Display case?

[slant6]

My dad gave an old Fiat X-19, 1:20 scale model that he would like me to build and give back to him. He had one when I was born and was in a horrible accident in it ( he doesn't even remember it), but still talks about that car, so Id like to do it up like his in as much detail as I'm capable of and give it back to him for Christmas. Id like to also make a really nice display case for it. I grabbed a TV base from work, we do home theater and hang most of the TV's on the wall, so the bases go in the trash. It it really nice, smooth, shiny black plastic and I figured it would make a nice base. What I'm wondering is if there is somewhere I can get a custom made clear cover for it or how to make it myself, and what to use? I was thinking curved from the top front to bottom and flat on the sides, raise the car up a little and put a mirror under it, maybe a couple lights. I think I can do most of it myself, but I'm not sure I can do the clear pieces. Any Ideas? Or anyone who does it, on here, I'm happy to pay for it.

[mikemodeler]

Depending on your skills and time, you might be able to build the clear display case yourself. Stop by the home center and see what they have available in clear plexiglass. Figure out a design and see if you are up to the task of building it yourself.

OR...............

Go to a craft store and see what they have available that will allow that 1/20 scale to be displayed. Michaels and Hobby Lobby have display cases throughout the store, not just in the model aisle. They might have something that will accomodate the larger scale model and save you the time and hassle of custom building a display case.

Should be a nice Christmas gift for your Dad and I am sure he will treasure it!

[crazyjim]

Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, etc. all carry clear plexiglas. Measure what you'll need and cut to size. Use clear silicone caulk on the inside of all seams. Works for me. The larger the sheet size the cheaper per square foot.

Cut the sides so they just fit over the edge of your base. The top would then be slightly larger then the base - an 1/8" all the way around. It also helps to have a plexiglass cutter which is actually a scoring knife.

Worst case, check out Carney Plastics. They make some wonderful cases.

[ewaskew]

If you go with the case from the store. You can tape the top side of the base and paint the bottom side with flat black

and it will have a gloss black glass look when you pull the tape off after you coat it solid.

Like a black mirror

God Bless

[slant6]

I think I'm gonna try to build it myself first, if it doesn't come out right, Ill go the pre-made route. We used to have a "tool" for bending plastics at work, but it left with a former employee. Anyone have any suggestions for that?

[crazyjim]

Find something the shape you want to bend to and heat the plexiglass very carefully. I've tried it and gave up. Much easier to make angles.