"You have to learn to compromise so that domestic harmony isn't disrupted too much!" Very wise words, Mike.
You're right to preserve your nation; I wish we could do it a tenth as well as you do.
However, Samba is an imported wood, it doesn't grow in Italy as far as I know.
Congratulations on your perfect Italian.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
"You have to learn to compromise so that domestic harmony isn't disrupted too much!" Very wise words, Mike.
You're right to preserve your nation; I wish we could do it a tenth as well as you do.
However, Samba is an imported wood, it doesn't grow in Italy as far as I know.
Congratulations on your perfect Italian.
Hello Alessandro!
Thank you for your kind words, but I must admit that when I showed this to my wife... she wasn't very enthusiastic. She already has her hands full with my Mississippi paddle steamer because of its size!
Before I use my ships and prepare them for sailing, I blow them dry with a paintbrush nozzle. In return, I am allowed to vacuum and dust the room.
You have to learn to compromise so that domestic harmony is not disrupted too much!
>>> I don't know what the wood supply situation is like in Switzerland
@ Alessandro, didn't you know that we use storm-damaged wood to make chipboard? Joking aside, we have a wood shortage in the plywood sector here. That's why my wife and I visit the surrounding countries, combined with camping, where the warehouses are still well stocked . . .
Although our forests are lush . . . But if everyone were to cut down what they needed . .
Well, I don't feel like getting huge fines!
Ho finito di scrivere queste sciocchezze! Grazie per i tuoi consigli!
(I've finished typing this nonsense! Thank you for your tips!)
Your Michel-C.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Hello Alessandro!
Thank you for your kind words, but I must admit that when I showed this to my wife... she wasn't very enthusiastic. She already has her hands full with my Mississippi paddle steamer because of its size!
Before I use my ships and prepare them for sailing, I blow them dry with a paintbrush nozzle. In return, I am allowed to vacuum and dust the room.
You have to learn to compromise so that domestic harmony is not disrupted too much!
>>> I don't know what the wood supply situation is like in Switzerland
@ Alessandro, didn't you know that we use storm-damaged wood to make chipboard? Joking aside, we have a wood shortage in the plywood sector here. That's why my wife and I visit the surrounding countries, combined with camping, where the warehouses are still well stocked . . .
Although our forests are lush . . . But if everyone were to cut down what they needed . .
Well, I don't feel like getting huge fines!
Ho finito di scrivere queste sciocchezze! Grazie per i tuoi consigli!
(I've finished typing this nonsense! Thank you for your tips!)
Your Michel-C.
Aye! A beautiful site Alessandro! A right sharp looker she be!
👍😉
[{"id":"176130450852","name":"176130450852","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176130450852\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176130450852\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Mike, knowing your drawing skills, it will be very easy to shorten the pre-drawn boards with 45-degree cuts and grooves for inserting the PMMA or polycarbonate sheets, as well as shortening the base.
You could certainly draw it from scratch, but having it ready is much easier and saves time.
I don't know what the wood supply situation is like in Switzerland, but I think 20 mm x 20 mm boards should be easy to find.
As I mentioned, I've found Ayous (Samba) to be a lightweight wood (only beats balsa wood in terms of lightness, but balsa is unsuitable for this type of application) but it's strong and has a compact grain. It's easy to work with, doesn't splinter, and is surprisingly very affordable.
Do you have a wide selection of wood sizes and qualities in Switzerland?
The dimensions of my display case (116 x 72 x 40 cm) are at the limit for a 4 mm thick polycarbonate sheet, so it will definitely work well for a smaller display case.
Glass is much nicer and never gets damaged, but I would absolutely avoid it because it's extremely heavy and dangerous.
[{"id":"176128938690","name":"176128938690","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128938690\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128938690\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Mike, knowing your drawing skills, it will be very easy to shorten the pre-drawn boards with 45-degree cuts and grooves for inserting the PMMA or polycarbonate sheets, as well as shortening the base.
