What this planner works out
This planner divides a collection across a number of shelves and returns the shelf width and depth needed, allowing clearance around each model.
Clearance is the input that decides whether a cabinet looks like a display or a storage rack.
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Before you buy a cabinet
- Use average length and the widest dimension — for aircraft that is the wingspan, which usually exceeds the length.
- Clearance should allow handling as well as appearance. Five centimetres is a working minimum for models you will move.
- Shelf height is not calculated here and matters as much. Measure the tallest model including any raised tail or aerial.
- Glass cabinets keep dust off, which is the main enemy of a finished model.
An unprotected model accumulates dust that is very difficult to remove without damaging fine detail, aerials and weathering. Cleaning is far riskier than displaying behind glass. A closed cabinet is the difference between a collection that looks good in ten years and one that has to be handled — and handling is how antennae break.
How this calculator works
Models per shelf, then dimensions:
Models per shelf = total models ÷ shelves, rounded up
Shelf width = models per shelf × (average width + clearance)
Shelf depth = average length + clearanceThe planner assumes models are arranged side by side facing forwards. Angling them, or placing them in two rows, changes both figures — angled display is common and typically allows around 20% more per shelf at the cost of depth.
Worked example: twelve models
Using the default figures — 12 models averaging 22 cm long and 30 cm wide, 5 cm clearance, across 4 shelves:
- Models per shelf: 3
- Suggested shelf width: 105 cm
- Suggested shelf depth: 27 cm
A 105 cm wide cabinet is a substantial piece of furniture for twelve models, and that is with only 5 cm between them. Standard flat-pack display cabinets are commonly 60 to 80 cm wide, which at these dimensions holds two per shelf — so twelve models needs six shelves rather than four. Measuring before buying avoids the familiar outcome of a cabinet that holds most of the collection.
Common mistakes
- Using length rather than wingspan. For aircraft, the span is the binding dimension.
- Forgetting shelf height. It is not calculated here and frequently constrains more than width.
- Allowing no clearance. Models need handling room as well as visual space.
- Buying before measuring. Standard cabinets are narrower than collections assume.
- Displaying in direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light fades paint and decals.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good display cabinet?
Glass or acrylic doors to exclude dust, adjustable shelves, and enough depth for the largest subject. Lighting improves the display considerably, and LED strips run cool enough to be safe against plastic — older filament lighting was not. Backing the cabinet in a plain colour helps the models read clearly.
How do I protect models from fading?
Keep them out of direct sunlight, which fades paint and yellows clear parts and decals over a few years. North-facing rooms and interior walls are safest. Ultraviolet-filtering film on nearby windows helps where a sunny position is unavoidable.
How do I clean models?
As little as possible, which is the argument for a closed cabinet. Where cleaning is needed, a soft artist's brush or a puffer blower is safer than a cloth, which catches on aerials and aerial wires. Compressed air at close range can break fine parts, so keep the distance.
Should models be displayed on bases?
Bases raise models to a better viewing angle, protect undercarriage and fine parts from handling, and give somewhere to put a label. They also take more shelf space — usually a couple of centimetres in each direction — which should go into the clearance figure.
Is what I enter stored?
No. Measurements are processed in your browser and never transmitted or retained.
Related tools
References
- GOV.UK — furniture safety and product standards, including tip-over risk
- MoneyHelper — budgeting for hobby equipment
Sources are checked at publication and can change — how I choose and check references.