Advise storing and transporting minis

[ssprayb]

Storing and transporting is becoming an issue with me. It is easy to transport my 'figure minis' such as vampire counts, space marines, etc. And also their vehicles aren't a prob.
BUT I had to make a case to carry my eldar BFG fleet.
Now that I am into babylon 5, well, I have a minbari fleet I am building and will be building an earth fleet also.
So, any suggestions on a case to transport them? I am afraid of buying a case where the minis will lie on their side due to the little fiddly bits on the sides of the ships.
I can't find a 'pluck' tray tall enough to protect the ships from damage from the top.
And I also have old star frontiers and new star wars starship battles I want to transport (not in the same case) I need to store since the wife is going to kill me if I just keep putting them all on display.
So, any advise? Mongoose, make me a case! LOL!
Sam

 

[High Sierra]

lots of options really.

easy ones include a spot of blu-tack on the base and using kitchen roll or tissue to help support the models so they dont fall over in transport.
You could also use polystyrene filler.

Or you could buy your own foam from an upholstery shop and cut it accordingly - can be quite fiddly to do this.

Or you could Bin the crappy plastic stands mongoose give us and build detachable stands so that you can transport the models without worrying about them falling over at all. theres a number of ways to do this, and there are threads on this site showing you how, only I cant find them atm - Im sure someone will show you where they are.

I went with building detachable stands - its a pain in the arse to begin with but once I worked out how to build each stand and how to fit it to the model, it didnt take long and the end result has impressed everyone I ga3me with.

 

[Chernobyl]

hmm.... tough call on the minbos...they do look pretty tall.I prefer the army transport line, and cut out most of the foam in identical "bricks", which are two-piece and have a cutout inside them for the ship.
For extra tall ships, you could try using two trays - turn one upside down, or cut through the bottom of one.

Chern

 

[polemarch]

For years I have used the magnetic sheeting that signwriters use to attach stick on signage for cars and fridge magnets.

Glue a rough circle of the sheeting to you base (make sure that the magnetised side is facing down), trim it to make it nice and neat and either transport them in a metal tool box, or get yourself a sheet of metal to line the bottom of your carry tray, box, briefcase etc....

 

[ssprayb]

Ok, I like the idea of the paper tube rolls, didnt think about that. And I forgot about using the magnetic sheets. I have a sheet around here somewhere. So the paper tubes and the magnetic sheet sound like the best option for me. Tried cutting foam before, big time pain, at least for me.
Thanks a bunch everyone!
I can use the advise, and hope it helps others too!
Sam

 

[Iain McGhee]

I don't use removable bases so I picked up plastic boxes intended for A4 sheets from a stationary shop and cut foam to shape to make "berths" for the models. I have a foam piece on the lid to stop the models jiggling about and sometimes pack them with tissue paper for added security. I can get about 15 or so average size ships per box plus a "slot" for fighter flights although taller models like Sharlins and Aviokis need to sit on their sides and so take up more space. Haven't had more than the occasional casualty in transit (but I keep a tube of glue in the box just in case )

 

[CheesyRobMan]

Currently my storage solution is a box with all the ships' bases blutacked to the bottom... I need to get something better sorted but it's surprisingly effective for now. I just hope I don't drop it :?

 

[Commador Q]

I use these:
http://frpgames.irook.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=975

their larger trays can hold my Victory comfotably so they can probably handle prety much anything you'd need them to. also the trays are interchangable so one case can service a much larger number on minatures than it can hold if some can be left behind.

 

[katadder]

yeah i use the same things, great for space ships.