You could certainly draw it from scratch, but having it ready is much easier and saves time.
I don't know what the wood supply situation is like in Switzerland, but I think 20 mm x 20 mm boards should be easy to find.
As I mentioned, I've found Ayous (Samba) to be a lightweight wood (only beats balsa wood in terms of lightness, but balsa is unsuitable for this type of application) but it's strong and has a compact grain. It's easy to work with, doesn't splinter, and is surprisingly very affordable.
Do you have a wide selection of wood sizes and qualities in Switzerland?
The dimensions of my display case (116 x 72 x 40 cm) are at the limit for a 4 mm thick polycarbonate sheet, so it will definitely work well for a smaller display case.
Glass is much nicer and never gets damaged, but I would absolutely avoid it because it's extremely heavy and dangerous.
Another alternative... About two years ago I posted a blog (below) about the display case for my Wiesel. The case was simple to build, not too heavy and not expensive. One person can carry it (without the boat inside).
The Wiesel is 42" (107cm) L X 7" (18cm) W X 16" (41cm) H. I wanted the model to be removed through both sides, so the ends are hinged. The top has a Plexiglass panel as well allowing the room's light to illuminate the model.
Once I sketched out the sizes for everything I went to a local plastics supplier and the cut everything out of Plexiglas sheet.
The wood is nothing special, just a plain white wood that was later stained to a walnut finish. The Plexiglas panes were assembled inside the pieces and have no cement or sealant.
Got the info on the link below.
Lew
https://model-boats.com/blogs/133707#133707
[{"id":"176128220977","name":"176128220977","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128220977\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128220977\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176128255416","name":"176128255416","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128255416\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176128255416\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Another alternative... About two years ago I posted a blog (below) about the display case for my Wiesel. The case was simple to build, not too heavy and not expensive. One person can carry it (without the boat inside).
The Wiesel is 42" (107cm) L X 7" (18cm) W X 16" (41cm) H. I wanted the model to be removed through both sides, so the ends are hinged. The top has a Plexiglass panel as well allowing the room's light to illuminate the model.
Once I sketched out the sizes for everything I went to a local plastics supplier and the cut everything out of Plexiglas sheet.
The wood is nothing special, just a plain white wood that was later stained to a walnut finish. The Plexiglas panes were assembled inside the pieces and have no cement or sealant.
Mike, sorry, I forgot.
In addition to PDFs, I can also send you the entire drawing in DXF or DWG format, or any other format you prefer, if you're interested.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Mike, sorry, I forgot.
In addition to PDFs, I can also send you the entire drawing in DXF or DWG format, or any other format you prefer, if you're interested.
Hahahaha, thank you for your trust, I'm flattered.
It was a bloodbath, and with very little free time.
An experience not to be repeated, hahahahaha.
Jokes aside, if you really need the display case of that size, I can send you the plans for free.
If you don't have the program to open it, I can email you a long series of PDF files with plan, side, and perspective views, both general and detailed, with all the dimensions and measurements.
Let me know if you're really interested.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Hahahaha, thank you for your trust, I'm flattered.
It was a bloodbath, and with very little free time.
An experience not to be repeated, hahahahaha.
Jokes aside, if you really need the display case of that size, I can send you the plans for free.
If you don't have the program to open it, I can email you a long series of PDF files with plan, side, and perspective views, both general and detailed, with all the dimensions and measurements.
Let me know if you're really interested.
Hi Sir Kay, thanks for your reply.
Acrylic is another common term for PMMA. I wanted to be sure, and indeed, the Optix brand uses PMMA [or acrylic, if you prefer], which many know as Plexiglas because it's the most well-known brand.
This is what I've been able to determine from some online research.
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.
Your display cases are excellent, beautiful, and functional. Yours aren't easy to manage, either; you've done a great job.
I've noticed that many companies create (even custom-made and made-to-order) frameless display cases; I think they're the norm.
They offer a better view and are aesthetically pleasing.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Hi Sir Kay, thanks for your reply.
