Neil James Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 I got fed up squeezing models into a Mazda MX5 so I’ve bought something more suitable as a mobile hangar and I’m interested in how others have fitted out theirs for maximum storage. Initial plan is a false floor just above the wheel arches for assembled models on top and wings or fuselages underneath then some battens widthwise under the roof for storing larger wings. I’m sure there are some imaginative solutions already in use - let’s see them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glyn44 Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 I reckon that’s a serious mid-life crises, when you sell your sports car for a van! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil James Posted May 19, 2019 Author Share Posted May 19, 2019 Oh no! The van is as well as the MX5! My wife suggested we bought a sensible car, an estate or similar, but really neither of us wanted to get rid of the MX5, best car I’ve ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glyn44 Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 Phew, so relieved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 A car? Many a time, Ive strapped a Model on my back, a can of KK diesel fuel in my back pocket, and pedalled to the patch ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 Several fliers at Davidstow club have made cradles out of plastic soil pipe (1-1/2” to 2” in diameter) and solvent glue. Then with a bit of ingenious design you could tower one on top of the other. Pull it all out and the mobile hangar becomes a van again. A bit like **THIS** Edited By cymaz on 19/05/2019 17:15:07 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 Posted by Doc Marten on 19/05/2019 17:19:04: From across the pond: **LINK** That’s it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted May 19, 2019 Share Posted May 19, 2019 Posted by Percy Verance on 19/05/2019 17:29:07: The lightweight cycling approach is great if it works for you Ernie, but where would the fieldbox, transmitter, gallon of fuel and folding chair go? Edited By Percy Verance on 19/05/2019 17:33:45 Front seat, on the wife’s lap ( well, almost in my case) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil James Posted May 20, 2019 Author Share Posted May 20, 2019 That’s excellent, thanks very much. I shall investigate the pvc pipe system as although the van is not likely to be used for anything other than storing models an easily removable system might be handy one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil James Posted May 21, 2019 Author Share Posted May 21, 2019 Posted by Glyn44 on 19/05/2019 13:37:14: Phew, so relieved. There has been some sacrifice: the van has been financed by selling my ancient Ducati 900SS which I’m sorry to see go but didn’t ride it at all last year so it’s gone to a more active home. Still got a motorcycle to ride though, there’s no way I’m giving up two wheels until I’m physically unable to get my leg over 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted May 21, 2019 Share Posted May 21, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Freeman 3 Posted May 21, 2019 Share Posted May 21, 2019 I have racks at to top of the van for wings, the height of the van allows longer wings to pass over my head whilst driving and the racks are spaced in such a way thaT it will hold wings with the struts on. I made brackets with aluminum and wood cross pieces have a rubber strip on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil James Posted August 28, 2019 Author Share Posted August 28, 2019 Finished the van so here’s an update: I now have a raised floor which gives me 30cm of room underneath to store wings, wood panels on each side with brackets to hold fuselages and dowels at the top so I can put wings on top of them and hang small gliders underneath. The floor stops short of the doors so heavy items like batteries and flight bags can be propped against it - it gives me somewhere to sit too! There’s still a few models to squeeze in and I might yet need another top rack but overall I think the space is well used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Gregson 2 Posted August 28, 2019 Share Posted August 28, 2019 Hi Neil, Very neat looking set up! As a matter of interest, and not being an expert on vans, what make/type of van is that? Regards...John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil James Posted August 29, 2019 Author Share Posted August 29, 2019 It’s a 1.6 Renault Kangoo diesel. Chosen just because it was on my local garage forecourt and it was cheap! I’m unlikely to do more than 1000 miles per year in it so it should last me out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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