Here we show the stages in building up a suitable model box,these can be used for carrying models to shows etc or for safe storage of delicate models at home whilst not on display,the basic material is ordinary Foamboard obtainable from artists supply stores,it is easy to use and very robust.The list of tools required are as follows-

Firstly lay out the model/models that you wish to transport or store,in this case the box will hold a 1=72 nd scale Concorde plus a selection of other airliner models safely,note the depth of the box depends on the height of the model or in this case to incorporate the models large stand,just make sure the models will fit comfortably within the box,in this case the models will be supported onto blocks of balsa so that their undercarriages are raised from the ground to avoid damage in transit.

Make the most of the material that you have,in this case four panels of foamboard were used carefully to make the base,four sides and the lid upper,here we have cut out the sides with a craft knife to the depth already worked out for best economical use of the material.

Here we have started to glue and tape the four basic sides together,for this I use ordinary greenhouse clear tape,you can either use smaller strips like this or run a complete line across the seams,when the PVA glue has dried this gives an immensely strong joint to the box.

In this case I have opted to use balsa wood for the sides of the lid,but if you wish the foamboard can be used successfully,put the lid into place and place four dressmaking pins in the corners,next hinge the balsa sides,run some PVA along the seams and fold over glueing the corners as well,make sure the lid fits easily and is not too tight.

Here is the completed box with all of the joins in place,allow to dry out overnight and next day you can commence the fitting out to accept your models,small blocks of balsa with 'T' pins hold them in place with elastic bands,I have used this idea with great success for many years.The boxes not only protect your creations but keep down the dust on them as well whilst in storage.The boxes work out light and strong as well.

Next we need to fit out the box with small supports,here a model is set into its cradle,tiny hooks made from dowel hold the model in place.

Use small blocks of balsa to make the saddles to fit the fuselage,get the shape by pressing a piece of modelling clay around the shape,slice it into two with a long knife and draw around the shape with a marker pen.

The idea is to raise the fuselage's from the base of the box,this protects the undercarriages,here the saddle is built up with another piece of balsa.

The models are juxta positioned into the box and individual cradles are made up as shown here,the result a tough box to transport your models.

Well what exactly do you do with a bag of 10,000 matchwood pieces ? my choice was to design and build a working model of a typical English Postmill,this model is based on one that survives in Sussex that has been preserved and is cherished by its owners.

The basic construction follows laying down the side panel drawings over which is placed a plastic clear membrane to stop the adhesive from sticking to the drawing,once this is in place then a framework is built to the edges of the drawing,then the tediuos matchwood infill can take place,the internal gearing is Meccano which will drive the main paddles and ancillary equipment.

The base was made from Beech carefully jointed as per the original mill,the mainshaft spindle together with pulley can be seen in this view.

The sturdy base of the Postmill around which the millhouse revolves for pivoting into the prevailing wind.