Acrylic is another common term for PMMA. I wanted to be sure, and indeed, the Optix brand uses PMMA [or acrylic, if you prefer], which many know as Plexiglas because it's the most well-known brand.
This is what I've been able to determine from some online research.
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.
Your display cases are excellent, beautiful, and functional. Yours aren't easy to manage, either; you've done a great job.
I've noticed that many companies create (even custom-made and made-to-order) frameless display cases; I think they're the norm.
They offer a better view and are aesthetically pleasing.
Ohh - I think I prefer your cases - serious builds, with the contents really worth the effort!
I think the acrylic sheet I can buy here is Optix brand. You asked about my case sizes; the largest is for the Caldercraft Sir Kay, at 102 x 47 x 26cm. For the St Canute its around 61 x 43 x 22cm
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Ohh - I think I prefer your cases - serious builds, with the contents really worth the effort!
I think the acrylic sheet I can buy here is Optix brand. You asked about my case sizes; the largest is for the Caldercraft Sir Kay, at 102 x 47 x 26cm. For the St Canute its around 61 x 43 x 22cm
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Well thought out and beautifully done.
Very nice job, and one you can be proud of.
As Jumpugly said ... "an inspiration".
Dave B
So far my collection resembles "The Island of Misfit Toys". I've picked up several boats that are old builds and have been neglected. I'm giving them the TLC they need, hoping to bring them back to their former glory. Once I get enough practice/ experience I intend to take on a full build.
...I have to attach the other images in this other post because I exceeded the maximum limit in the previous message.
[{"id":"176070836320","name":"176070836320","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070836320\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070836320\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070060497","name":"176070060497","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070060497\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070060497\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070028419","name":"176070028419","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070028419\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070028419\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070043970","name":"176070043970","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070043970\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070043970\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070028356","name":"176070028356","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070028356\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070028356\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070089290","name":"176070089290","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070089290\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070089290\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070089470","name":"176070089470","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070089470\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070089470\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070093478","name":"176070093478","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070093478\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070093478\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070161151","name":"176070161151","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070161151\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070161151\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070093263","name":"176070093263","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070093263\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070093263\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070121570","name":"176070121570","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121570\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121570\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070121956","name":"176070121956","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121956\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121956\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070121891","name":"176070121891","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121891\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121891\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070121979","name":"176070121979","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121979\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121979\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070121949","name":"176070121949","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121949\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070121949\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070259078","name":"176070259078","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070259078\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070259078\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070282536","name":"176070282536","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282536\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282536\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070259133","name":"176070259133","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070259133\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070259133\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070282627","name":"176070282627","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282627\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282627\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070282965","name":"176070282965","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282965\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070282965\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070283111","name":"176070283111","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070283111\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070283111\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070878123","name":"176070878123","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070878123\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070878123\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070831179","name":"176070831179","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070831179\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070831179\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Good morning everyone.
The ship model rests on a wooden base that is an integral part of the display case.
To access the model, you must lift the lid, which consists of a wooden frame and polycarbonate sheets.
Therefore, there are no doors or shutters.
The wooden base is made of a sheet of poplar plywood, approximately 20 mm thick.
The edges are made of four slats of fir wood (indicated by the red arrow), 20 mm thick and 10 mm wide, positioned like a frame.
This prevents the typical plywood layered edge from being visible.
The four fir strips are glued with vinyl glue but also have cylindrical reinforcement dowels (indicated by the yellow circles) that pass through (and are glued to) both the fir strips and the poplar plywood.
On this base are the supports to keep the ship model upright and stable.
Two Ayous wood strips (10 mm x 10 mm) (indicated by the green arrow) glued lengthwise to the aforementioned base and spaced apart serve to keep the ship upright by adhering (with a slight interlocking) to the keel.
If there is no particular stress, this is already sufficient to keep the ship upright.
However, there are eight additional supports for the same purpose.
Four of them (indicated by the blue arrows) are lower and fixed, as they are glued to the wooden base.
