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Here is the army case tutorial as promised, if you go the the gun section of Walmart you can find this double pistol case from 10 bucks.



In side you will find 3 layers of foam, the top layer is the punch out style.



The out side border is very thick and a waste of foam that I did not take advantaged of in the top picture, but with some careful planning you can get more models in each layer like the bottom picture.




One problem with this foam is that its hollow on the bottom, but this is easily fixed with some foam sheet that you can also get from Walmart or even some thin cardboard and a hot glue gun.



The 2 lower layers are the egg shell style.



With a smaller force you can fit a whole army in one case, this is my 1500 of wolves.
Here is the top layer for my troops, all I did was punch out some squares and glue some foam that I just happen to have on the bottom.



The middle layer is unused (for now)

The bottom layer is egg shell with rhino and speeder sized squares cut out with some random long fangs laying about with the other layer of egg shell on top of it.



For a larger force I would suggest getting 2 cases and putting both the punch out layer in the same case. Here is case 1 of my 2K ork list.
The top layer is punched out foam with the border cut into so there is less wasted space.



Layer 2 is the same.



Layer 3 is an egg shell with lots of squares cut out for larger models and still room for more.



Case 2 is for all my vehicles with all egg shell foam.
The layer is just carved out to make space for some buggies and deff rollas.



Layer 2 and 3 is the last 2 sheets of egg shell fit together to form one thick sheet tall enough for battle wagons and turkks.



I hope you liked this installment of cheap a$$ 40k!

I'm Impressed, looks like I will need to go pick up a pistol case form Walmart now, at only 10$? Its a steal, AND it can fit my larger models? I'm sold.

The only problem I have heard from people using gun cases for transporting armies in is that thieves mistake them for cases with guns in and so are more likely to steal them... (well, that and you can't so easily buy gun cases here in the UK )

Otherwise, an excellent use for a $10 case.

Oh well, I play at friends houses, and at my LFGS, a person found a Game Case, held onto it, and gave it back to me the next time I was there. I trust my group now.

SilverMK2 wrote:The only problem I have heard from people using gun cases for transporting armies in is that thieves mistake them for cases with guns in and so are more likely to steal them....

LOL you are not the first person to tell me that!

This is still a good idea for people living in areas where guns can't be easily obtained. Most DIY shops (B&Q for those over here) have similar if not more suitable cases used for carrying tools.

these cases are awesome for tanks. I get them at Harbor Freight tools for about $20, the cheapest version doesn't come with the foam but a few dollars more gets you a deep block of punch out foam and a hard aluminum case. It also has a compartment in the lid perfect for carrying codexes and army lists

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-x-12-3-4-quarter-inch-x-6-inch-aluminum-case-39196.html

The link you posted said 30 bucks for the case. Its a much nicer case than mine but mine are cheaper! LOL

There is a Harbor Freight real close to my house so I will go check it out. Thanks for the bit of info!

Yeah, guns are pretty hard to come by in the UK, so there is no real call for gun cases. As mentioned im intending to get something together from a tool box, its just finding some good foam to go in them. I be shot dead before i get the GW rip of ones.
Cheap as!!s 40k all the way

Brotherjulian wrote:these cases are awesome for tanks. I get them at Harbor Freight tools for about $20, the cheapest version doesn't come with the foam but a few dollars more gets you a deep block of punch out foam and a hard aluminum case. It also has a compartment in the lid perfect for carrying codexes and army lists

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-x-12-3-4-quarter-inch-x-6-inch-aluminum-case-39196.html

That's the kind I have, except it's an older style. I got it at wal-mart.

MechaEmperor7000 wrote:

Brotherjulian wrote:these cases are awesome for tanks. I get them at Harbor Freight tools for about $20, the cheapest version doesn't come with the foam but a few dollars more gets you a deep block of punch out foam and a hard aluminum case. It also has a compartment in the lid perfect for carrying codexes and army lists

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-x-12-3-4-quarter-inch-x-6-inch-aluminum-case-39196.html

That's the kind I have, except it's an older style. I got it at wal-mart.

That's what I was thinking.

Wow, thanks sickening! I'm new to 40k (and wargames in general), and was looking at the cheapest ($30) case at my FLGS today--and it's less than half the size of this!

Off to Wal-Mart. God bless America.

Good cases, thanks for the links all.

The object lesson here is you basically always want to avoid specialty or niche products and hobby shops are full of them, when nearly identical good can be got for more generic uses (the ones that come to mind immediately for me are Army Painter Quick Shades being more expensive watered down furniture stain, and 'hobby' paints versus normal acrylic craft paints)

Jack

Hmm, couldn't find this today at my local wal-mart (though there was a space for a "4 pistol case" for $10), and online the only "double pistol case" they have is $50.

I'll keep checking around, though.

Yeah they don't always keen there stock full.

Another cheap a$$ alternative is to go to Home Depot (although and DIY or home improvement store will do) and pick up any generic toolbox. The prices are generally no more than $20, especially if they're having a sale. The up side is they often have extra compartments in the lid for holding dice, tape measure, etc.

For padding, head to the 'upholstery' section of a fabric store, you know, the kind of place your grandma would go to get her knitting and sewing supplies. You can find foam padding in various thicknesses for making cushions, pillows, etc. You can usually buy it by the foot or by the yard, so you'll have enough foam for several armies. Just cut the foam to fit the toolbox and then trace the outlines of you various models onto the foam and start cutting.

