Randy Divine

Hello,

Long time Lurker and this is my first post. I have a half dozen RC planes built (and re-built) over the last 12-15 years. I don't want to get rid of them because I think the grandkids might want them someday. What do you think the ideal long term storage temperature/humidity should be.

I should add that these are all balsa with silkspan or monokote.

Thanks,
Randy

scottrc

Temps shouldn't get above 90F nor should the humidity over 60%. I live in an area with high humidity and seen wings warp like bananas over time and covering and foam peel off. The worse problems encountered with long term storage are infiltration of bugs and mice. They really mess up models.

049flyer

My Feedback: (18)

I read somewhere that metal will rust at humidity levels above 40%. I used to live in East Texas where the humidity is almost always well above 40% and I can attest that metal things rust in the garage and even INSIDE your toolbox. If you have engines you should probably keep them in a climate controlled environment.

I'm VERY glad I retired to a dry climate!

Randy Divine

I Installed a de-humidifier in the shop. Set it to 45%. Hope this will keep the planes healthy and not dry them out.

scottrc

I run mine between 40% and 45% in a basement workshop where I also keep my planes. I live in an area with high humidity. It seems to help.

JPMacG

My Feedback: (2)

I keep my basement below 50% and do not get any rust. I have a bunch of valuable steel tooling for my mill and lathe, so I pay attention.

But you are storing airplanes, not steel. I think that storing them in a cool and dark environment might help. And yes, mice are a concern. They think that balsa tastes good. This is over the top, but storing your airplanes in an oxygen-free environment might help - like a sealed plastic bag filled with nitrogen. This is what we used to do at work for sensitive components. But we had special enclosures just for the purpose.

Randy Divine

Thanks for all the suggestions. So far, I have them stored on high shelves, I removed the engines and put them in a box with desiccant. I also installed a de-humidifier and set the level to 45%.

I placed and old pair of pliers and a pile of scrap balsa on the shelf. Something I can watch for rust, mold, critters, etc.

The humidity here in middle Tennessee gets brutal during the summer.

R.

rgburrill

I bought a 35-year-old Champion Kit of a Stampe biplane once. It had been stored in an air-conditioned storage unit for most of that time. After 35 years the wood was just like new, and the landing gear and other metal parts had no rust.