Being low, they hold the hull well but do not obstruct the view.
The other four taller ones (indicated by the yellow arrows) are removable, in fact, they are fixed to the wooden base with screws. They are used when the display case is moved and can hold the ship in place even at a steep tilt (almost 90 degrees).
If the display case needs to be laid on its side for any reason (90-degree rotation), at least one strap or ribbon, which I haven't yet prepared, is needed to secure the ship.
The cover rests on the base just described.
The cover consists of four sides (two long and two short) made of transparent polycarbonate, through which the model can be seen. The roof is made of wood, while the base is, of course, empty.
This is the lid that rests on the base.
To prevent the lid from shifting, the base has an internal frame that fits inside the base of the lid (see purple arrows).
This internal rectangular frame on the base creates a slight interlocking, so the display case lid cannot shift, but can only be lifted.
To prevent it from being lifted, I added hooks (indicated by the orange arrows).
To transport the display case, you must grasp and lift it by the base.
To facilitate this operation, two handles can be screwed onto the short sides (see white arrow).
It took two people to build it.
It takes two people to transport it.
[{"id":"176069382574","name":"176069382574","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069382574\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069382574\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069382657","name":"176069382657","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069382657\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069382657\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069412293","name":"176069412293","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069412293\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069412293\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069412960","name":"176069412960","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069412960\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069412960\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069413228","name":"176069413228","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069413228\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069413228\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069389840","name":"176069389840","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069389840\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069389840\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069395873","name":"176069395873","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069395873\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069395873\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069395985","name":"176069395985","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069395985\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069395985\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069396196","name":"176069396196","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069396196\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069396196\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069396488","name":"176069396488","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069396488\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069396488\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069436118","name":"176069436118","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069436118\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069436118\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069439175","name":"176069439175","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439175\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439175\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069439278","name":"176069439278","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439278\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439278\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069438340","name":"176069438340","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069438340\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069438340\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069491074","name":"176069491074","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069491074\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069491074\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069439065","name":"176069439065","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439065\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069439065\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069438291","name":"176069438291","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069438291\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069438291\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069486339","name":"176069486339","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069486339\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069486339\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069516024","name":"176069516024","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516024\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516024\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069516118","name":"176069516118","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516118\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516118\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069516470","name":"176069516470","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516470\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069516470\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069557176","name":"176069557176","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557176\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557176\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069557431","name":"176069557431","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557431\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557431\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176069557412","name":"176069557412","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557412\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176069557412\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176070071633","name":"176070071633","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070071633\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176070071633\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Good morning everyone.
The ship model rests on a wooden base that is an integral part of the display case.
To access the model, you must lift the lid, which consists of a wooden frame and polycarbonate sheets.
Therefore, there are no doors or shutters.
The wooden base is made of a sheet of poplar plywood, approximately 20 mm thick.
The edges are made of four slats of fir wood (indicated by the red arrow), 20 mm thick and 10 mm wide, positioned like a frame.
This prevents the typical plywood layered edge from being visible.
The four fir strips are glued with vinyl glue but also have cylindrical reinforcement dowels (indicated by the yellow circles) that pass through (and are glued to) both the fir strips and the poplar plywood.
On this base are the supports to keep the ship model upright and stable.
Two Ayous wood strips (10 mm x 10 mm) (indicated by the green arrow) glued lengthwise to the aforementioned base and spaced apart serve to keep the ship upright by adhering (with a slight interlocking) to the keel.
If there is no particular stress, this is already sufficient to keep the ship upright.
However, there are eight additional supports for the same purpose.
Four of them (indicated by the blue arrows) are lower and fixed, as they are glued to the wooden base.
Being low, they hold the hull well but do not obstruct the view.
The other four taller ones (indicated by the yellow arrows) are removable, in fact, they are fixed to the wooden base with screws. They are used when the display case is moved and can hold the ship in place even at a steep tilt (almost 90 degrees).
