Putting unfamiliar models into well designed containers is difficult

The purpose of packaging is to protect models during transit and storage; it should be volume efficient, quick and easy to pack, of adequate strength and minimal weight.

What size? A box the size of each model results in different size boxes that are difficult to arrange in a car. It is therefore argueably better to pack several models together.

The first stage is to group enough models of similar height to cover the base, and make the box just deep enough to accommodate them.

Materials for construction are readily available, low cost and strong enough to protect the models, yet can be light. The greatest strength requirement is to prevent distortion when stacked and with objects placed on top. This means rigid ends, which can be made from half inch wood or similar thickness MDF .

A single piece of thick corrugated cardboard for the remainder of the container is useful, together with the lid.

Supermarket vegetable boxes are a suitable source, with smaller pieces glued together with joins running between the wooden ends. The cardboard is glued to three edges of the ends, first the front, followed by base and then rear. The cardboard is folded to act as a lid hinge. Finally another fold makes a flap of 2 inches to overlap the front. Staples or small nails are used to hold the cardboard in place until the glue sets.

Finally, a small piece of Velcro at each end of the flap, with corresponding positions on the front, is fitted to close the box.

It is then necessary to decide upon the position of models inside the box, using space saving ideas, such as shafts underneath adjacent models. Small blocks of dense foam may be glued to the bottom of the box with cavities made in them using a soldering iron to retain the models by their wheels and shaft ends,.

These boxes are cheap to make and function very well with frequent usage,

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