I have seen some ingenious "self built" army transports built out of pluck foam and plastic tool boxes,(like the kind you can get at wallmart) for far cheaper than you can get these ultra expensive army transports.

My question is, if you can build one your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive transports? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag will do just fine?

It seems to me that even the plastic wallmart tool boxes would be more protection on flights than a bag that can be crushed.

GG

Some of us are just fools that think that GW will turn nice one day and the fact that you supported them all the time could make you happy.
In reality, because not all of us can make our own transports, and in Finland there is not many choices besides GW cases

Haha...laziness is a part of it, too. Cutting foam rubber can be a pain in the butt; having a nicely sized, pre-cut option saves a lot of hassle, and you pay for the simplicity.

My question is, if you can build one your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive transports? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag will do just fine?

Its a time saver XD. Plus, I had a hard time finding a tool box comparable in size to the Army Figure case that wasn't more expensive than the army figure case or awkwardly shaped. If I was going for that smaller case though I could have definitely found a cheaper route than $57.99 easy. I just didn't want to lug around 2 cases to carry all my figures, and the alternatives weren't much cheaper when I factored in the case of about the same size, the foam, etc.

I probably could have found a good gun case to do the job, but I didn't want to go walking into the mall with a gun case. Not in DC XD.

generalgrog wrote:I have seen some ingenious "self built" army transports built out of pluck foam and plastic tool boxes,(like the kind you can get at wallmart) for far cheaper than you can get these ultra expensive army transports.

My question is, if you can build one your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive transports? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag will do just fine?

It seems to me that even the plastic wallmart tool boxes would be more protection on flights than a bag that can be crushed.

GG

Why do you buy miniatures if you can play with stones and sodacaps? Everyone has a soft spot for something mate and spends money as they see fit... doesnt necessary means he is vain or that he buys for a hipotetic status.
Redundant things for you may be the playground of others.

Saldiven wrote:Haha...laziness is a part of it, too. Cutting foam rubber can be a pain in the butt; having a nicely sized, pre-cut option saves a lot of hassle, and you pay for the simplicity.

I can see this as a reason. But who says you have to do any cutting. Just by pluck foam and pluck away. You can get pluck foam for around $7. And cheap plastic tool boxes with wheels, for $25.

GG

You dont have to buy anything related to your hobby. Its a discretionary spend and so isnt required to survive day to day. Apart from stating the obvious, whats my point..

Well accepting the above, how much is your time worth to you, for many the thought of making your own case is a mare and not worth contemplating, and for others making the case is part of the hobby. If you are happy do what ever you want. No one should judge you.

While you make a good comparison the fact is that one is specifically designed for tools / tackle and the other is specifically designed for miniatures (I'm referencing Battle Foam here.), but most of the cost (IMO) is based in convenience. I'm paying so that I don't have to modify and redesign one thing to suit a need it wasn't designed for.

generalgrog wrote:I have seen some ingenious "self built" army transports built out of pluck foam and plastic tool boxes,(like the kind you can get at wallmart) for far cheaper than you can get these ultra expensive army transports.

My question is, if you can build one your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive transports? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag will do just fine?

It seems to me that even the plastic wallmart tool boxes would be more protection on flights than a bag that can be crushed.

GG

My first army case was a tackle box that I got at Kmart for ridiculous cheap. 4 slide out trays with lids that you could customize the size, a removeable tray with lid in the top (perfect for dice, tokens, etc.). All I had to add was the little pieces of foam from the blister packs to each slot in the tray, and my minis were surrounded by solid hard plastic protection. I've been using it for over 10 years.

I've never thought of mini cases to be status symbols. I never really notice what other people use. I see them strictly in the utilitarian sense - something to store and carry my minis in.

I have used GW cases (large and small), army transport, etc., and not really been blown away by any of them.

I'd rather spend my money on minis :-)

Saldiven wrote:Haha...laziness is a part of it, too. Cutting foam rubber can be a pain in the butt; having a nicely sized, pre-cut option saves a lot of hassle, and you pay for the simplicity.

exactly. I've done both and range from nice cases/Sabol to pistol cases to cardboard with foam. It depends on the pieces. My prefered now is just cheap pistol case where you can cut the foam.

pluck foam runs about 5-8$ a sheet, an army case with 6 1" trays and 2 2.5" trays with the case itself is only 65$, thats almost 50$ of just foam .... if youre going to buy the foam the case is practically free ...

rich1231 wrote: No one should judge you.

This isn't about judging. It's more about educating. Some of us gamers have the "shiny object, must have the precious" syndrome.(myself included) Just pointing out, that you can save 100's of dollars.

GG

LordofHats wrote:

Its a time saver XD. Plus, I had a hard time finding a tool box comparable in size to the Army Figure case that wasn't more expensive than the army figure case or awkwardly shaped.

