How much clearance should I leave around models?

A minimum of 20-30mm clearance on each side is recommended. For dusty environments, add more. For models with delicate aerials or antennae, increase the top clearance to 50mm or more.

What is the best material for display cases?

Acrylic (Perspex) cases are lightweight, UV-resistant and come in many sizes. Glass cases look more premium but are heavier and more fragile. The IKEA DETOLF that collectors long relied on has been discontinued — its current IKEA UK replacement is the BLÅLIDEN glass-door cabinet (35 × 32 × 151 cm, roughly £75–£90), though it is noticeably smaller than the old Detolf. Original Detolf units now only trade second-hand at variable prices.

Should I use glass or acrylic shelves?

Glass shelves are more scratch-resistant and look cleaner. Acrylic is lighter and safer if you have children. For heavy models (1:32 or diecast), use 6mm glass minimum. For lightweight plastic kits, 3-4mm acrylic is fine.

How do I protect models from UV damage?

UV light fades paint over time. Keep cases away from direct sunlight. Use UV-filtering acrylic or apply UV film to glass. LED lighting inside the case is preferable to placing cases near windows.

ModelCalcs

Display Case Calculator — Size Your Showcase

Calculate display case dimensions and shelf spacing for your model collection.

Number of Models

How many models the case must hold in total

ArrangementSingle = one model per shelf; Row = models side by side; Grid = packed rows × columns

Model Length (mm)

Longest horizontal dimension of one model (front-to-back or end-to-end), in mm

Model Width (mm)

Side-to-side footprint of one model at its widest point, in mm

Model Height (mm)

Tallest point of the model — include aerials, masts or raised parts, in mm

Number of Shelves

How many shelves the case is divided into (each gets its own spacing)

Clearance (mm)

Air gap left on every face of each model — 20–30 mm is typical, more for fragile aerials

How We Calculate This

Calculates the internal dimensions needed for a display case based on model sizes, clearances and shelf arrangement. All inputs and outputs are in millimetres.

Formula

Case width = (Models per row × (Model length + Clearance)) + Clearance + (2 × Min wall gap)
Case depth = Model width + (2 × Clearance) + (2 × Min wall gap)
Shelf spacing = Model height + Top clearance
Case height = (Shelves × Shelf spacing) + Clearance + Base thickness

The clearance is applied on every face so each model sits in its own air gap, and the min wall gap adds the case-wall material thickness to each opposing side so the figures match the panel you actually cut. Total capacity = models per shelf × number of shelves; if your collection exceeds that, add a shelf or switch arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.