Display Recommendations
A good way to protect and display a model ship is under glass; we also sometimes use acrylic covers with beveled edges. The acrylic cover shown below is much too large for the model, shown here simply as an example. As a general rule your case should be about 2" (50mm) larger in width and length than your model dimensions. We prefer only 1" (25mm) for the height clearance, measured while the model rests on it's base or stand.
Real glass is more durable and less susceptible to heat and sunlight, however the lesser weight and the clean, clear edges of an acrylic case have its own advantages.Optically acrylic is very similar to glass. With good care, such as cleaning with a soft cloth, not paper towel, the acrylic will last for many years. Model cleaning instructions can be found at our Maintaining your model ship page.
For a quality wood and glass case for your ship model we suggest Hallen Display Cases, they are known the world over for their classic style wood and glass display cases.
If a fully assembled glass and solid brass display case is what you prefer, Clear View Designs will have the display case you're looking for. US shipping only!
Houston Display Furniture will be able to build you a standard or custom display stand to do your model justice.
Even though a case will keep your model dust and dirt free, lighting can really bring a display to life. External lighting from above and slightly in front can be used to make your model ship display the center of attention, even in the most prestigious of settings and could be effectively used when displaying your model in an alcove or above a fireplace.
Interior lighting can also be applied with spectacular result, do make absolutely sure however that the lighting you plan to use emits as little heat as possible. In that lies an inherent problem since light is heat. In-display-case lighting should be of the low-voltage or LED variety.
Any lighting system producing little heat is preferable and even crucial to the lifespan of both model and display case. As an added benefit the color-temperature of low-voltage LED lighting systems can often be changed or selected. To use multiple (2 to 8) light sources is always preferred over using a single point of light. Venting the case and/or drawing away heat from the interior may also not be a bad idea.
The lighting system applied here uses only about 6 Watts total. Avoid using fluorescent lighting as it will usually make for a dull and flat display. Fluorescent lighting is great for above a work bench, not so much for use in a model display. LED strip lighting can be used to completely hide the lighting into the case. The drawback here can be somewhat the same as for fluorescent lighting, too many points of light destroying the shadow and highlight effects.
*The Art of Age of Sail receives no incentives for mentioning or promoting the display case manufacturers mentioned, we simply trust and like their products.