This. I can't find something the same size as my Motor Pool that wouldn't weigh at least three times as much.

mon-keigh slayer wrote:pluck foam runs about 5-8$ a sheet, an army case with 6 1" trays and 2 2.5" trays with the case itself is only 65$, thats almost 50$ of just foam .... if youre going to buy the foam the case is practically free ...

Are you saying that the foam comes with the case for free? I know it does with GWcases, which are small handheld things, but I didn't think that was the case with sabol and battlefoam.

GG

generalgrog wrote:

rich1231 wrote: No one should judge you.

This isn't about judging. It's more about educating. Some of us gamers have the "shiny object, must have the precious" syndrome.(myself included) Just pointing out, that you can save 100's of dollars.

GG

You really only need 1 army case. After that, its pretty much buying a large bin to put multiple stacks of foam trays in and buying foam. The Army Figure case with proper cutting can carry about 2000 points of any army easily depending on the models. Practically, it'll be rare that you'll ever need more than that for a friendly trip down to the shop. Just swap out foam trays for what you need and your set.

Considering that, and the cost of alternative to the case with foam, its either get two smaller cases to carry all your stuff (which is cheaper), or buy a case of similar size that costs more when you factor in foam or about the same. Factor in maybe an hour to put the foam together, cut just right and set everything, some people will find the Army Case cheaper. I did. THe only tool boxes I could find that were the same size weren't very conversion friendly, and the ones that could be were kind of pricy. Ultimately for me, if I wanted 1 case to carry all my stuff, the GW case was cheaper than the alternatives that were readily available.

Are you saying that the foam comes with the case for free? I know it does with GWcases, which are small handheld things, but I didn't think that was the case with sabol and battlefoam.

Its not free with battlefoam, don't know about sabol. Battlefoam cases are awesome, but really really pricy. More than I was willing to spend.

Bunker wrote:

LordofHats wrote:

Its a time saver XD. Plus, I had a hard time finding a tool box comparable in size to the Army Figure case that wasn't more expensive than the army figure case or awkwardly shaped.

This. I can't find something the same size as my Motor Pool that wouldn't weigh at least three times as much.

You can make your own resin bases. you can make tanks out of plasticard... you can pretty much do anything in a custom scratch built way for material costs cheaper than a pre manufactured item, they take time and effort. and for many the effort is better spent elsewhere. Its not wrong to want something. Shiny and new or not either.

The only reason I use GW cases is that most of the lots I have bought off Ebay over the past few years have a case thrown in. As a result I have a case for every army I own so I can hack the foam inserts to fit accordingly and don't have to swap out for other armies.

I guess I wasn't really talking about GW cases. I was more refering to the high end cases like battlefoam. I mean you could spend $500 on one of those.

(In fact, to prevent further misunderstanding I'll modify the title.)

GG

I've transported my army in everything from a giant treasure chest to army surplus ammo canisters. Mostly just because I am a giant sucker for attention, and I think they're cool. They almost always prompt some fun discussion, though.

it does come free with some of the sabol cases, if you actually read their descriptions they sell loaded/unloaded of most of their versions.

i bought this after xmas and i love it, http://www.saboldesigns.net/armytransport.html

68$ and it comes fully loaded... holds quite a bit too, 4 waveserpents jetbikes 2 warwalkers and tons of infantry ion mine atm, and i have 3 unused sheets of the 1" pluck still.

Have you tried to make a case to transport a Thunderhawk or Reaver titan?

I'm not talking about 40 AoBR Marines here and a Dread.
Larger models that you put a lot of work in to that are awkwardly shaped , that would be my reasoning for buying custom cut foam, pluck foam cases are not large enough for some of the superheavies and Flyers.

I bought my BF 1520 because it was much easier and holds a lot more than I could have gotten out of a pluck foam case. Yeah I paid for that convience ($300), but I think it was worth every penny. I did the foam toolbox and pistol case routes before that, and the difference is night and day.

I dont know ... i dont think battlefoam could ever be worth the entire case, id order their 2 waveserpent(would hold 4 if stacked, its a 4" deep tray) 3 warwalkers and jetbikes tray, but no way would i ever spend an extra 250$ for no reason.

TobyDog wrote:Have you tried to make a case to transport a Thunderhawk or Reaver titan?

I'm not talking about 40 AoBR Marines here and a Dread.
Larger models that you put a lot of work in to that are awkwardly shaped , that would be my reasoning for buying custom cut foam, pluck foam cases are not large enough for some of the superheavies and Flyers.

How many people own T-hawks? Of course I get your point, and I can sort of see it in that case. But I'm mainly talking about the general useage, which is to use it to carry armies not single gigantic models.