I use the thick stuff (say 2" or so) for my tanks and the thinner stuff (1") to hold the infantry. I also use 1/2" thick stuff as padding between layers.

Just another suggestion for those on a budget.

I buy cheapo rubbermaid or similar plastic boxes of the size made to hold hanging files. It holds six layers of the foam trays for a GW figure case. You used to be able to order just the foam trays without the cases $15 for three. I've also fitted some of these boxes with Army Transporter punch out foam for tanks but it takes about two trays to really fill the dimensions of the box.
The furniture foam would be a good idea to put in these, maybe using some cardboard to divide the layers.

Brotherjulian wrote: I buy cheapo rubbermaid or similar plastic boxes of the size made to hold hanging files. It holds six layers of the foam trays for a GW figure case. You used to be able to order just the foam trays without the cases $15 for three. I've also fitted some of these boxes with Army Transporter punch out foam for tanks but it takes about two trays to really fill the dimensions of the box.
The furniture foam would be a good idea to put in these, maybe using some cardboard to divide the layers.

This sounds like what I was planning last night for my future army.

Do you ever have any issues with the bits poking out? Like the swords that are on top of those dividers?

SilverMK2 wrote:The only problem I have heard from people using gun cases for transporting armies in is that thieves mistake them for cases with guns in and so are more likely to steal them... (well, that and you can't so easily buy gun cases here in the UK )

Otherwise, an excellent use for a $10 case.

Gun cases are easy to get in the UK, just not quite as cheap.

http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/544b2270d9315a9691827103/Dosko+Single+Rifle+Case+'28PLH10476'29/
http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/234c4432bdac044910023442/MTM+811+4+Pistol+Case+'28ROT-MT811'29/
http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/product/904c44373f6a33b134518694/MTM+807+Pistol+Case+'28ROT-M807'29/

Rifle cases are the cheapest way of transporting lots of stuff. Mine has most of my MK2 rhino chassis in it.

I have thought about the large rifle case but I think its just too big.

I tend to be vehicle heavy (8-10 vehicles at 2 points) so they make a lot of sense for me. (and people in the UK don't identify gun cases as such so you don't have the same problem with being conspicuous as in the US)

Portaljacker wrote:

Brotherjulian wrote: I buy cheapo rubbermaid or similar plastic boxes of the size made to hold hanging files. It holds six layers of the foam trays for a GW figure case. You used to be able to order just the foam trays without the cases $15 for three. I've also fitted some of these boxes with Army Transporter punch out foam for tanks but it takes about two trays to really fill the dimensions of the box.
The furniture foam would be a good idea to put in these, maybe using some cardboard to divide the layers.

This sounds like what I was planning last night for my future army.

Do you ever have any issues with the bits poking out? Like the swords that are on top of those dividers?

No issues with it, they just have a little bit of soft foam resting on them. Rarely does anything break for me but if you've got bits going all directions you may need to get thicker foam and cut big holes for them

Nice, I've had a DE Army in Cases like this for 10 years. It takes some time to cut the foam but once you're done...it's perfect.

Everytime I mention troop transport at the GW the manager or staff guy I talk to keeps pushing their case.

I am tempted. The manager is offering to help me mod their foam and if that fails I can just buy some custom Battlefoam that fits their cases, which are very nice. Plus I have this sort of hiking bag I'm sure I could fit one of those in.

However, for now I'm sticking with one of those tool boxes and cutting foam or tubberware and cutting foam.

As I walk into Walmart and purchase 10 pistol cases lol... can imagine the odd look I might get haha

My brother uses a rifle case to haul a big chunk of his army around. That and a big tackle box seems to carry everything. Ive really thought about doing something similar as my tackle box works, but it isnt very safe. Ive dropped it, and ended up with boyz needing arms glued or nobs going into battle with no weapons This thread is giving me some ideas. Im digging the file tote with foam in it. I might just go that route.

SilverMK2 wrote:The only problem I have heard from people using gun cases for transporting armies in is that thieves mistake them for cases with guns in and so are more likely to steal them... (well, that and you can't so easily buy gun cases here in the UK

Been there, sadly. I saw a fully-painted Iyanden army at a pawn shop here in Seattle some years back. It was pretty obviously stolen. I bought it ($150 iirc) and then passed word around the local shops to see who might have lsot something like that. Turns out some junkie smash & grabbed a fellow's car, thinking the cases were for either tools or guns. Fortunately he got the army back (and repaid me), but many other stories have less happy endings... including for the confused junkies

Lesson: If you use these cases for transport, DO NOT leave them uncovered in your car. Take a blanket along to throw over them, at least.

I think if you leave any type of case lying around some as*hole will always try and take what isn't there's.

I've ordered one of the kr cases for troops i've got a cheap aliuminium tool box for tanks etc... just got to cut some foam now. I post some pics when done.

Today I found a couple PERFECT cases at Home Depot.

One was a little over $8, and about 19"x11" (can't remember the depth) with a tray on top. This was Home Depot brand.

I found another on that was slightly bigger, 22"x12", again case on top and don't remember the depth, for something like $22.

I'll probably snap up the Home Depot brand one and go looking for foam at Jo-Ann fabrics (michael's only had the hard foam).

I recently picked up the pistol case the OP talked about. Its great!! It can easily hold 40 25mm base items and 5 40 mm base items in one layer. The other layer is great for vehicles. I am transporting a bunch of stuff with it. Thanks sickening!!

P.S. Thread Necromancy FTW.