PVC plane storage

[Steve Kientz]

Has anyone made a storage rack from PVC to use at there home? I need a way to store planes in my basement. Really don't want to hang them( I'm 6'5 and have a low ceiling ). wasn't sure if PVC was up to the task.

Thanks
Steve

[Bill Hodges]

Steve:

I made one using Schedule 40 PVC and padded it with foam pipe insulation.  It works great.  Sorry, I do not have any photos of it, but it was easy to construct using tees and elbows.  It holds 40 sized planes with no problems, but I do have it braced to the shop wall for added strength.  Mine holds five airplanes with one more sitting on the floor.  You could go to Schedule 80 for more strength.

Bill Hodges

[Steve Helmick]

The "Model Tree" was shown on SSW (?) by Mitch from Tulsa. He's not on the forums anymore, but I hope he's still building and flying. I have some text from him, maybe answer to a PM or post, not sure. But it looks good to me, and makes good use of those room corners.  Steve

"No problem at all with open bays. The plane tree is built with two vertical 2x4s and three 1x4s running horizontal, making a ladder. The horizontals are held in place with metal angle pieces and covered with foam to protect any tail that might come in contact with them. The base is two 2x4s bolted 90 degrees to the uprights. The arms are 1x2 drilled with four staggered bolts through the 2x4s. Also covered with split foam. All wood stained. De built this very strong and it is extremely practical and I love it. I need another, but I keep smashing planes, so it would never fill up. Mitch"

[Steve Kientz]

Thanks for the input guys. I think a version of the "model tree" is destined for my basement.

Steve

[Geoff Goodworth]

Steve

I set up a variation on the model tree using a proprietory racking system consisting of pair of slotted steel channels screwed to the wall with steel brackets hooked into the slotted channels.

Not as cheap as PVC plumbing pipe but more flexible.

I use brackets of different lengths to suit the models and I use foam rubber pipe lagging to protect the models.

I used the same shelving system right across my workshop.  Neat, simple and I guess how much spare time you have on your hands.  Me, there is none!

Cheers, Geoff