GG

I would have thought the logistics of cutting foam to fit the distinctly jagged forms of Tyranids, for example, would be enough to make Einstein himself skulk off for a couple of Nurofen, hence why I have never tried.

filbert wrote:I would have thought the logistics of cutting foam to fit the distinctly jagged forms of Tyranids, for example, would be enough to make Einstein himself skulk off for a couple of Nurofen, hence why I have never tried.

That's why you use pluck foam. :-)

GG

Plano has a 4 pistol gun case that was perfect for any army up to about 1500 points. Hard plastic outside, egg crate foam on the inside. Deep under foam that is pretty easy to cut and perfect for holding tanks.

Walmart used to sell them for 8 bucks. I've got about 6 of them. Sadly I need too more and the cheapest I can find is 15 bucks now.

If I used to get cases for 8 bucks, hesitant to buy the same thing at 15, what chances do you think a 40 dollar case (of the exact same size) has?

I am so lazy though . Some times the cases are annoying there always that little bit too small to fit your huge forge world model in. If you do have larger army though its good to invest in alternative casing , my friend bought the large army case but he needs so much more room than he thought.
I havent thought much about how am going to get my army to the shop in perfect condition, its got rather big lately. I have been too busy painting it to think. This artical can come in handy now , I dont really want to spend another £ 50 on a case.

mon-keigh slayer wrote:it does come free with some of the sabol cases, if you actually read their descriptions they sell loaded/unloaded of most of their versions.

i bought this after xmas and i love it, http://www.saboldesigns.net/armytransport.html

68$ and it comes fully loaded... holds quite a bit too, 4 waveserpents jetbikes 2 warwalkers and tons of infantry ion mine atm, and i have 3 unused sheets of the 1" pluck still.

I too have a few sabol transports. The big one with wheels and the telescoping handle won't stand up strait and the thing rocks from side to side when I try to roll it for any distance. I hate it for anything except closet storage.

GG

If I wasn't so heavily invested in sabol cases at this point, I'd have purchased a battlefoam case. I still may for my tanks. I'd rather not have to jury rig something from Wal-Mart just to save a few bucks.

rich1231 wrote:You dont have to buy anything related to your hobby. Its a discretionary spend and so isnt required to survive day to day. Apart from stating the obvious, whats my point..

Well accepting the above, how much is your time worth to you, for many the thought of making your own case is a mare and not worth contemplating, and for others making the case is part of the hobby. If you are happy do what ever you want.

+1

For me, it's easier to spend the money than to invest the time. I know it's cheaper to go to Wal-mart and buy some gun cases, or tackle boxes, etc. some pull and pluck foam.... but it's less effort and time on my part just to find something already designed for my minis. I don't use the cases as a status symbol. I know some people who do but I am not one of those.

I'd rather invest my time in furthering my painting and game-playing skills than in making a carrying case. So yes, it's worth my money to buy a ready-made one. YMMV.

Maxstreel wrote:I'd rather invest my time in furthering my painting and game-playing skills than in making a carrying case.

Yeah.. that whole hour or two spent, is going to totally ruin your paint and play. ;-)

GG

generalgrog wrote:

Maxstreel wrote:I'd rather invest my time in furthering my painting and game-playing skills than in making a carrying case.

Yeah.. that whole hour or two spent, is going to totally ruin your paint and play. ;-)

GG

As poorly as I paint, I need every minute I can get!

generalgrog wrote:

mon-keigh slayer wrote:it does come free with some of the sabol cases, if you actually read their descriptions they sell loaded/unloaded of most of their versions.

i bought this after xmas and i love it, http://www.saboldesigns.net/armytransport.html

68$ and it comes fully loaded... holds quite a bit too, 4 waveserpents jetbikes 2 warwalkers and tons of infantry ion mine atm, and i have 3 unused sheets of the 1" pluck still.

I too have a few sabol transports. The big one with wheels and the telescoping handle won't stand up strait and the thing rocks from side to side when I try to roll it for any distance. I hate it for anything except closet storage.

The Battalion case (the aforementioned big one with wheels/handle) suffers from all those problems, yes. But it has one big advantage:

It's carry-on sized.

I didn't buy a "real" transport bag until I needed to fly with miniatures. One year with self-made foam trays in my checked luggage was adequate to educate me - minis must be in carry-on bags, and those bags have certain specific size requirements.

If Battlefoam can make something with the capacity of the (pluck-foam filled) Sabol Battalion bag, I'm willing to listen - their bags are more robust, and the lousy wheels/handle on the Sabol bag are such that I don't even use them; I replaced the flimsy shoulder strap with a heavy-duty one, and just carry the thing.

I've contemplated picking up a higher-end Sabol/Battlefoam bag before, but my desire for more minis always wins out in the end. I've already got one of the Citadel Army cases and seven Reaper army bags, so I don't really need a new bag.

