You have spent good money on your diecast aircraft, so it deserves better than sitting in its box in a cupboard. The good news is that displaying model aircraft well does not have to be expensive or complicated. This guide covers every level of display, from a single model on a desk to a full airport diorama, along with the mistakes that damage collections over time.
Level 1: display stands
The simplest upgrade you can make is a stand. Raising a model into a flight attitude instantly makes it look dynamic rather than parked, and it keeps the delicate landing gear safe. A GeminiJets chrome stand costs £15 and fits all 1/400 GeminiJets airliner and military transport models. For a warmer look on a desk or bookcase, a simulated wood base stand does the same job with a more traditional feel.
GeminiJets chrome stand for 1/400 models
One tip: check compatibility before you buy. Stands are usually brand-specific because of where the mounting hole sits, so a stand made for one manufacturer will not always fit another.
Level 2: airport mats
An airport ground mat is the single biggest visual upgrade per pound spent. Instead of floating on a shelf, your aircraft suddenly sit on taxiways and parking stands, and even a small collection starts to look like a scene. Our pick is the AMS Foldable Hard-Board Airport Mat, designed in-house for 1/400 and 1/500 scale. The rigid hard-board surface will not curl or crease like paper, and it folds flat in seconds when you need the space back, which makes it ideal for shelf displays that come out for photography and go away again.
AMS 1/400 & 1/500 foldable hard-board airport mat
If you are on a tighter budget, our paper airport mats start at around £20, and there are 1/200 mats with fold-out terminals if you collect the larger scale.
Level 3: the full airport diorama
This is where the hobby gets seriously fun. A diorama is built in layers, and you can add them over time:
Terminal buildings. The GeminiJets 1/400 Airport Terminal Set is a pre-constructed seven-gate terminal with a modern glass look. It is an investment piece, but it turns a shelf into an airport.
GeminiJets 1/400 Airport Terminal Set
Jet bridges. Narrow-body jet bridges connect your terminal to the aircraft and make parked scenes look properly operational.
Ground service equipment. Real airports are busy, and the 14-piece GSE set adds pushback tugs, baggage carts, stairs and fuel trucks. For 1/200 collectors, the Gemini200 service vehicle set does the same job.
GeminiJets 14-piece airport GSE set, 1/400 scale
Hangars. A wide-body hangar gives your maintenance area a home and adds height and depth to the layout.
GeminiJets wide-body airport hangar, 1/400 scale
Protecting your collection
Three things damage diecast models: dust, sunlight and handling.
Dust is inevitable on open shelves. A glass-fronted cabinet (IKEA's Detolf is a hobby favourite) solves it almost entirely. If your models are on open display, dust them gently with a soft make-up brush rather than a cloth, which can snag aerials and wing tips.
Sunlight fades printed liveries over months and years. Keep display cases out of direct sun, especially for models with red and orange liveries, which fade fastest.
Handling causes more breakages than anything else. Always pick a 1/400 model up by the fuselage, never the wings or tail, and refit models to their boxes using the original foam if you move house.
Frequently asked questions
How do I display model aircraft without a cabinet?
An airport mat on a shelf or desk, plus a monthly dusting with a soft brush, works well. Position the shelf away from direct sunlight and radiators.
What scale is best for an airport diorama?
1/400 has by far the widest range of terminals, mats, bridges and vehicles, which is why most diorama builders choose it. See our full range of 1/400 airport accessories.
Can I mix 1/400 and 1/500 on the same mat?
Our AMS mats are printed to suit both scales, so yes, though purists prefer to keep each scale in its own scene.
However you display your fleet, start small and build up. A stand this month, a mat next month, and before long you will have an airport. Browse all models and accessories at Aircraft Model Store, rated 4.8 out of 5 by more than 5,500 collectors.