If the display case needs to be laid on its side for any reason (90-degree rotation), at least one strap or ribbon, which I haven't yet prepared, is needed to secure the ship.
The cover rests on the base just described.
The cover consists of four sides (two long and two short) made of transparent polycarbonate, through which the model can be seen. The roof is made of wood, while the base is, of course, empty.
This is the lid that rests on the base.
To prevent the lid from shifting, the base has an internal frame that fits inside the base of the lid (see purple arrows).
This internal rectangular frame on the base creates a slight interlocking, so the display case lid cannot shift, but can only be lifted.
To prevent it from being lifted, I added hooks (indicated by the orange arrows).
To transport the display case, you must grasp and lift it by the base.
To facilitate this operation, two handles can be screwed onto the short sides (see white arrow).
It took two people to build it.
It takes two people to transport it.
Hi Sir Kay, thanks for sharing your experience with so many helpful and informative details.
What are the dimensions of the display case you showed?
Do you remember the brand of clear acrylic used for your display cases?
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Hi Sir Kay, thanks for sharing your experience with so many helpful and informative details.
What are the dimensions of the display case you showed?
Do you remember the brand of clear acrylic used for your display cases?
I've been reading this post with interest, describing the processes I've fiddled with myself over the years. I think I have the cases under control finally now though. I make mine from acrylic sheet (not Plexiglas) and a special acrylic glue that really works extraordinarily well (a well-glued joint is stronger than the sheet itself, I have discovered by accident). I have a case (for a Caldercraft Sir Kay) that I made exclusively from 4mm sheet because of its size, but this is significantly over-engineered (and heavy) so I now use the 4mm sheet for the case ends only, with 2mm sheet for the sides and top. The 4mm pieces make gluing easier and stronger, but the 2mm sheet top and sides keeps both weight and cost down, and is more than strong enough on the 4mm end pieces. I used to cut and sand (and sand, and sand, and sand) the sheets by handsaw, but that really didn't work. I now have a small portable table saw that, with a fine finish blade, makes the edges essentially perfectly (minimal sanding to deburr the cut only)
The glues have to be ordered on-line, not stocked at hardware stores because they are quite volatile and toxic, and take a bit of practice using, with very fast setting times making long joins with the gell not much fun, and the very runny liquid adhesive going to run everywhere unless used very carefully with the pieces clamped such that any runs drop off and not down a big clear sheet instead (although the runs do polish off if left alone until dry)
Here are some photos of the cases on the Billings St Canute and my as yet unfinished 1:350th Liberty ship (both r/c and fully seaworthy), and of the adhesive cements.
[{"id":"176063740185","name":"176063740185","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063740185\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063740185\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176063742558","name":"176063742558","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063742558\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063742558\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176063744743","name":"176063744743","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063744743\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063744743\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176063746799","name":"176063746799","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063746799\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176063746799\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
I've been reading this post with interest, describing the processes I've fiddled with myself over the years. I think I have the cases under control finally now though. I make mine from acrylic sheet (not Plexiglas) and a special acrylic glue that really works extraordinarily well (a well-glued joint is stronger than the sheet itself, I have discovered by accident). I have a case (for a Caldercraft Sir Kay) that I made exclusively from 4mm sheet because of its size, but this is significantly over-engineered (and heavy) so I now use the 4mm sheet for the case ends only, with 2mm sheet for the sides and top. The 4mm pieces make gluing easier and stronger, but the 2mm sheet top and sides keeps both weight and cost down, and is more than strong enough on the 4mm end pieces. I used to cut and sand (and sand, and sand, and sand) the sheets by handsaw, but that really didn't work. I now have a small portable table saw that, with a fine finish blade, makes the edges essentially perfectly (minimal sanding to deburr the cut only)
The glues have to be ordered on-line, not stocked at hardware stores because they are quite volatile and toxic, and take a bit of practice using, with very fast setting times making long joins with the gell not much fun, and the very runny liquid adhesive going to run everywhere unless used very carefully with the pieces clamped such that any runs drop off and not down a big clear sheet instead (although the runs do polish off if left alone until dry)
Here are some photos of the cases on the Billings St Canute and my as yet unfinished 1:350th Liberty ship (both r/c and fully seaworthy), and of the adhesive cements.
