More Display Space

[2002p51]

One of the things that brought a screeching halt to my model building over the past several months was the fact that I had completely run out of display space. Indeed, I've had 7 finished models crowding my work bench because there just was no other place for them.

Well, finally just yesterday I realized that I could relocate a couple of CD racks that I have in the model room and build a new shelf for models. So, after a quick trip to Home Depot and a couple of hours work I now have this:

If my math is even remotely close this thing will hold nearly 8o cars.

The break in the third shelf from the top was necessary for access to a light switch. It was easier and cheaper doing it that way than hiring a professional electrician to move the switch!

It will get a coat of paint today and then it will be ready.

Now, I've never been a cabinet maker and I've never played one on TV but I think it came out pretty good, don't you?

[Harry P.]

How do you deal with dust on open shelving?

[Daddyfink]

Nice job, Tool Man!

[cobraman]

I feel your pain. I have 6 glass cabinets that are now full. My last 7 models have been put back in the box and set up in the pantry. As a matter of fact I am going to pick up a china cabinet today so I can increase my display area. I normally buy gun cabinets and convert them but I found this cabinet on Craigslist for 100 bucks. Looks beautiful. Arizona is a pretty dusty state so having them in a glass cabinet of some sort is the only way to go. Still, dust finds it's way in. Your shelf looks pretty nice but due to dust I could never get away with that.

[tubbs]

How do you deal with dust on open shelving?

no worry's, you just keep all your builds in the "PROJECT" phase. hehe, that looks good. nice job.

[slusher]

I plan on keep buying wall cases until I run out of walls since my shelves are almost full. nice work on the shelf Drew..

[ZTony8]

I don't have much display space so most of my finished models stay in boxes in the basement.I am presently in the midst of a large repacking project to consolidate the built ups into fewer but larger boxes in an attempt to gain some storage space in my shelving units.

Maybe it's time to get rid of my several boxes of old races on VHS tapes.

[rmvw guy]

It looks pretty good to me. My motto has always been, "There is always room for one more."

[2002p51]

How do you deal with dust on open shelving?

Microfiber cloth and two different size makeup brushes.

Actually most of the time I don't. Certain things in life are inevitable, death, taxes, and dust on models. I've learned to not let it ruin my day.

Every once in a while, if the mood strikes me I'll clean a few, here and there, but I don't get too worried about it.

[crazyjim]

Case looks good. Be careful with paint. I've found that tires like to stick to painted shelves.

I have 4 Carney Plastics cases that hold 24 builds each. Builds that have been fortunate enough to place at contest go in individual homemade display cases. Older builds are sold off.

[2002p51]

Case looks good. Be careful with paint. I've found that tires like to stick to painted shelves.

Yea, I know that. Need to wait several days for it to dry hard.

I think I might put some shelf paper down too, that might look okay.

Edited January 22, 2014 by 2002p51

[2002p51]

And here it is after a coat of paint:

[Greg Cullinan]

Looks good Drew.

Nice that it'll hold so many.

And it's always a plus when you do it yourself.

Now you can admire your models and your shelf.

[crazyjim]

You know, Drew, you might think about adding a plexiglass panel to the front to keep out some of the dust.

[2002p51]

You know, Drew, you might think about adding a plexiglass panel to the front to keep out some of the dust.

I thought of that, not so much for dust but to keep a curious cat from the lower shelves, then I priced a piece of plexiglass at Home Depot and immediately dropped that idea!

[cobraman]

Looks great painted white. Is plexiglass really that costly ?

[crazyjim]

I usually get mine at Lowe's in a 36" x 36" sheet for about $20.

[2002p51]

To cover this unit I need a piece 28" x 60". My local Home Depot only has 36" x 72" clear plexiglass priced at $54.00 and then I still have to take it someplace to get it cut to size. Home Depot won't cut it.

I've already spent enough on the lumber for this little project.

[Joker]

The "Insurance" bracket on the left of the project is the bee's knees.

[Kit Basher]

I am a cabinetmaker, tho I've never played one on TV. Looks good to me!

[Harry P.]

Looks good, but I couldn't deal with open shelving. The dust would drive me crazy. All of my models are in glass-front cases.

[2002p51]

The "Insurance" bracket on the left of the project is the bee's knees.

Thanks, there's one on each side and they make this thing rock solid.

[2002p51]

I am a cabinetmaker, tho I've never played one on TV. Looks good to me!

I appreciate that, I'm glad I don't have to depend on my carpentry skills, or lack thereof, for my living!

[charlie8575]

I thought of that, not so much for dust but to keep a curious cat from the lower shelves, then I priced a piece of plexiglass at Home Depot and immediately dropped that idea!

I found the big box stores really stick it to you on Plexi.

Look at clear acrylic- it's less money. Likewise, a local glass shop might have something for you for a very reasonable price.

Also, US Plastics has good prices on sheet goods. Take a look at them.

Cutting is a simple matter of scoring the material with a utility knife and bending.

Charlie Larkin

Edited January 22, 2014 by charlie8575

[Jantrix]

There are local companies that do a lot of plexiglass work. I've been able to find one in every town I've ever lived in within reasonable driving distance. Check your yellow pages and see what is available to you. They can cut it to size and give you a price likely cheaper than a hardware store.