TROUBLE WITH BUBBLES...
Prompted by a recent feature on the safe storage of models, GEORGE DENT checked on the condition of his rolling stock collection. Alas, he discovered that bubble wrap packaging had damaged the paintwork on a number of carriages.
In MR247, I revealed how I’d discovered corroded steel wheels and axles on a number of wagons retrieved from the attic. The issue was caused by storing delicate models in an unforgiving environment, one prone to drastic variations in temperature and humidity. Having become concerned for the wellbeing of the rest of my treasured model collection, I decided to embark upon an inspection and repackaging programme. This has taken a fair amount of time and demanded a modest investment in superior, stackable clear plastic boxes – with tight-locking lids – and plenty of moisture-absorbant silica gel sachets. The combination of the boxes and silica allows the models to be sealed in their own micro-environments, in which the levels of humidity and moisture can be controlled to an acceptable level.
NASTY SURPRISE
While most of my models were found to be in good condition, I did get a shock when I realised that a couple of unboxed carriages had suffered damage to their paintwork. The worst example was a Dapol LMS coach, a model to which I’d devoted countless hours of super-detailing and finishing work. The paint job was formed from a mix of acrylic colour coats, topped with a semi-gloss layer of Alclad II clear lacquer. The finished model had run on a layout for a few weeks before entering storage, so the paintwork was definitely fully cured before the model was packed away. And yet, despite being carefully packaged in bubble wrap, this ‘protective’ material had welded itself to the sides of the carriage, leaving a permanent imprint in the paintwork. Perhaps it was the fluctuating temperatures of the attic that contributed to the problem? Or perhaps it was a foible of that particular brand of lacquer? After unwrapping other kit-built and re-finished RTR models, it wasn’t just those coated with Alclad II varnish that had suffered. Others also showed signs of damage, especially those known to have received acrylic-based clear coats.
SALVAGE JOB
Luckily, in all cases, the damage was limited to the final clear coat layers, so a very light abrading with ultra-fine abrasives was enough to cut back the surface without damaging the paintwork beneath. Having masked or removed the glazing, a fresh layer of varnish was applied via an airbrush and left to harden for at least a week before handling. Any disturbed weathering was then reinstated and the models now look as good as new. When it came to repacking the models, I employed a single sheet of acid-free tissue paper as an intermediate layer between the model and a fresh sheet of bubble wrap. I mentioned in MR247 about the perils of packing models within porous materials, such as paper and card, as they tend to retain moisture. However, this risk will be offset by the inclusion of silica gel sachets packed beside each model. I used acid-free tissue extensively during my former career as a museum conservator and art handler, so I’m confident that my models will be safe. If it’s good enough for wrapping works by Van Gogh and Turner, it will do for my coaching stock! Furthermore, I’ve also resolved to store most of my models in a more stable environment, rather than an inhospitable attic. In addition to cataloguing each item more effectively (making for easier retrieval), I’ve also noted when each box was packed so that the silica gel sachets can be renewed periodically.