When you purchase a life size dinosaur model, you need to think about how to keep it safe, functional, and ready for the next show when it’s not on display. Storing an animatronic of this scale isn’t just about shoving it in a corner; it involves material‑specific care, climate control, strategic disassembly, and a solid maintenance routine.
Assess the Model’s Materials
Most life‑size dinosaur models combine several distinct materials, each with its own storage tolerance. Understanding what you’re dealing with lets you set the right humidity, temperature, and protective measures.
| Material | Recommended Temp (°F) | Humidity (%) | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass outer shell | 50‑75 | 30‑50 | Keep away from UV light and harsh chemicals; wipe with a mild detergent if dust accumulates. |
| High‑density foam core | 40‑70 | 30‑45 | Low humidity prevents mold; avoid compression that could deform the shape. |
| Silicone skin | 60‑80 | 40‑60 | Store unfolded or on a padded form; use breathable covers to let air circulate. |
| Steel armature | 40‑80 | 20‑60 | Apply a thin coat of rust‑inhibitor to all metal joints before storage. |
| Electronic actuators & sensors | 55‑75 | 30‑50 | Seal in anti‑static bags; keep away from static‑generating surfaces. |
Document the condition of each component at the time of storage. A simple spreadsheet with columns for “Component,” “Condition (1‑5),” and “Date” can become a valuable reference if disputes arise later.
Environmental Controls
Even a short‑term spike in temperature or humidity can cause mold on foam, rust on metal, or failure in electronics. Here’s a practical checklist for keeping the storage space stable.
- Install a dedicated HVAC system with a HEPA filter to scrub dust and particulates.
- Place commercial‑grade dehumidifiers (≈50 pints per 500 sq ft) and set them to maintain 35‑45 % RH.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 55 °F and 72 °F (≈13‑22 °C) using a programmable thermostat.
- Use digital data loggers (e.g., Sensirion SHT45) to record temperature and humidity every 15 minutes; set alerts if readings drift beyond ±3 % of the target.
- Run HVAC maintenance quarterly, replacing filters and checking refrigerant levels.
- If you store more than three models in the same room, add an extra dehumidifier for each additional three units to avoid localized humidity pockets.
Disassembly and Transportation
Large animatronics are rarely stored whole. Disassembling them reduces stress on joints and makes it easier to fit everything into climate‑controlled transport.
- Power down the system and disconnect all power supplies.
- Remove any detachable skin panels; place each in a padded crate lined with polyethylene foam.
- Secure articulating limbs with nylon straps (minimum 2 in wide, breaking strength >500 lb) to prevent swaying.
- Separate the skeleton into modular sections (torso, head, tail, limbs) using quick‑release pins; label each with a water‑resistant tag.
- Wrap every section in 12 mm bubble wrap, then seal with 2 mil polyethylene film to keep dust out.
- Load onto a climate‑controlled truck equipped with shock‑absorbing racks; ensure the floor can support at least 2,000 lb per axle.
“Never skip the step of labeling each piece – a 15‑minute labeling session can save hours of reinstallation later.” – Mark Stevens, Senior Animatronics Technician
Protective Covering and Packaging
Choosing the right packaging materials is as crucial as the environment