Custom crate building is a lesser known service our model shop provides. While many of our scale models are small enough to fit in a ready-made Pelican carry case, some are much too large. These larger models need custom built crates to ship them to our client as well as back and forth between trade shows.

KiwiMill is equipped with the knowledge and the machinery to build our own crates in house. The crate design is first drawn up on paper. Then we order pine, cut it down with our table saws and assemble the box. Once the outer structure is built, the insides are custom created to hold the model safely and securely for shipment.

It takes experience to know what kind of rigging needs to be placed inside the crate to insure the model will not shift in transit. A secure slot is made for each part of the model and tested for proper fit. Care is taken to make all the contact points with the model well cushioned. Too tight, and the model will not go in and out of the crate with ease. Too loose, and the model may be damaged when jostled during shipment.

Instructions are drawn up for the client so that all model parts can be accurately placed back in the crate each time it is used. Sometimes all that takes are markings on the inside of each crate indicating where each part goes and in what direction. Custom crates can then be used to transport the finished model, along with on going shipping to trade shows.

Check out this recent crate build for some large models:

 

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