I suppose I could learn to stitch a bag that would hold the sponge foam I made in my chemical
laboratory to safely transport the casted figs that I painted with pigments gathered in the wild,
but really, that's what my privileged lifestyle pays for servants for.

I'm over exaggerating, but I don't have the interest or the skillset to craft these items
that you speak of, nor do I want to put the time into learning them. Could I learn
how to mass produce my own portable, swappable storage system? Sure. And
every iteration of this system would probably get better and better as I improved my
skills.

But that's not what I want to spend my time doing. I want to assemble models,
paint them, and write about them (that last part's kind of insane). So I make my choice and
pay for the good quality product I couldn't make for myself and couldn't match
in quality anyways.

GW case is easy, works with my apoc backpack and is durable. I did pulled foam before with my tool box but it was just odd shaped enough that I out grew it. A gun case would have my car searched if I were to be pulled over and it was on the seat.

I do feel morally superior buying a GW case from my FLGS than a gun case from Walmart. Since my money is going to support my FLGS. Then again, I am a pretentious Bostonian.

to me i kinda see them as someone who spent to much money on what could of been more models or in some cases an entire army.

garret wrote:to me i kinda see them as someone who spent to much money on what could of been more models or in some cases an entire army.

You need to vary the spending, though. Too much army and you don't paint it anyway

It'll never be considered a status symbol for me , never anything gaming related.

Also no army cases is going to be more effective than my towels in a socks box.

LunaHound wrote:Also no army cases is going to be more effective than my towels in a socks box.

Not bad, not bad at all I say!!

GG

edit..although now that I think about towels can get expensive too.

i use right know.
fishing box with mostly carboard dividers holds quite a nice array of models.
2 lr boxes for transport of vehicles/bikes.
reular foam with a laptop carrying case soon to be replaced by assasins creed deluxe box i got with the game with egg carton box.

generalgrog wrote:GG

edit..although now that I think about towels can get expensive too.

Play your wargame of choice on Vassal and you have no need for cases and will save hundreds/thousands on models as well...

CT GAMER wrote:

generalgrog wrote:GG

edit..although now that I think about towels can get expensive too.

Play your wargame of choice on Vassal and you have no need for cases and will save hundreds/thousands on models as well...

Hook me up!

I wont play on it , i just want to use it for battle reports.

Id say that for those that put too much stock in the hobby (I.E. the ones that revolve their lives around it, etc.), yes it most certainly is a status symbol. I've seen people sneer at others for the transport systems they use.

chaos0xomega wrote:Id say that for those that put too much stock in the hobby (I.E. the ones that revolve their lives around it, etc.), yes it most certainly is a status symbol. I've seen people sneer at others for the transport systems they use.

And people sneer at people who use transport systems. /shrug

Any kind of sense of superiority is overrated.

malfred wrote: Any kind of sense of superiority is overrated.

Amen. We are all grown adults playing with overpriced toy soldiers.

TBH, I see it as not being too dissimilar to paying someone to paint your army. Yeah you can do it yourself and depending on your skills do an acceptable job of it. That or you can pay a pro to do it and probably get back some better results faster.

At the end of the day , its just a game , for fun.
The day / moment anyone feel that its anything more , they should start reflecting upon it.

Unless they do it for a living , then its ok.

generalgrog wrote:
How many people own T-hawks?

GG

how many people do you see walking around your shop with battlefoam?

some people would rather pay the money for something specifically made to keep models safe then leave it to chance in a home made case...
to me i think its about how much people value their models weighed against how they think something they make will work to protect them...

I have seen some ingenious "scratch built" armies built out of modelling clay and plasticard,(like the kind you can get at any hobby store) for far cheaper than you can get these ultra expensive armies from GW.

My question is, if you can build an army your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive models? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag THAT THEY HAD TO MAKE THEMSELVES AND LOOKS LIKE CRAP will do just fine?

It seems to me that even the plastic wallmart GI Joes would be more durable on flights than a model that can be crushed.

GG

As for battlefoam vs pluck foam, battle foam saves you space. A BF Sabol troop tray nets you 40 infantry where as the standard pluck nets you about 28, IIRC.

I play guard, and I've done the three case ghetto juggle for an 1850 game before. After lugging around all those cases for years, I said feth that, and got a sabol Division. Yes, it's wheels are crap, but it's all in one case, I can take it on a plane if need be, and it fits beneath the seat of an MTA bus. Win.

My question is, if you can build an army your self for 50% to 75% the price, why go with these ultraexpensive models? Isn't it like the ladies that go into Dillards and pay big money for handbgas when a $30 handbag THAT THEY HAD TO MAKE THEMSELVES AND LOOKS LIKE CRAP will do just fine?

Because the armies that you build yourself will look like crap most likely?

Cruentus wrote:I've never thought of mini cases to be status symbols. I never really notice what other people use. I see them strictly in the utilitarian sense - something to store and carry my minis in.

