OldRookie

My Feedback: (13)

What methods are used to keep kits that won't be built for a wile, in like new condition.
I store mine in my basement. The basement is fairly dry, but some humidity is present.
I was considering wrapping the kit boxes in the stretch wrap that you can purchase at home improvement centers. This would help keep humidity out, and keep bugs out. I got a 1000 foot x 5" wide roll for about $4.00.
I was also thinking about putting a silica gel desiccant packet in each box.
Have any of you tried this?
Post your favorite method.

Greg

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

My kits don't sit around long enough for me to worry about it

SDM

My Feedback: (9)

Greg
I think both the ideas you have are valid and should help preserve your kits. Mine are all stacked on a shelf in the shop
up high so critter invasion will hopefully be minimal. The plastic wrap is a good idea for bugs. Also keeping them dry I
think is very important.
I think you have some good ideas for achieving that.
Sam

Jim_McIntyre

I have some very old kits, including a Jenny from around 1940, the wood in this kit is still quite serviceable, the plans look a bit brittle though, I believe it's the acid content of the paper that leads to this degradation. I will never build these kits, I do clone them occasionally.

Humidity, Sunlight and bugs are the enemy with temperature change causing some problems, especially humidity. I run a humidifier 7/24 and use silicon packs as you described, replacing them once a year.

rajul

My Feedback: (58)

I throw in some moth balls into the box to keep silverfish and other bugs away.

FLYBOY

My Feedback: (11)

I have 60 of them. Go to walmart and get yourself some of the clear plastic back in the fabric section. It is heavier than the stuff like you described and it works well. The other thing I use is clear film from a blueprint shop. I wrap them good and seal them well with 2 inch tape. Then keep them high and dry. Don't set them on cement or a floor. Put up good shelving to hold them.

Enjoy.

OldRookie

My Feedback: (13)

Thanks everyone for your comments.
I found a web site that sells all of the stuff I would need.

http://www.jakesmp.com/CSD_Silica_Ge...ica_001_M.html

The silica gel packs could also be used to keep your stored engines from getting internal rust. All of the packs can be be warmed in the oven to get them back to new condition, so they should last a long time. They also sell humidity indicator cards to let you know when the packs need to be dried out again.
All of this stuff is cheap insurance.

Greg