I've got an idea and I'd like some feedback on displaying my loose Falcon.

I'm thinking of building an acrylic/glass case for mine.

The Falcon measures 23" x 17", so with 6" extra space around, the case would basically be a 3' by 2.5' oval shape with a glass top and acrylic sides.

Then, I'd build a diorama inside, which would be viewable from all sides.

I'm thinking I would build it tall, so that the top would be 42" off the floor, which is the standard height of a bar.

Thus, I could serve drinks on it! Thoughts?

Sounds like it could be pretty cool Jad. Are you looking to do a Docking Bay 94, Death Star or Bespin diorama?

If you get it built, please share the photo's with us (we love stuff like this).   

Thanks! I will be sure to share pics.

I would rotate the diorama regularly. Sometimes Tatooine, sometimes Endor, whatever I'm in the mood for. Or maybe I'd make it seasonal, like doing Hoth in the winter. This would also be the perfect size to display some of my other favorite toys, like the GI Joe WHALE.

I'm doing more research, and I'm considering building the clear case on top of an existing table. That would save some construction work. Here's an example of an oval table, it's longer than I was thinking, but the width is right; you get the idea.

www dot overstock.com/Home-Garden/Oval-3-piece-Table-Set/6050943/product.html?searchidx=0

At least rotating the diorama will keep it fresh.

Good luck with the project Jad.   

Sounds like a great idea Jad, good luck with the project, I look forward to seeing your pics of the finished article.

 

That would look fantastic!
I have no idea how you would build it, but I can see something very, very cool in my head!

Maybe even make a Dejarik board to place on top for kicks.

Have you looked into aquariums that are round or oval? I am just thinking out loud and haven't owned one since I was a kid and it held a single, disposable guppy but I have seen some cool tanks in pictures.

Anyway... if you pursue this, please keep us updated!

Good luck!

Maybe also PM TIG Member Dragonula. He is very handy building custom displays and props and for sure can give you some advice.

dragonula wrote:

I'm also building some display cases for the old toys:

From: http://www.imperialgunneryforum.com/t6040-vintage-han-in-carbonite-large-size-figure-custom-work-in-progress

Here's a few points to consider for your project:

1. curved sides are going to add some distortion when looking at your dioramas from the side which may detract from the aesthetics. Personally I'd work towards a rectangular shape rather than curved, or if you want to soften the shape a little have a rectangle with curved corners, that way you only have a little bit of distortion.

2. a glass top that is sufficiently strong enough to act as a coffee table is going to be pretty heavy so ensure your construction is robust enough to handle the weight.

3. if you're going to be swapping items out every few months give some thought to easy access. You could just buy a couple of those industrial glass holding suction cups (they're awesome fun) to just lift the glass panel off the top, or come up with a hidden hinge type device, or roller bearing to create a sliding top.

Good luck, looking forward to seeing the photos!

Sounds like a great idea. Definitely post pics, always interesting to see how others are displaying their collection.

Cheers, Jared.

Great points, Dax, thank you. I had not considered the distortion from looking through curved acrylic. I'll do some research, maybe I will go in a rectangular direction, or maybe a faceted look, like a coffin shape, but made symmetrical.

Yeah... that funky distortion. Good call!
Like this one that made me chuckle yesterday, a phantom Jawa or something:   

Granted its a sharp curve there, but who knows how good or bad it might look once you were to make a large oval.   


Maybe a hexagon? Maybe with the side bits longer? That might look real cool and probably be a 100 times easier to construct.