It's certainly about status to me. I can't see myself showing up in public carrying a tackle box or something designed for a set of socket wrenches. The GW cases are even worse with those giant logos and embossed aquilas on them. As such, I went for the KR Multicase, which is gloss black with aluminum corner braces and a small manufacturer's logo. There's nothing to indicate the nature of its contents, which is the way I want it.

I don't see the carry case as any sort of Status Symbols, more just what people can afford or how much people want to protect their models. I've used everything from cardboard boxes, to tupperware food containers. The bulk of my stuff is transported in the Double GW Cases, and the KR Multicases. That was until.......................

My Battlefoam PACK 1532 arrived. Yes it cost 250 (took advantage of the sale) but the equivelent in GW cases would have cost more than this. It is worth every cent or penny (insert currency). I have HIGHLY recommended this case to everyone I know. I will need another case to complete my Ork Army, and this will be the only case I'll buy. If I could afford it, I'd replace the dozens of other cases for these.

I don't look down on anyone transporting their stuff in a carboard box, in some cases I'd more like to admire their indinuity. I can afford to splash out on a decent case, and feel its worth spending the money if it protects 1000GBP's worth of stuff and 2 years of painting effort

For some that travels alot , I rather spend a few extra dollars for protection of my minis... when i travel long distance from coast to coast im going to use a Sabol/ carrion army transport.

But if im going too my local game store, you will see me using my egg crate foam in open top boxes.

If im playing with unpainted mini i use egg cartens...
So I dont think its status its just protection...

I love the pistol cases but they get expensive and you cant hold that many minis in them...
Plus those are highly targetted items left in cars too...

A gamer friend was trying to describe this guy's carrying box to me....he said imagine if Homer Simpson made one out of foam and wood.

When I finally saw it...with the foam and the wood and the exposed nails....his description was perfect.

I'll admit I am a snob. If someone pulls out a Golden Demon level painted army out of a tool box that is well padded and the army looks great and not damage, good for him.

If a kid pulls smashed up models out of a Homer Simpson case, and they are painted like crap, I automatically plug that kid as someone who should not be in the hobby, because they don't care about their figures. And I find 9 times out of 10, that person exemplifies all the bad stereotypes about gamers...he's cheap, he is a poor sport, he doesn't shower, he doesn't really know the rules or get that the game is supposed to be fun for both parties, and has never seen a real live naked woman.

And of course, there are the people in between these extremes.

Stereotypes are there for a reason....most of the time, they are true.

I started out using an army case I made myself. It was about 30"x16"x5" and fit ~2500 points of Sisters in it. I used a flat peice of steel for the bottom and magnetized the bottom of all the models so they stood up and were fixed to the bottom of the case.
It worked pretty well, until I realized I was carrying around 40 pounds of lead in a 10 pound box... I then got a Sabol container, one of the mid sized ones, and could fit everything into one container, books included.
Then I meched up the girls, and needed a bigger case. Got the big Sabol with wheels and all. Now instead of toting a backpack with dice and drinks and books along with my army, everything is in one case. I never use the wheels either, but I hate dragging things like that in general.

Status has nothing to do with it really. I got to the point where I had more models than I could reasonably paint, so things like "better carrying ability" became more prominent to how I would spend my dollars. My time stayed allocated to playing and painting.
Now, when I was contemplating modeling up a scale "Black Ship" to tote my inquisitional armies around in, THAT was 100% penis proxy.

My current transit methods are staggeringly practical. For my WFB army the entire affair is in magnetic movement trays, so I didn't really need dedicated foams, just a way to get the trays, hence a platic tupperware container. For my 6x Vendetta GUard army, there simply isn't a case made that accomadates this many ridiculously sized models, so the final solution was and remains...a carboard box (affectionately dubbed the "Box o' Vendettas") accompanied by a GW infantry case for the joes. In either case it has nothing to do with status, just that none of the brand cases would suffice.

In general, hobbies are about buying things you don't need. If wasting $30-40 on the odd army case is the worst splurging you ever do in this hobby, you're probably far better off than the rest of us. There was also a pretty valid point in that you probably won't need an entirely new army case per army and just shuffle in or out foams. For me a status symbol would be a reaver titan, not a useful piece of gaming equipment that cost less extra than the land raiders that it's probably holding 3 of.

Maxstreel wrote:

rich1231 wrote:You dont have to buy anything related to your hobby. Its a discretionary spend and so isnt required to survive day to day. Apart from stating the obvious, whats my point..

Well accepting the above, how much is your time worth to you, for many the thought of making your own case is a mare and not worth contemplating, and for others making the case is part of the hobby. If you are happy do what ever you want.

+1

For me, it's easier to spend the money than to invest the time. I know it's cheaper to go to Wal-mart and buy some gun cases, or tackle boxes, etc. some pull and pluck foam.... but it's less effort and time on my part just to find something already designed for my minis. I don't use the cases as a status symbol. I know some people who do but I am not one of those.

