Home-made display case for the coffee table

[IanB]

I'm sure most of us have a problem with a lack of space, especially for those big models. I needed a new coffee table recently and spent quite a while online trying to find one with a display case under it, just for that purpose. No luck, so I bought one with a glass top with the intention of making my own.
 I measured it up and ordered the perspex from TAP Plastics in the US. They have a whole series of helpful videos on how to glue, build a box, finish the edges and much, much more so I went for it. After emailing them for their recommendations, I went for 1/4" thick sides and 3/8" thick bottom. The bottom is just over 17" x 37", and it has a depth of 5 1/2" - big enough for a Staaken and a few others!

 It wasn't cheap: the perspex, glue (actually a plastic weld solution), and applicator, came to $160 including UPS delivery in the US. Another $7 or so for some aluminium strip to make straps to attach it to the table.

 I glued it all together yesterday, then today I routed the corners to round them off, and made up the straps. I still need to heat treat the edges to tidy them up but that can wait for now...
 Very pleased with my new custom display case!



Ian

[Des]

A very clever idea Ian, looking forward to seeing it with some models on display.

Des.

[nmroberto]

Very nice case you have there. 

Unfortunately, my wife would have a hissy fit if I tried to display my models in the living room.

[davecww1]

Excellent job just the place to store some models but how do you open it to put the models in?  Remove the straps and lower it down? or does the end come off?
Dave

[Alexis]

Now that is thinking out side the box ! Well done Ian .

 Such a cool idea 



Terri

[IanB]

Thanks all!
Dave...just lift the glass top off!

Ian

[WarrenD]

Great idea!

Warren

[lcarroll]

   That looks terrific Ian, and for $160 it's a good price IMHO. Nicely done!
Cheers,
Lance

[Nigel Jackson]

Great idea Ian. What do you reckon you'll be able to get on display there?

Best wishes
Nigel

[IanB]

Nigel, I took a few bits out of boxes to get a rough idea of what might fit. It should take a 1:72 Staaken, Felixstowe, and Ilya Muromets. (Surprisingly, the Felixstowe is the smallest of the 3!). I could replace the Staaken with a couple of Gothas. So not too bad!

Ian

[lone modeller]

Simply wonderful idea (as most simple ideas are!) That should really set your models aft and certainly get the attention of visitors.

Many years ago my late father and I constructed some wood framed perspex boxes with bases - basically they are large enough for one large model each (HP 0/400, Vimy, etc, but can take two/three single seaters. They also stack (two) easily because they are slightly different sizes. The big advantage is it keeps the dust off!

Stephen

[Ernie]

Super idea, Ian!  Excellent job of building as well, my friend.

Cheers,
Ernie

[dr 1 ace]

Super idea, Ian!  Excellent job of building as well, my friend.

Cheers,
Ernie

Ditto, nicely done !

Ed

[GAJouette]

 Ian,
My old friend you're a Man of many talents. Excellent idea for a display. Well Done!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[RAGIII]

Outstanding Idea and a great job in putting the idea into practical use. I am afraid I am another whose wife would Not Allow it in my living area 
RAGIII