Since we all spend considerable amounts of money on our precious models, I got to thinking - how can we make them last as long as possible?
I am not one to "play" with them - they stay on their stands and are appreciated for their beauty. Dusted once a week and cared for.
I know we are to keep our models out of direct sunlight but that got me thinking. Are there other tips/tricks that we should all know of?
For example, if we were to place our models in a display case which included a light. Could that light alter the colour of the model over time? If the area where they are kept is occasionaly unconditioned (meaning no a/c) does this pose a risk? I mean it is summer and it is nice to have the windows open once in a while! But can humidity cause damage?
So please feel free to share any suggestions or comments on keeping our purchases safe so we can enjoy them for many more years to come!
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I don't 'play' with mine either. They are to be looked at and admired with the eyes. I use an unused makeup brush to gently dust my models. The bristles are super soft so they pose no threat to the model while dusting, although I do take extra care around the finer detailed parts. I also try to avoid spraying aerosols around them. Deodorants to air fresheners, colognes atc. When these things are sprayed I notice the tiny 'particles' flying around, I'm not sure what damage (if any) they might cause to the models if they were to land upon them and dry. As for humidity, I try to keep the room as ventilated as possible. I just simply open the window to keep the room cool.
I admit to taking a couple flights around the living room when I first get my models, but otherwise the majority of them are pack in their boxes. I keep the boxes inside the house and not out in the storage closet or garage. While the weather in So Calif. is mild, I feel better keeping them stored indoors. The few I do have on display are away from sunlight and get dusted (more or less) regularly.
I don't 'play' with mine either. They are to be looked at and admired with the eyes. I use an unused makeup brush to gently dust my models. The bristles are super soft so they pose no threat to the model while dusting, although I do take extra care around the finer detailed parts. I also try to avoid spraying aerosols around them. Deodorants to air fresheners, colognes atc. When these things are sprayed I notice the tiny 'particles' flying around, I'm not sure what damage (if any) they might cause to the models if they were to land upon them and dry. As for humidity, I try to keep the room as ventilated as possible. I just simply open the window to keep the room cool.
It's always nice to hear how people take care of their models! I think the makeup brush is genius! I will have to try that - thanks for the tip
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Originally Posted by AirCal
I admit to taking a couple flights around the living room when I first get my models, but otherwise the majority of them are pack in their boxes. I keep the boxes inside the house and not out in the storage closet or garage. While the weather in So Calif. is mild, I feel better keeping them stored indoors. The few I do have on display are away from sunlight and get dusted (more or less) regularly.
HAHA the flights around the living room made me laugh! Too bad you don't have them all out on display - lack of space I presume?
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Also use the make up brush and white gloves when i brush them off. Try to be carefull but one never knows how the models look after twenty years. I collect model planes since 2007 so don't know. Do own model trains of wich the oldest is some 32 years old, and they are still in very good condition!
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Also use the make up brush and white gloves when i brush them off. Try to be carefull but one never knows how the models look after twenty years. I collect model planes since 2007 so don't know. Do own model trains of wich the oldest is some 32 years old, and they are still in very good condition!
This is very true! Hopefully they were built to last (if treated/cared for properly). Wowza - I would be thrilled if my models lasted that long or even longer. Fingers crossed!
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Realistically my models only have to last another 30 years or so since I can't take them with me (they would melt). They just sit on the shelves and I dust them with a lens brush so once in a while.
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So no one has noticed any altered colours having them in a display cabinet with a light on them?
Interesting to see the different kinds of brushes people use. I use a swifter duster that is very soft and I am interested in trying a smaller brush to get into the hard to reach areas!
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I to use a make up brush for the 100 scale models not in cabinets. All the 400 scale models are in custom plexi display cabinets,no dust. When I need to handle them (I will likely get heckled for this) I wear white cotton gloves. I don't want any finger oil on the surface. The debate rages on if that is taking over the top care of my models or OCD? (not making fun of OCD,as I have it. Medication helps.)
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Realistically my models only have to last another 30 years or so since I can't take them with me (they would melt).
You win.
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I use a small paint brush from a hobby store to dust and from time to time will take a damp paper towel with just water and immediately dry for dusting as well. Just be careful around antennas. I also have an air canister (like the ones for keyboards).
Yup, dust can be really annoying, if you also built plastic kits or collect Diecast cars then you know what I'm talking about... the dust get everywhere and once it sticks to your built plastic models, it's very hard to get off and on the Diecast cars if you wipe with a dust cloth it leaves small scratches on the surface of the paint & the clear plastic...
I just lock them in a 'special' room with no A/C or fans, no ventilation because it blows the dust everywhere and I only enter the room with biohazard suits that has oxygen mask for normal breathing and I see it sure helps against the dust problem!!
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Thanks for the tip about using a make-up brush for dusting. I am definitely going to get one the soonest. I use swifter to dust but I have to be careful with models with the antennas that I put in myself as they are only glued with Elmers glue so as not to "burn" the finish if I make a mistake. About displaying problems, indirect lighting won't harm them. A friend of mind who works for a museum in the art gallery told me this (camera flash do if used frequently). The only problem I had was when 4 of my Hogan BA Concorde's landing gears (2 on each bogies) just "disintegrated". I don't know what caused it. Now I am wary about buying Hogan (die cast) models. Still trying to save the model and looking for spare tires out there.
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I just lock them in a 'special' room with no A/C or fans, no ventilation because it blows the dust everywhere and I only enter the room with biohazard suits that has oxygen mask for normal breathing and I see it sure helps against the dust problem!! [/QUOTE]
Quarantine/Restricted room with heavy armed forces to avoid any unauthorised entry should also be added as well. Good on You mate.
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The board should have a "sound off" contest. Let's see who can copy-cat the music of our models!!
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