I'd rather invest my time in furthering my painting and game-playing skills than in making a carrying case. So yes, it's worth my money to buy a ready-made one. YMMV.

Actually with pistol cases you don't have to pluck anything. Just throw the minis in and you're good to go.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

General Hobbs wrote:
A gamer friend was trying to describe this guy's carrying box to me....he said imagine if Homer Simpson made one out of foam and wood.

When I finally saw it...with the foam and the wood and the exposed nails....his description was perfect.

I'll admit I am a snob. If someone pulls out a Golden Demon level painted army out of a tool box that is well padded and the army looks great and not damage, good for him.

If a kid pulls smashed up models out of a Homer Simpson case, and they are painted like crap, I automatically plug that kid as someone who should not be in the hobby, because they don't care about their figures. And I find 9 times out of 10, that person exemplifies all the bad stereotypes about gamers...he's cheap, he is a poor sport, he doesn't shower, he doesn't really know the rules or get that the game is supposed to be fun for both parties, and has never seen a real live naked woman.

And of course, there are the people in between these extremes.

Stereotypes are there for a reason....most of the time, they are true.

What if they pool a Golden Demon Army out of a Homer Simpson box?

I 3> battle foam! Just have to see if I can find the money...

RiTides wrote:I 3> battle foam! Just have to see if I can find the money...

*Tightens the circulation to reveal the vein*

I don't see how I can read into those boxes being anything more then what they are.

Something to carry an army around in. nothing more.


Price doesn't come into play, aside from availability, and size. people get what they can, from a shoebox with some foam, to a plastic toolbox with trays of those little 2X2 square plastic boxes, to a high doller GW high speed tank carrying box with the special IG infantry pack.

Its a carrying box. And considering how much time, effort, and prices. A box is a box is a box.


Unless of course, it is a shrubbery.

A lot of guys in Japan that I have seen use plastic containers with tissue or bits of foam they have around. A lot of their minis seem to be paying the price for a 1/3 cushioned ride.

Making an army case would be a worthwhile　project.

with the effort i put into my minis, I value their protection more than I value buying a second army.

suppose it goes on a number of factors.

Cost
Time
commitment
ducks

Cost being if the player has enough money to spend on proper cases or if they cannot afford ti and continue to build their army, not everyone has the cash for making an army and buying the good cases. So its a trade off situation, more models or get the cases and then go back to the models.

Time is if they have the free time to build their own, or if they are in a higher income and low time period of their life, thus buying some is easier and means more time working on their armies.

commitment means if they are wanting the proper cases for lasting long term, or if their homemade cases are to tie them over thus saving costs (See Cost above) until they have the free cash to splash, if they ever want to on protective carrycases for models

ducks have nothing to do with model carrying, but if you had one which would fetch you drinks and ruffle your hiar and sit on your shoulder... you wouldnt need a carrycase, people would flock to carry your models to be seen with the 'Guy with the kick ass duck on his shoulder'. This ensures money saved, and if you lose in the battle your duck cheering you up, or distracting the enemy.

Even if you did lose you could have it attack thr enemy commander.

I agree with Roleplayer. You make a Homer Simpson case, there's a great chance of your figures being ruined. You go with a GW case, you can run over it with a Hummer and the figures will be fine.

General Hobbs wrote:

I agree with Roleplayer. You make a Homer Simpson case, there's a great chance of your figures being ruined. You go with a GW case, you can run over it with a Hummer and the figures will be fine.

Bah!!.............. Bah!!.... I say!!

Who said anything about a "homer simpson" case and building anything. Walmart plastic tool box and some purchased pluck foam is just as sturdy as any GW case. But then again a GW case is hardly "high end".

GG

I just wish i could find some readily available pluck foam here, right now i just use boxes for my bigger toys :(

Back in 2000 when I was playing with pre-painted clicky based game miniatures, I used the PLANO Tool Box. No foam or gimmicky trays. I threw them in there and separated each faction with ziplock bags. Then, I started re-painting my figures and dipping them. I used the PLANO Tackle Tray Boxes padded with tissue or cotton. These Tray boxes also carried the army I was planning to use at each tournament I attended.

Fast forward 10 years later, I paint all my figures from scratch and taking the time to really bring the details out. I purchase the pricy Battlefoam 1520 but that is because I am trying to protect the time and money I already invested in my figures. The only reason I did not go the Sabol route is becuase I do not like the pluck foam system.

I do not see it as a status symbol but everyone else does because of the price. "You can affort 3 battle boxes for the price of one battlefoam bag..." is the common reaction I get. To avoid being seen as a rich douche, I just tell them that it was a gift.

I will admit that I like seeing people using the higher-end bags, but that's just an indicator to me that they most likely put some time and effort into their army.

