Preparing, Packing And Storing Your Model Cars, Trucks And Planes
Posted on: 8 February 2016
Building and collecting model cars, trucks and planes is something a lot of people enjoy. When these collections outgrow the space you have to store them, you have the option of packing some of them up and putting them in storage. When done properly, the models that you have spent hours completing can be stored for several years with little concern of damage occurring.
Take Inventory
Creating a digital inventory will help you in two ways – it will help you keep your collection organized, and you will be able to look back on what you have made over the years.
Take pictures of each model you are putting away. Create a spreadsheet including the picture, the date you started and completed the model, name of the model and an inventory number.
The inventory number will be placed on the outside of the storage boxes so that you can find the model you want quickly and easily after you have it in storage.
Prepare the Models for Storage
Get a can of compressed air and blow the dust out of each of the models before you touch them with any moisture. Chances are, a lot of the dirt will come off with a puff of air, but if you add moisture to the dust, you will have little choice but to clean each one with cotton swabs and damp cloths.
Note: Remember that chemicals can cause damage to your models. Don't use anything other than water to wipe them clean. If you have to use water to clean them, set them out in a well-ventilated area to allow them to dry before proceeding with the packing process.
When packing the models, you want to do so in a way that will keep them from shifting around in boxes and bumping against each other. Larger models, like airplanes, may need to be disassembled to ensure that they aren't damaged and to make them easier to pack up.
Wrap each model with acid-free tissue paper to protect them from dust. For the best results, find small boxes that allow you to pack each model up individually. Then, after you put the model in the box, you can write the inventory number on it and display that side of the box while it is in storage so that you can quickly find the one you are searching for.
If you plan to use a large box to store multiple models, use cardboard to create dividers to keep the models from bumping into each other. Place a large piece of cardboard on top of those dividers to create another layer of models on top of the first. On the outside of the box, include the inventory numbers of each model inside the box.
Choose the Best Storage Unit
Storage units come in various sizes and can be climate-controlled. Climate-controlled storage will provide the best protection for your models while they are stored through the changing seasons. The climate-controlled setting will not expose the models to extreme heat, bitter cold or high levels of humidity that could cause the models to be destroyed while being stored.
When placing the boxes in the storage unit, don't put them directly on the ground. Instead, use a pallet or shelves to keep them off of the concrete surface. Even though the storage unit is protected from the outside elements, moisture can wick up through the concrete and the cardboard boxes can absorb that moisture and damage the models stored inside.
This process may take a bit of time, but it is well worth it when you consider what could happen if you didn't take the time to clean, pack and store your models properly.
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