Plastic display cases

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Tue May 02, 2006 7:00 am

I am looking for a plastic display case of some type to house a 21C Motorworks AH-1W Super Cobra 1/18th attack helicopter. Anyone have online sources for cases of the acrylic and/or styrene clear plastic type?? I know these can get kind of pricey for the fancier models with hardwood bases and such, I'm really looking for something more toward the bargain end of the spectrum if possible. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Tue May 02, 2006 10:33 am

Yeah, anyone who can chime in on this, please do! I know Michaels used to have some great cheap plastic cases (I have one that is 12"x12"x18" that cost under $10), and they don't get them anymore.

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Tue May 02, 2006 10:46 am

I know Michaels used to have some great cheap plastic cases

Hmmm... that's an idea I had not considered. I might have to do a recon of my local Michaels, we have a couple in the area, the trouble is that the Cobra is BIG, or at least long at over 30 in. I figure I am gonna need a case of some 32x8x8, or something very close to those dimensions. One outfit on the web has acrylic cases of the proper dimensions for....get this... $199, OUCH!!! If all else fails, I suppose I am gonna have to go to a Goodwill store or other used furniture place and buy an old china cabinet or something similar. Thanks for the idea.

toyktdlgh · Post by **toyktdlgh** » Tue May 02, 2006 10:58 am

I make my own out of Plexiglas. Just cut it on my table saw with a fine finishing blade and glue it together with special plexi glue. I know you can still do it without a table saw if you carefully decide on the piece size and have them cut it at H-Depot for you. You can also use glass. Glass is nicer and easier to work with but you have to make sure the pieces are just right. You can use aquarium glue to hold it together. Just some ideas. Those pre-made boxes are outrageously expensive.

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Tue May 02, 2006 11:28 am

Custom making my own is something I will have to give some thought to. Ertl makes some very nice plexiglas cases for model cars, they have beveled edges around the top and nice black plastic bases, and are quite reasonably priced I believe, the trouble is none are anywhere near big enough to house the Cobra, oh well... the search continues.

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Tue May 02, 2006 2:03 pm

While you're checking Michaels, check out their display cases for sports memoribilia. Not sure if it has the right cross section dimensions, but one of them for bats should be long enough. Also, watch for them either to go on sale for 40% off (like, every three weeks), or use a coupon when they go off sale. I think you could pick one up for $40, that way (provided the size works)

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Tue May 02, 2006 3:35 pm

but one of them for bats should be long enough.

Well, that got me thinking, so I did some checking, bat display cases are plenty long enough, but well short of the dimensions needed for width and depth, which on the Cobra is right at 9 inches. Still, I appreciate your guys ideas and I will keep at it until I find something that is suitable and a price we can live with. When I do, I will get back to you guys with a source for the case and some pics as well. Ciao.

dfoos · Post by **dfoos** » Wed May 03, 2006 12:40 am

I have seen some at my local Hobbytown USA. I think some of these are franchises so they might differ in what they carry from store to store, but I would bet most hobby stores either carry them or would be able to direct you to someone who does. Another thing you might try is something that is not really made for display cases such as cheap acrylic fishtanks at WM or such. I picked up a small 6 sided tank for my doughter at WM for $10.00. It's home to a beta fish right now, but it is a gallon size and could be used for a display case under the right circumstances. They may have rectangular types that would work for a 1/18 helo. Also, clear plastic cookwear (think clear tupperwear made for microwaves etc. I never use display cases and I have thrown away probably 100 or so of various sizes (usually 1;144 or 1;72'nd). none that would fit a larger model like that one, but If I come across something like that, I'll definately let you know.

good luck

Dennis