HELP! HOW DO I MOVE MY MODELS?

[DFGINMIA]

If you're models are primarily of steamships, that makes it a bit easier. There's less to break and they are more compact in shape. Still, I would opt for tying them down firmly as I described rather than trying to "pack" them with any sort of material that is in contact with the model itself. More damage can be done to fine detail parts by contact with the packing material than anything else. The professionals first secure the model inside its case, then they secure the case inside a custom packing crate. You may have less to worry about if your cases are made of plexiglass, and if you are driving them yourself and, importantly, loading and unloading them yourself, you may get away without packing crates. Lots of mover's "blankets" may suffice. If glass, though, A plywood packing crate is required to prevent breakage for long-haul commercial trips. Since you've moved them before without a problem, it seems like it's only a matter of how much more work, rather than any change in procedure.

I'm happy to say that I was able to move all the models with only very minor damage. I followed everyone's advice and did not put peanuts or other lose packing material in the boxes. Instead, I used very soft foam at the bow, stern and midship section of each model to wedge them against the plexiglass so they wouldn't move. I then used tie straps around the cases to hold them in place. Finally, I shipped the models on their display shelves, with bubble wrap under each base to provide a bit of cushioning. The only thing that happened was that hitting bumps (probably over 100 times over the three days), jarred the models. When I went to unload them, some had shifted on the shelves and one had almost fallen off. But thankfully, I got there just in time and everything was unloaded without damage. Thanks, everyone, for your invaluable insights.

 

[DFGINMIA]

Sounds like a DITY move. I’d do all the boxing, handling and driving myself. For the ships permanently fixed to a base, just build a crate around them. For those not fixed to a base, a piece of open cell foam cut to the dimensions of the crate with a cutout for the hull should suffice. I was able to buy a cheap futon in Japan to harvest all the foam I wanted to move a collection back to the US, but you might be able to source some from a place that does upholstery.

I'm happy to say that I was able to move all the models with only very minor damage. I followed everyone's advice and did not put peanuts or other lose packing material in the boxes. Instead, I used very soft foam at the bow, stern and midship section of each model to wedge them against the plexiglass so they wouldn't move. I then used tie straps around the cases to hold them in place. Finally, I shipped the models on their display shelves, with bubble wrap under each base to provide a bit of cushioning. The only thing that happened was that hitting bumps (probably over 100 times over the three days), jarred the models. When I went to unload them, some had shifted on the shelves and one had almost fallen off. But thankfully, I got there just in time and everything was unloaded without damage. Thanks, everyone, for your invaluable insights.

 

[Namabiiru]

I’ve moved models more times than I care to imagine—usually trans-oceanic—even with hours and hours of care in the preparation, it is always a nail-biting experience waiting to see what the outcome will be. Glad yours was a success.