I agree, Jock. If I were to glue the sheets directly, I'd forgo the 45-degree cut and instead make it orthogonal just to have it lasered.
The corners of the parallelepiped might not look as nice as with the 45-degree joint, but they'll adhere well because they're lasered.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
I agree, Jock. If I were to glue the sheets directly, I'd forgo the 45-degree cut and instead make it orthogonal just to have it lasered.
The corners of the parallelepiped might not look as nice as with the 45-degree joint, but they'll adhere well because they're lasered.
Thank you Alessandro. The perfect fit of the joints is critical and with no experience and proper machines/tools may be difficult to achieve.
Oh, okay, Jock, I didn't understand the question, sorry.
Now I do.
The specialized companies I contacted make display cases only with transparent sheets (PMMA or polycarbonate) without the need for a frame. Only one used a frame, but not a wooden one.
So let's say that display cases made entirely of PMMA (or similar) are the norm.
I must say, however, that the dimensions of my display case (especially the height) are a bit on the edge; in fact, someone said they could make it, but with a thickness of 5 mm instead of 4 mm.
When I asked for information about this on this same forum, they confirmed that it was possible.
I can tell you that the specific glues on the market guarantee a firm hold even over time; the problem is creating surfaces that fit together perfectly.
I hope I answered your question correctly this time, Jock.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Oh, okay, Jock, I didn't understand the question, sorry.
Now I do.
The specialized companies I contacted make display cases only with transparent sheets (PMMA or polycarbonate) without the need for a frame. Only one used a frame, but not a wooden one.
So let's say that display cases made entirely of PMMA (or similar) are the norm.
I must say, however, that the dimensions of my display case (especially the height) are a bit on the edge; in fact, someone said they could make it, but with a thickness of 5 mm instead of 4 mm.
When I asked for information about this on this same forum, they confirmed that it was possible.
I can tell you that the specific glues on the market guarantee a firm hold even over time; the problem is creating surfaces that fit together perfectly.
I hope I answered your question correctly this time, Jock.
As far as the glueing part is concerned, I was wondering if the case would be strong enough without the wood frame (as in the example of an aquarium) and what your research concluded.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
As far as the glueing part is concerned, I was wondering if the case would be strong enough without the wood frame (as in the example of an aquarium) and what your research concluded.
I think so, Jock (but I hope I understand the question).
It depends on the size of the display case. In my case, the front wall was very tall and long, subject to a lot of flexing.
Without silicone (or other suitable glue) holding the wooden frame to the Lexan sheets, only the wooden frame will hold the structure together.
In my opinion, this is insufficient for these dimensions and with such thin boards (the grooves are shallow).
If someone thinks the display case should never be moved, then my whole point may seem superfluous. I assume the worst and believe the display case should also withstand movement (for cleaning, moving, etc.), even if limited or rare.
In this case (without glue), the stresses will only apply to the joints between the wooden boards.
If, however, there is glue in the grooves between the transparent sheets and the wooden boards, the display case becomes a single unit.
But, just out of curiosity, would you prefer not to use glue and just fit them into the grooves?
Are you already thinking about a display case for your tanker model?
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
I think so, Jock (but I hope I understand the question).
It depends on the size of the display case. In my case, the front wall was very tall and long, subject to a lot of flexing.
Without silicone (or other suitable glue) holding the wooden frame to the Lexan sheets, only the wooden frame will hold the structure together.
In my opinion, this is insufficient for these dimensions and with such thin boards (the grooves are shallow).
If someone thinks the display case should never be moved, then my whole point may seem superfluous. I assume the worst and believe the display case should also withstand movement (for cleaning, moving, etc.), even if limited or rare.
