moving your models

[bpatt]

OK I read that a few people on this forum have moved around recently. Apparently my turn will be soon. Can I ask for some opinions on how to best pack big rigs for a move, so they have as little damage as possible. Past experience says be prepared for damages of mirrors, stacks,bumpers, and flaps for example. Anybody have wisdom on how to beat that.

Thanks
Brian

[sourkraut]

I was faced with the same problem when I was approached to sell my Mack DM. How do you ship an item like this? I offered to hand deliver it on a business trip, but now the buyer has apparently evaporated so the issue is moot. As for my solutions, the first idea was to fabricate a base from rigid foam with pockets for the wheels and use wire ties and cardboard strips to fasten the tires to the foam (like the kids toys that you need an extraction team to get open). I think the best solution would be something similar and transport the models in your own vehicle, with the foam mounted firmly in boxes so nothing else can come close to them.
Good luck on your move!

[Bri]

I have moved several times over the years and on those occasions I used to curse my models everytime I had to pack them. Model cars are obviously a heck of alot easier to move around than big rigs and planes. The styrofoam trick is what I have used with the best luck when it comes to moving trucks though. I make depressions for the tires in the foam and set the model into those recesses. I then use fishing line and a sewing needel and literally sew my trucks in place by looping the fishing line over the rear axles and front axle and tying it off on the bottom of the styrofoam. This keeps the truck held firmly in place and is easy to remove by simply using sidecutters or scissors to cut the line at the knot on the bottom. Just make sure you don't pull the fishing too tight when securing your truck or you might break the axles loose from the fram and then you'll have a fine mess on your hands.
On a sidenote when it comes to using styrofoam, DO NOT use the foam peanuts to pack your models, EVER!!!! I used to use them for the Nascar kits I sold and I had a customer return 3 cars to me after the foam peantus reacted chemically with the paint on the models. All 3 cars were ruined and I had to redo them at no cost. Styrofoam peanuts can react to model paint, which in turn, will react to the plastic underneath. Be sure you do not put those foam peanuts in a box without your model being isolated completely. Probably the best way is to put the peanuts in a zip lock freezer bad so it's an air tight seal. that will eliminate any chance of a chemical breakdown.
Just what I've learned after a 12 year stint in the Air Force moving all over the globe. Hope these pointers help you out.

[roadwarrior]

I have moved several times in the past 24 years because of my time in the military. I use the same method when transporting models to model car/truck shows etc.
Depending on how big your collection is will depend on how much you will need. When it come to the time and cost to build it is worth the money spent.
I use toilet paper, the good soft kind. Use the white for fear of the color paper having a reaction to paint. When rapping don't do it tight to the model slightly loose is best. After a good thick wrap I then place in box that is padded with towels and since you are moving your sure to have plenty of those.
If you have items that detach like hoods and the like wrap them seperately.
I have always pack my own models when shipping through moving companies too and have never had anything broken. Small items may come off but that is expected i.e. mirrors, horn, running light etc. but nothing ever damaged.

[bpatt]

Thanks for the input. Finally a use for that styrofoam thats lying around. The wife is a crafter, and I build models, seems like you always look twice before throwing something out. I'll set them in a bed of foam and we'll pack em up. The wife worked awile as a packer for movers and they hated her china barrels,you could hip check them and they wouldn't move. Never had a broken plate.

thanks

[longhaul]

bpatt
From what you said about your wife having been a packer for a moving company, and them hating her china barrels
and them not moving. Just a suggestion but I think I would pay her to pack your models, lol. Sounds like she has the experience.

Jeff ;D ;D ;D

[78KW]

I would say to start by disassembling the most delicate parts like mirrors, stacks, and other smaller items that love to break off. Put them in a little sandwich bag in with the container you use. My many moves over the years never involved any of the big van lines. Just a U haul and our family vehicles, so needless to say the models were always in the car by themselves. I have to deal with this often as I am a trucker who takes his trucks with him. When I complete a model, I tie it down to a shelf above the bed(If you drive a KW you know the shelf, it's just above the mattress at each end of the bed). I still have to be sure that the truck's vibration doesn't rattle it to death, but overall, they arrive home safe. If I find a long enough box, the truck goes inside until I get home.

Also, if you have one in progress, store the completed frame(depending on your progress) cab, or whatever larger assemblies you've done in a small, separate box, and not the kit box with all the parts trees to beat up your thus far completed model. Good luck. Hopefully your new home has more display and work space.

[bpatt]

Just a quick note to let you guys know it is posible. Wife packed up everything for the move as it came off the shelf. Out of a dozen complete model trucks only parts off at the unpack were a bumper c/w flaps, 2 antennas, 2 tank steps, 1 exhaust. Could not belieive it could be done. Only special treatment was marked as topload boxes, handed to the mover and away they went. Cannot ever underestimate the wives again.

Brian

[78KW]

Apr 26, 2008 8:44:02 GMT -5 bpatt said:

Just a quick note to let you guys know it is posible. Wife packed up everything for the move as it came off the shelf. Out of a dozen complete model trucks only parts off at the unpack were a bumper c/w flaps, 2 antennas, 2 tank steps, 1 exhaust. Could not belieive it could be done. Only special treatment was marked as topload boxes, handed to the mover and away they went. Cannot ever underestimate the wives again.

Brian

That is so cool. Glad it went well.