The only thing that makes me cringe is miniatures rattling around in a box, getting all nicked up. Other than that, as long as you protect your miniatures, I'm very very happy.

Awww, Lorek, you DO care!

I got a PACK1520 for 224$ total for everything including custom foam and shipping.

I have had enough.
*I did the magnetized base transporting and to this day still magnetize my models bases. It is not a good solution for reliable transport.
*I did the cardboard boxes with eggcrate foam. Works ok, but transporting more than 2000pts of models became a hassle and a pain in the ass.
*I did GW cases as I often acquired them in trades. The minimal number of cases I needed to transport most armies was 3. Also, the foam wouldn't re customize for different cargo so I often needed custom foam inserts.
*Did pick and pluck and custom and a large plastic container. So much wasted space between models and to carry 3-4 GW cases of foam, it costs 5-7$ per 1" tray.

Simply put 224$ I paid for my battlefoam is not drastically more expensive than the other solutions. I priced out an equivalent Home Depot toolbox and 22" of pick and pluck foam and I found it was 80$-120$ for just the foam and 25-30$ for a case. And this would have nowhere close to the capacity of my battlefoam or be as light or as easy to use. And the battlefoam custom trays are amazing and fit my irregular models in a way no other transport has ever done.

It is durable, light and protects my models perfectly and I can fit 6-7 GW cases worth of models into a single bag. I actually sat down and did this and was surprised how much I got in my case.

If this was available 10 years ago, I would have told my younger self to avoid wasting hundreds on cheap alternative solutions and just picked something that works and will last. Has nothing to do with Status.

I am actually going to buy a second PACK1520 soon simply because it can hold so much. I might actually be able to legitimately transport my whole army reasonably opposed to what I want to use that day.

Well some of us used to work for GW when they gave out a saucy Discount.


I got All my cased for $20 each. Beat that

Roleplayer wrote:with the effort i put into my minis, I value their protection more than I value buying a second army.

Since I value the effort I put into painting my armies, and playing a game meant bringing my models on an hour and a half train ride to Osaka, I needed some way to transport them easily. I went the padded toolbox route at first, but it not only was a pain to carry around, it was also insecure enough that stuff chipped or broke in transit. Then I got the Sabol wheeled case. The foam padding kept everything secure, even if I slung it up onto the luggage rack, and being a carry bag made it easy to carry long distances. There's really no way I could've made something of equal utility at a lesser cost.

Khornholio wrote:A lot of guys in Japan that I have seen use plastic containers with tissue or bits of foam they have around.

Ah! recycling is good

Seems pretty cut an dry that some folks pefer the ease and assurance of a ready made case and some prefer to diy.

In general, there seems to be a feeling that DIY's main benefit is only in price. I'm not sure this is always the case (pun intended). I use a letter sized (as opposed to Legal sized) file case/tote. Sure it's innexpensive, but it also has a sturdy handle, is durable, holds stacked plastic thread cases with foam in each compartment, leaves just enough room to slide a codex or two along side the cases, and has nifty compartment on top for storing of small stuff. Additionally, the plastic thread cases offer advantages over foam trays in that they are rigid, and when removed from the cases, they can be stored and stacked separately without worry about getting dusty or damaged.

You could get most of this with a purpose-built case, but I just wanted to point out that there can be advantages to the DIY besides cost.

Just my experience, YMMV.

Eilif wrote:One question though. I would like to buy pluck foam for my vehicle trays. Where can I find it, and what is it called at retailers?

No idea where you find generic foam. The War Store will sell you Sabol trays (all depths) at $7.49.

I just did a Google search like I should have to begin with, and it looks like raw pluck foam isn't much -if any- cheaper than getting it from warstore or other retailers.

This looks good:
http://www.unitedcase-pelican.com/home.php

Ironically, I gave my KR Multicase a once-over yesterday and came to the result that it's in bad enough condition that continuing to use it could be hazardous. The sides are really way too flimsy, and are starting to warp and buckle in odd and unpredictable ways.

generalgrog wrote:

rich1231 wrote: No one should judge you.

This isn't about judging. It's more about educating.

...oh...oh, Jesus! You're absolutely right, I had no idea, I mean...I-I just assumed I had to buy Sabol or Battlefoam cases, I didn't know that there was even a "do-it-yourself" option!

Dear god, what have I done? So much money, and I'll never get it back...thank you! Thank you for opening my eyes, with the money I save from-yeah, feth that, I can't keep that up any longer. Simply put, I don't need you to "educate" me, I'm well aware that making your own case is much cheaper. I just don't give a gak. I would rather pay for the convenience. Is that a problem?

And yeah, this isn't about "judging" huh? What do you call this bs then?