In this case (without glue), the stresses will only apply to the joints between the wooden boards.
If, however, there is glue in the grooves between the transparent sheets and the wooden boards, the display case becomes a single unit.
But, just out of curiosity, would you prefer not to use glue and just fit them into the grooves?
Are you already thinking about a display case for your tanker model?
Aquariums are glued with (I think) a silicone based component and considering the pressure a sizeable tank will hold, it should suffice for holding the joints by itself. Part from covering uneven cuts, would still be necessary for the wood frame?
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Aquariums are glued with (I think) a silicone based component and considering the pressure a sizeable tank will hold, it should suffice for holding the joints by itself. Part from covering uneven cuts, would still be necessary for the wood frame?
...now that I remember it had much better characteristics than Plexiglas, at least that's what I found written when I was researching the suitable material.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
...now that I remember it had much better characteristics than Plexiglas, at least that's what I found written when I was researching the suitable material.
Good evening everyone, before posting photos of the work, I need to make a correction.
The sheets are made of Lexan, a polycarbonate, not PMMA.
I carefully reviewed the various market research studies and, finally, the order.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Good evening everyone, before posting photos of the work, I need to make a correction.
The sheets are made of Lexan, a polycarbonate, not PMMA.
I carefully reviewed the various market research studies and, finally, the order.
Hi Jock.
Yes, the frame is made of Samba wood (20 x 20 mm boards).
To join the wood, I used PVA glue with reinforcing pins.
The PMMA sheets are 4 mm thick; they are held together by grooves (as you can see in the photos and videos).
I put silicone in the grooves to glue the PMMA and wood (though I'm not sure if that was the best choice).
I didn't cut the PMMA myself; I ordered it directly with the measurements I needed, and I picked up the sheets ready-made.
I'll post photos of the construction as soon as I can.
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
Hi Jock.
Yes, the frame is made of Samba wood (20 x 20 mm boards).
To join the wood, I used PVA glue with reinforcing pins.
The PMMA sheets are 4 mm thick; they are held together by grooves (as you can see in the photos and videos).
I put silicone in the grooves to glue the PMMA and wood (though I'm not sure if that was the best choice).
I didn't cut the PMMA myself; I ordered it directly with the measurements I needed, and I picked up the sheets ready-made.
I'll post photos of the construction as soon as I can.
I am faced with the same task but from what I understand in your description, the PMMA is joined by the wooden frame. How will you secure the PMMA to the wooden frame? How thick is the PMMA? How do you cut the PMMA? Circular Table saw? What kind of saw blade and what challenges did you encounter to achieve a 100% true 90degree on the corners?😊
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
I am faced with the same task but from what I understand in your description, the PMMA is joined by the wooden frame. How will you secure the PMMA to the wooden frame? How thick is the PMMA? How do you cut the PMMA? Circular Table saw? What kind of saw blade and what challenges did you encounter to achieve a 100% true 90degree on the corners?😊
BUILDING A SCALE MODEL SHIP DISPLAY CASE
Good morning everyone, while I was trying to complete the ship model, I also built the display case for its static display.
In this post, I'll show you the details of the drawing used to cut and mill (create the grooves for the polymethyl methacrylate sheets) the wooden strips and cut the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is known by the trade name Plexiglas; for simplicity, I'll just call it PMMA.
First, I considered whether it would be better to buy it pre-made (which I would have preferred) or build it myself.
I can say that it was cheaper to build it myself, but it took a lot of time.
Before designing the display case, I spent a lot of time deciding how to make it and what material to use.
I discarded the idea of making the display case exclusively out of PMMA for several reasons.
The main reason I didn't make the display case out of PMMA was that I had no guarantee of the accuracy of the cut.
No one guaranteed me a 45-degree cut with a laser. Everyone told me that laser cutting was only possible orthogonally. In that case, I didn't like how the corners would turn out (that was my thinking back then; today I would have settled for that).
A 45-degree cut was possible, but not with a laser.
