Winter is just around the corner

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Garage storage

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I would like to store my bulky heavy models in the garage this winter….For obvious reasons

I`ve never done this before and would like members comments on the snags and pitfalls I may encounter

The models will be covered with sheets for starters

Having a wood lined room is a good thing

I have a couple of CCTV cameras installed, just in case

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Bob

Is the garage damp?

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Only when it rains!

I thought all garages were damp?

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Not all garages are damp……otherwise the Rolls would rust.

A damp atmosphere will damage your superb models so wrap them in strong plastic (strong bin liners) and keep them off the floor.

Do you suffer from mice or other rodents that might nibble at your boats?

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I would have thought that plastic bags would sweat?

We do have the odd mouse……..What part of the boat, do they like?

I think the Fablon covered cabin can go back upstairs

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Boxes Bob. Its the only way to go. As basic as you like, just use dare I say it MDF or Hardboard (probably need a thicker ply base for the big ones) and stiffish crumb-foam to support inside. You could put casters on them, you can stack them up, and with a coat of best boat-blue polyurethane paint they would be moderately waterproof.

As below, but the fronts are open (soon to be completely boxed in)

Ashley

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Bob,

I store my boats in a brick built detached garage and haven't encountered problems other than dust. They are stored on wall mounted shelves except for the scale destroyer which is on a moveable platform – I can still get my car into the garage but it is a bit of a squeeze lengthwise because I have a set of floor mounted cupboards (ex kitchen after kitchen refit) at the far end and the destroyer is broadsides across the front of those cupboards.

Ian

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Boxes are a nice idea, Ashley, especially with a bag of those damp soaking crystals in too

Ian…..Nice to know your models can live happily in the garage……My garage is pre cast concrete, but the wood lined roof is a nice feature

Bob

[peter ward 6Participant @peterward6]

i agree with ashley some of my models due to size or weight live in the garage all year round

as with his in custom made hardwood / ply boxes and to date have not experienced any problems

i too sometimes put a silaca gel moisture absorder in to counter and anticipated dampness associated

problems in the heart of winter

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Dampness – I had the pleasure of working with a gentleman who was a very keen and skilled model engineer. With them any dampness results in rust!!!!. The method of prevention used was a wooden box/case fitted with a very low wattage electric bulb. The bulb produced sufficient heat to repel dampness and prevent rust forming.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thanks Dave, I think an all night bulb may be the easy option

Bob

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

If you have a need for many boxes for model boats, may I suggest this technique, for rapid manufacture, low cost and lightness…?

**LINK**

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thank you, DG

Looks a bit too bulky for my big boats

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

It is a sad fact thet the storage box will always be a bit bigger and take up more room that just the boat on its own.

Several of my smaller boats/landing craft reside in cut about two-ply corrugated card boxes in a manner not dissimilar to DG`s, thick large card boxes can be had from appliance shops (they chuck them out sometimes but I am sure if you asked) or even garden centres.

BUT…the boxes stack on top of each other, they can sit on the floor…they can be put end-ways on higher shelves. I stencil mine with the name of the craft and a little 2.4 or 2.7 next to, to signify the transmitter needed.

How about a box for the GC, so arranged that the end hinges, and so the box can simply be plopped on the floor and the boat wheeled in and out ??

A box saves so much damage and is really very easy to transport. Odd boat-specific spares can be kept with the boat in its box. and so on.

To my mind its a no brainer and not dissimilar to buying a cycle for £1500 and then getting a wire lock for it from halfords for £5

Ashley

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

Posted by Bob Abell on 18/09/2015 16:54:26:

Thank you, DG

Looks a bit too bulky for my big boats

Bob

They look bulky for a small boat because 1" clearance all round for a hand practically doubles the beam for a little boat – but you should not notice it on a big boat.

However, Correx alone may not be strong enough to carry a very big boat which may need a wooden or metal framework for support. But in this case Correx can still be used for the sides, riveted to the frame. It's light, totally waterproof and self-coloured….

[Peter FitnessParticipant @peterfitness34857]

I don't have a problem with damp affecting my models while stored, but, living on a farm, I do have a problem with dust. I built boxes for all my boats which solved the problem nicely. The added benefit is rodents are also kept at bay. My boxes are made from 6 mm non-structural ply on a softwood frame.

Peter.

[Author]

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