How to pack a model for transport?

I need to give 2 models to a friend to take them to a competition. He'll use the bus. I've seen a lot of different approaches, but i need a method that works for rigged biplanes.

Cheers,
Misa

[Sören]

I use a construction made of styrofoam. I glue three or more blocks on a base plate. They should fix the wings and the fuselage. Then I put toothpicks through. I loop rubber bands around the toothpick. These should hold the model in place. Ok, it´s a little bit difficult to pull the rubber bands through the rigging. But if You place the styrofoam block far enough outside the struts the rigging is not in the way.
To glue the styrofoam I use white glue.

[JohnReid]

sounds good! next time you pack one please take some pics.

[maxfinn]

I don't know what it's called in Europe, but it's generally 5mm thick, with shiny paper on both sides sandwiching an lightweight foam. I measure the model, allowing for plenty of space all around it, and glue the box up with hot glue and reinforce the joins with clear packing tape.

I support the model with blocks of foam rubber so that the landing gear is off the bottom of the box. The lid of the box has a block of foam rubber that will contact the top of the model, sandwiching it in place in the box. On a biplane I'll generally have foam blocks top and bottom around the fuselage aft of the wings to tightly sandwich the model, with blocks under and over the wings that just fit snug so the struts aren't stressed.

When I built a box for my Roden DH-2, there wasn't much that was rigid enough to support the model, so I cut hard supports from foamcore board under each lower wing, covered those with foam rubber, and use soft elastic hair bands hooked over toothpicks and threaded through the wing rigging to hold the model in place.

I've traveled to countless shows by car and never had a mishap with this method, and have traveled by air, carrying the models on board the aircraft in clear plastic storage boxes rigged the same general way, and have never had a mishap that way.

If I can, I'll try to take a few pictures this afternoon and post them here.

Mike

[albatros1234]

ive seen many ways. one guy i know uses foam and uses long "T" pins to secure the plane from moving. i had a recent idea i dont know how well it would work cuz i havent tried it yet. i was gonna take a shoe box and get some of that spray can insulation foam and fill the box a few inches deep then cut indentations for the landing gear and any other shape that protrudes down so that the plane will sit down into it. maybe even cut deep enough to acc the lower wing. its just an idea i want to try.

[SkippedOnce]

Successfully used on a couple of international moves; put the model in a ziplock plastic bag and before sealing the bag remove most of the air. Place the bagged model in a box on a bed of foam beanies or similar, fill up the box with more beanies and seal it closed.

Thanks guys! When i make this "transport jig", i'll take a picture and post it here.

Cheers,
Misa

[JohnReid]

Great idea Misa !

[sean69]

Originally Posted by misa2

I need to give 2 models to a friend to take them to a competition. He'll use the bus. I've seen a lot of different approaches, but i need a method that works for rigged biplanes.

Cheers,
Misa

I saw tbell's method at a show recently, shored everything up with foam, but transported them upside down so all the stress is on the top wing and rudder.... not on the undercarriage

-sean

[crankcase]

For what it's worth, I have put planes in cardboard boxes filled with cotton. They are effectively suspended in softness and survive transport well.
marc