The result seemed less clean, with a cut surface that wasn't perfectly smooth.
I estimated (perhaps incorrectly) that I would have to sand a lot, and the gluing wouldn't be perfect.
Among the display cases with frames, I considered various methods and materials, ultimately choosing a wooden structure.
Regarding the choice of wood and dimensions, I unfortunately realized how limited the choice is these days. I don't know about abroad, but here in Italy it's like that.
When I was a boy, there were specialty shops with countless varieties of wood of all sizes. They no longer exist.
The initial idea of drawing first and then buying the pieces failed.
I first had to see what was available and then design based on that.
In the end, I chose 20 x 20 mm Ayous (Samba) wood planks (square-based prisms).
I don't regret choosing this type of wood at all. On the contrary.
It's a compact but very light wood (the lightest I know after balsa), and it's very cheap.
From the 3D drawing, I was able to extract several PDFs to work on the individual pieces.
Furthermore, from the 3D drawing, I was able to calculate the dimensions of the PMMA sheets, considering the distance between the grooves minus about 2 mm of tolerance and for the glue.
In the images and video, the blue parts are the wooden ones, while the green ones are the PMMA ones.
[{"id":"176038291871","name":"176038291871","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038291871\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038291871\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038292077","name":"176038292077","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292077\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292077\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038291852","name":"176038291852","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038291852\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038291852\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038292137","name":"176038292137","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292137\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292137\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038292132","name":"176038292132","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292132\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038292132\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038434228","name":"176038434228","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038434228\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038434228\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038434862","name":"176038434862","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038434862\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038434862\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038436493","name":"176038436493","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038436493\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038436493\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176038436717","name":"176038436717","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038436717\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/176038436717\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
CONSTRUCTION OF A CASE FOR DISPLAYING A SCALE MODEL SHIP
BUILDING A SCALE MODEL SHIP DISPLAY CASE
Good morning everyone, while I was trying to complete the ship model, I also built the display case for its static display.
In this post, I'll show you the details of the drawing used to cut and mill (create the grooves for the polymethyl methacrylate sheets) the wooden strips and cut the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is known by the trade name Plexiglas; for simplicity, I'll just call it PMMA.
First, I considered whether it would be better to buy it pre-made (which I would have preferred) or build it myself.
I can say that it was cheaper to build it myself, but it took a lot of time.
Before designing the display case, I spent a lot of time deciding how to make it and what material to use.
I discarded the idea of making the display case exclusively out of PMMA for several reasons.
The main reason I didn't make the display case out of PMMA was that I had no guarantee of the accuracy of the cut.
No one guaranteed me a 45-degree cut with a laser. Everyone told me that laser cutting was only possible orthogonally. In that case, I didn't like how the corners would turn out (that was my thinking back then; today I would have settled for that).
A 45-degree cut was possible, but not with a laser.
The result seemed less clean, with a cut surface that wasn't perfectly smooth.
I estimated (perhaps incorrectly) that I would have to sand a lot, and the gluing wouldn't be perfect.
Among the display cases with frames, I considered various methods and materials, ultimately choosing a wooden structure.
Regarding the choice of wood and dimensions, I unfortunately realized how limited the choice is these days. I don't know about abroad, but here in Italy it's like that.
When I was a boy, there were specialty shops with countless varieties of wood of all sizes. They no longer exist.
The initial idea of drawing first and then buying the pieces failed.
I first had to see what was available and then design based on that.
In the end, I chose 20 x 20 mm Ayous (Samba) wood planks (square-based prisms).
I don't regret choosing this type of wood at all. On the contrary.
It's a compact but very light wood (the lightest I know after balsa), and it's very cheap.
From the 3D drawing, I was able to extract several PDFs to work on the individual pieces.
Furthermore, from the 3D drawing, I was able to calculate the dimensions of the PMMA sheets, considering the distance between the grooves minus about 2 mm of tolerance and for the glue.
In the images and video, the blue parts are the wooden ones, while the green ones are the PMMA ones.
