shipping built models

[noname]

I know some of you have sold and shipped built kits before. I would like to sell a few of my built models but have trouble figuring out how such a fragile thing could be sent far away and stay in one piece. How do you do it?
Thanks

[TRM]

Packing peanuts and a few prayers!! LOL!! Rob will hopefully chime in soon...he is a pro at shipping and might be able to enlighten you a bit more on this!!

[noname]

I was thinking of making a big bowl of jello and shipping a kit in it. That's reasonable isn't it. ;D

[406 Silverado]

good idea fellas.

Ok I have shipped a couple hundred models in the past ten years and have two ways of doing it. The first is the way I used to do it and shipped all over the globe this way.

1.. You can use styrofoam packing. i bought or saved this material when I bought TV's etc. I have large sheets of various thicknesses of styrofoam. What you do is get a box that is 3-6 inches larger than the model , all around. First cut a large piece for the bottom. You can do two layers of this and make a cut out for the model too sit in. Then cut pieces to fill all four sides but not putting too much pressure on the model. You want to box it in. A top piece(s) covers the top of the model.
This way is good for models with very little fragile parts, or a small vignette. But it is not cushioned from shock...and takes time to do...and makes a mess.

2.. The best way, and the way I ship all my models now. Polyfil stuffing. This is material used for stuffing pillows or stuffed animals. You can buy this is different size bags at WalMart, craft stores etc. I will get a pic up later of this stuff. I just shipped my HT using this method.
What you do is get a good size box with lots f room all around the model. Never use a box where the model fits in it with less than three inches all around. This will not cushion shock from being dropped and bounced around.
Take the polyfil and place it at the bottom of the box about three inches high. This should not be stuffed and packed to the bottom. You want it lose, and making a type of nest for the model to rest on.
Next part is very important. With or without a base this is the same. Using clear clinging plastic wrap, the kind for the kitchen to cover food and bowls etc, cut a long piece. Place the model on the center and fold the wrap over the model, loose, not pressing it on. This will cover most of the mode, do the same going over the other sides of the model.
This clear wrap should barely be touching the top and sides of the model. What this does is keeps the polyfil fibers from getting into the model or snagging fragile parts like PE.
Place the model in the nest,and fill the sides and top of the model with the polyfil. Trick is to stuff enough around the model, but not to tight or lose. So when the box is sealed you should be able to shake and turn the box over without the model shifting. The polyfil gives the cushion/ padding against shock and vibration.
When I pack a model I shake the box and turn it over, then from one foot high, I drop it on the table. this is how I test the packaging before shipping.

Well this is a bit long and prob not as much info as you wanted, but maybe it will help others.
oh yeah, the polyfil method is perfect for transporting models long distance to shows.

[noname]

Thanks Rob. I was wondering about taking a block of styrofoam and cutting out the shape of a model to fit into. Then you would still need something else, loose the whole way around.

I was thinking mirrors a antennas would be a problem.

I'd like to see a pic. of the polyfil.

Do you sell on Ebay?

[406 Silverado]

Boo it's not as bad shipping as long as you do it right.

yes I do sell on ebay, that's how I get rid of my models....LOL. I also do/did comm models for collectors, and I've sold models at shows as well. The later requires no packing and shipping.

Will try to get a pic up today of the Polyfil

[406 Silverado]

Sorry for the very late pics.

Here is what I use, pillow stuffing.

[eastrock]

Rob, Using clear clinging plastic wrap doesn't damage the model? sometimes it sticks on the model that may remove some small parts or paint perhaps, due to the static of the plastic itself?

[406 Silverado]

ER, the wrap should not be tight on it, loosely only.There should be plenty of room and air around the model. This is meant too keep the poly fibers from snagging small fragile parts. So far I haven't had any complaints about the wrap sticking to the model.

[noname]

Thanks for that Rob.

[wbill76]

Would never have thought of using polyfill for shipping Rob but makes perfect sense. About how much does a 16 oz bag run you and do you use 1 bag per shipment?