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Other Stuff => Workbench => Tutorials => Topic started by: Andym on 28 December 2024, 11:34:35 AM

Title: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Andym on 28 December 2024, 11:34:35 AM

So I’ve got a new flat and a new hobby room this year. I was looking for a way to display/store all the models I’ve painted in my collection. The Missus came up with the idea of using deep picture frames from Ikea(other well known Swedish flat-pack furniture brands are available! ;))

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-281224112136.jpeg)

I was struggling to find cheap clear acrylic to make the shelves, but then I struck me I could use the plastic ‘glass’ front that comes with it. It just meant the models wouldn’t be dust-free.

The clear acrylic ‘snaps’ when a line is scored deeply across it with a knife. The acrylic is very flimsy so it needed a strip glued at right angles to the shelf to make it sturdy and not droop! It’s just a case of using masking tape and plastic glue to weld the two parts together.

The insert for the frame was then cut to allow how many shelves I want to slide in…….and done. This one still needs a background. I’m going to keep it plain white, but you could use anything.

Cheap and nasty…,

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-281224112158.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-281224112222.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-281224112242.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-281224112303.jpeg)

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Storm Wolf on 28 December 2024, 12:20:45 PM

Top idea I likes it  :D

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: jon_1066 on 28 December 2024, 12:38:34 PM

You can buy 2 mm acrylic sheet for secondary glazing:

eghttps://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/acrylic-sheets/clear/ (https://plasticsheetsshop.co.uk/acrylic-sheets/clear/)

Allows you to keep the front on the frame to keep the dust off.

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: fastolfrus on 28 December 2024, 05:30:18 PM

my first thought when I saw the frame was a diorama case.

back in the 1970s (when I first started gaming) dioramas in picture frames were often in vogue in "Military Modelling" usually with 54mm figures in interesting small vignettes.

but as a straight display case they look great

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Sardoo on 28 December 2024, 10:21:39 PM

What an excellent idea!

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Silent Invader on 28 December 2024, 10:30:11 PM

Nice idea

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Andym on 30 December 2024, 09:25:24 AM

Here it is with a plain white background…

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/64/3946-301224092322.jpeg)

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: traveller on 30 December 2024, 10:13:34 AM

Great idea! I would though use something else for the shelves and keep the front cover. Dust is a fierce opponent!

Title: Re: Cheap Display Cases
Post by: Constable Bertrand on 30 December 2024, 08:14:38 PM

Looks great!

I was eyeing off some old spoon collecting cupboards in the charity shop the other day, they could work too.

Mdf cut in strip's would be beefier for the shelves, or some sign maker offcuts of perspex.