Question
Some years ago, a friend gave me quite a few plane and ship models that he built--I believe all are plastic. These are exquisitely done and quite intricate. Many of the parts are no thicker than a hair!
How the heck could I package these so that they wouldn't suffer damage? Or should I not even attempt to sell them on eBay and maybe just take them to a model show?
Thanks for any advice!!
Answer
Without seeing a pic... doesn't seem like it would be too difficult.
I would think you'd need a really soft but supportive material like the tiny bits of shredding-machine paper. Bags of shredded junk mail, letters and envelopes are handy to keep around for this sort of thing.
The little bits of paper would be a pain to pick out of the item...so maybe you can add a layer of very loose saran wrap around the model.
Pick a mailing box deep enought to have 8" or 9" of depth PLUS the model thickness, and 3" or 4" around the sides of the model.
Line the box sides and bottom with 1" styrofoam (make it tight fitting).
Add 4" layer of machine shredded paper, lay in the model, then add a 4" layer of shredded paper.
Then add the 1" styro top so that it is snug and flush with the top of the box.
Be careful not to put too much pressure on the model at this point. Snug but not overstuffed.
Answer
Thanks, E! I'll try to post some pics later. I'm not sure I could actually have anything at all touching some of them without breaking the ultra-fine plastic filaments.
Answer
How about "pickup only"?
Answer
I ran into the same problem some time ago trying to ship baskets with dried arrangements (breakable foliage).
That white tissue paper (that you get at stores when you buy clothes in a box) can be shaped easily. I crumpled it lightly and tucked it into the large spaces for support, and then put the whole thing in a polybag (a kitchen trash bag will work if they are large). It protected the fronds nicely. Then a large box and packing peanuts.
How big are these models?
Answer
They're various sizes, but none are huge. I'm heading out to the dentist, but will take some photos either this afternoon (depending on when the plumber gets here) or tomorrow afternoon.
Answer
Maybe I can help. I have shipped delicate model cars to be displayed at shows. One of the ways we wrap them is to wrap them loosely in toilet paper and to keep going until you use a whole roll. The model is then a virtual mummy. Identify the start point so the person receiving the model knows where to start unraveling.
Once the model is wrapped, it can be placed inside a box full of peanuts. The bigger box the better, with the model in the middle, with peanuts on all sides.