If you love large scale model tanks but you just cannot seem to figure out the best way to showcase them then why not build a display case? This can keep them looking great and will keep them relatively clean at the same time. The next time you go to a museum take a look around and you will see how much difference a beautiful display case can make. You should first decide how many of your tanks you will be placing in the case.
The next thing you will need to know is whether or not you will be adding an artificial terrain to give your models a more realistic feel. Once you know all this then you can best decide where to start building your display. For this example we will assume that there will be three 1:8 scale tanks placed on a rough terrain of sand and rocks.
1/4 inch plywood makes the best sort of material to use for a display case. It is easy to stain and will look very beautiful when it is done. You should decide how high you build your case so that you will know roughly how much lumber you will need. Pine 2x4s will make the best support braces because they are both sturdy and affordable. When you begin to build you will need to make sure and lay the first 2x4 pieces down the length of the plywood, one on each side. Attach them with a 4 inch wood screw without going completely through. This will help when attaching the framework underneath. Next cut two pieces of 2x4 to fit between the two side pieces, one for each end and attach them as you did the others.
To build your display case waist high you will need to measure from the floor to your individual waist. For a waist height of roughly 36 inches you would then subtract the depth of the top frame twice. This will make up for both the top and bottom frames of the display case. In my case it would be 30 inches (a 2x4 is actually 1-3/4 inch thick so 1-3/4 plus the 1/4 width of the plywood equals 3 inches then times 2). Have someone help you line up these support legs with the top of the display and attach each one. You should have one on each corner. Make sure to add one in the middle of each side as well. Use the screws that you have already installed in the first step making sure to run them all the way through now.
After you have added the legs you can then add the bottom. You just have to make it the same as you did the top section and then screw it into place. You can then cut plywood to fit over the sides of the display case bottom section. Make sure to use 1/2 inch screws for this step so that they do not go too far through the 2x4 behind the plywood. If you wish to finish your base then now is the time to do so.
You can now decide how best to cover your case. You can have plexiglass cut to fit the four sides and top or you can do the front, the top and two sides while adding a mirror for the back section. Either way, you just have to add your sand, some rough looking rocks and your model tanks and you will have a great looking display that you are ready to show off to others.
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