertical movement...less chance of damage to the finish on what is a prominent part of most F1 models.
Lastly a sheet of bubble wrap around the case takes care of any small impacts.
Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
I am also grateful for this question and the responses. I am retiring and the sale of our house and move will occur in the next 6 months. Unfortunately, it looks like there will be a period of storage before we can unpack.
Thanks to you all and Happy New year.
Regards,
Joe.
Thanks to you all and Happy New year.
Regards,
Joe.
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Topic author - Top Designer
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
Finally back home! Thanks to all for the tips and suggestions, I will try them on my next move.
First of all, I forgot to show the package, which I always carried by hand:
Once on the plane I did not know where to place the box with those six precious puppies...overhead locker or under the seat in front? The box could fit either storage places and I opted for the seat in front of me:
This turned out to be a big mistake because during the sleep I have unintentionally kicked the box more than once causing the damages you can see below:
Both cars were on the same side of the box, exactly the one I kicked with my foot that's the reason they broke. The cars were well secured on the display case and did not move at all, none of the models hit the display case, so unless you are on a short flight I suggest to put the models on the overhead storage. I will do so next time.
As for the blue tape I used: as I expected it did not leave any glue markings, this is the same tape we use in the company I work for to fix into place the plastic buttons on the products before we ship them out to distributors so I knew this thing was super safe, strong hold and no adhesive leftover at all. It is also useful to fix the display transparent cover to its base. I even tried to put a display case upside down with the Jordan inside and nothing happened!
By the time I am typing this I have already fixed the Williams and the McLaren, no big damage done.
Because the way I secured the models on to the display case was quite OK I will probably use the same method next time but will place them on the plane's overhead locker to avoid any bashing!
First of all, I forgot to show the package, which I always carried by hand:
Once on the plane I did not know where to place the box with those six precious puppies...overhead locker or under the seat in front? The box could fit either storage places and I opted for the seat in front of me:
This turned out to be a big mistake because during the sleep I have unintentionally kicked the box more than once causing the damages you can see below:
Both cars were on the same side of the box, exactly the one I kicked with my foot that's the reason they broke. The cars were well secured on the display case and did not move at all, none of the models hit the display case, so unless you are on a short flight I suggest to put the models on the overhead storage. I will do so next time.
As for the blue tape I used: as I expected it did not leave any glue markings, this is the same tape we use in the company I work for to fix into place the plastic buttons on the products before we ship them out to distributors so I knew this thing was super safe, strong hold and no adhesive leftover at all. It is also useful to fix the display transparent cover to its base. I even tried to put a display case upside down with the Jordan inside and nothing happened!
By the time I am typing this I have already fixed the Williams and the McLaren, no big damage done.
Because the way I secured the models on to the display case was quite OK I will probably use the same method next time but will place them on the plane's overhead locker to avoid any bashing!
"In my days, the drivers used to go out after a race and chase girls. These days, they thank Vodafone" - Sir Stirling Moss
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Re: Packing built kits for intercontinental journey by plane
That sucks. But at least the damage was not fixable, which is something.
It is good advice you are providing to us, whether for shipping or transporting built models on your own.
Hopefully you will not have to do too many of these trips.
It is good advice you are providing to us, whether for shipping or transporting built models on your own.
Hopefully you will not have to do too many of these trips.
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