Page 1 of 1
Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:30 am
by bayard_nbk
Hello all,
I am looking to get some assistance on how to effectively store (and move) large amounts of models. I have hundreds of models of dwarfs and bretonnians, but they are currently scattered in the GW boxes or haphazard boxes with bubble wrap. Is there a better way to do this?
I am thinking of buying several Sabol carrying cases, but that could easily reach $500 dollars. Is there a better way?
Thanks,
Neal
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:52 am
by kturock
cheap and free... well almost free.
what the guys use around here are banana boxes from the grocery stores.. you gotta ask them for them.. not all will give them out.. other than that other large, thick cardboard boxes.
then you need to buy soft foam like used in furniture, like couches and chairs.
then.. drill holes in, using a cup-hole drill... you get the bit at home improvement stores. [it's what's used to drill holles in doors for knobs and locks.]
get one about 1 inch in diameter.
cut the foam it scissors or a sharp knife with a long blade; to fit the box[es].
then mark out circles about 1 inch apart. cut the circle or mark it, then mark the next.
this fits nomal man sized minis. for large bases, cut holes that touch, to make them bigger.
the most expensive part is the foam.. check furniture repair shops.. cloth stores sell it, but are more expensive.
if you don't own a drill.. buy one and then return it when done...just don't tear it up..
if you can't borrow one.. that is.
i have about 10-12 chessex boxes i was selling here for $10 each, [which is half retail here], but shipping will kill it.. maybe if i don't box them up and just tape them....
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:54 am
by JohnHwangBT
You can buy a bunch of foam trays, and then store the trays in cardboard boxes until they're needed. Then you just need one transport system for whenever you actually take your minis somewhere.
Given that I currently own roughly $500 worth of minis storage cases, I don't think that $500 is too much to spend on minis storage. If you have hundreds upon hundreds of minis, cases make a lot of sense.
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:54 am
by porkuslime
I am very lucky and work in a computer facility. The foam that servers come in, as well as circuit boards and other supplies, is about 2 inches thick, and is THROWN AWAY.. until I come and rabbit it out.
Maybe you might be able to scrounge foam from a local computer store, or school? That would be a good source, and then go the banana box and drill route.
I have never tried drilling the foam though, I simply Xacto it out in rows.
-Porkuslime
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:20 am
by bluemeenie
Go to the grocery store and get extra large egg cartons

Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:16 am
by Ironhide
If you game a lot at a FLGS then I would invest in a couple of Sabol carrying cases.
Now having said that, you could go the magnetic route. Follow this link:
http://www.stephane.info/show.php?code=army_transport
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:38 am
by MagickalMemories
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:31 am
by mrrshann618
When I started playing I used old Plano plastic "boxes". Found em at the hardware store, they really only fit the "single pose" marine sized figures. I used to cut up the foam that came in the blisters to fit in the slots.
That "tackle box" storage is now sitting by the wayside in my basement as I simply broke down and purchased a GW case and several Sabol Trays.
It was cheap, about 5$ a storage box. At least back then
Re: Storing Models
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:40 am
by gpfredette
I actually have a couple of econo-boxes from Erik's post.
They are great for the price.
I have almost 1500 points of Blood Angels in one and around 1000 points of Karmans in another.
Gerry Fredette