Yeah.. that whole hour or two spent, is going to totally ruin your paint and play. ;-)

Someone answered your question and gave you a perfectly good explanation as to why they would rather buy a case, and you mock them for it. I've got something to say to that, but I think the mods have been keeping a closer eye on me as of late, so I'll just keep that to myself...

LunaHound wrote:It'll never be considered a status symbol for me , never anything gaming related.

Indeed, seems like kind of a silly thing to say. What kind of "status" are we going for here anyway, "King Nerd with Deep Pockets?" Yeah, that'll get you laid.

Well, depends on how deep, I guess.

generalgrog wrote:edit..although now that I think about towels can get expensive too.

Ugh, what a hypocrite! You waste money on towels?! Everyone else runs around outside naked and air dries themselves to save money!

Jeez, look at Mr. Big Money, with his fancy god-damned towels, oooooh!

General Hobbs wrote:
You go with a GW case, you can run over it with a Hummer and the figures will be fine.

...err...I doubt that. I don't even think Battlefoam cases could stand up to being run over by a vehicle.

Unless you've tried this yourself, in which case, pics or it didn't happen.



On a final note:

and has never seen a real live naked woman.

There's absolutely no excuse for that! If you can afford models you can afford a cover charge and at least $20 in ones.

Wow.. way to blow a gasket there Sid.

I mean it's not like you have any emotional investment in this issue right?

I suggest you cut down on the caffeine or whatever it is that makes you overeact on the internet.

GG

And I would suggest that you remember what your own thread is about and avoid judging people based on how much they've invested in army transport. I don't see the point in posting in a thread, or even having a thread at all, if the OP is just going to talk down to or berate people who don't agree with him.

I also think you're blowing things out of proportion, I didn't "blow a gasket". If anything I think I just said what most people were probably thinking.


In any case (pun intended!), I've posted what I think about the matter and I'm going to leave it at that. You can all continue where you left off, as I go off to look for more threads to blow gaskets in!

I didn't "judge" anybody.

Welcome to the ignore list. It's a pretty exclusive club.

GG

Sid always pitches his posts with sarcasm.

Having a all metal army, I needed a foam option and the sabol bag I picked up for 60 bucks WITH THE FOAM was too good of a deal to pass up.

I know some people that will not use something unless GW has blessed it first. Tried to get people to use airbrushes for painting. I heard "There a waste of time." GW relased one and they were the first to buy one, and this is going to be the greatest thing for the hobby. As if GW invented airbrushes.

jbunny wrote:I know some people that will not use something unless GW has blessed it first. Tried to get people to use airbrushes for painting. I heard "There a waste of time." GW relased one and they were the first to buy one, and this is going to be the greatest thing for the hobby. As if GW invented airbrushes.

Amen!

jbunny wrote:I know some people that will not use something unless GW has blessed it first. Tried to get people to use airbrushes for painting. I heard "There a waste of time." GW relased one and they were the first to buy one, and this is going to be the greatest thing for the hobby. As if GW invented airbrushes.

OMG!! OMG!!

jbunny stop judging!!!! Didn't read sids post?

GG

generalgrog wrote:I didn't "judge" anybody.

GG

Some of your posts in this thread did come off as if you had an emotional investment and anyone who didn't 100% agree with your view on figure cases was missing something. Many of your posts were belittling one-liners which could be taken the way Sid pointed out and yes, he did say what people were thinking.

People who use high-end cases do not need to be 'educated' especially by you. I have over 10 years of experience transporting my models using many different solutions and the value and costs of them and know what works and what doesn't. And often the perceived upfront costs of cheap transport and "buy more models" simply doesn't pan out in the long run for many people. Others have to carry this transportation long distances and through public transit and others simply have to go from thier car to the front door. But you don't want to hear that because you have decided there is a one-size-fits-all solution for transporting models, and that simply is not true. Every person has different needs that factor into the best solution for them personally.

nkelsch wrote:

generalgrog wrote:I didn't "judge" anybody.

GG

Some of your posts in this thread did come off as if you had an emotional investment and anyone who didn't 100% agree with your view on figure cases was missing something. Many of your posts were belittling one-liners which could be taken the way Sid pointed out and yes, he did say what people were thinking.

People who use high-end cases do not need to be 'educated' especially by you. I have over 10 years of experience transporting my models using many different solutions and the value and costs of them and know what works and what doesn't. And often the perceived upfront costs of cheap transport and "buy more models" simply doesn't pan out in the long run for many people. Others have to carry this transportation long distances and through public transit and others simply have to go from thier car to the front door. But you don't want to hear that because you have decided there is a one-size-fits-all solution for transporting models, and that simply is not true. Every person has different needs that factor into the best solution for them personally.

Well.... I wasn't trying to edumacate any one that owns a high end case. Just educating anyone that thinks they "HAVE" to own a high end case to protect their models. I mean you prolly read some of the misinformation posted about "homer simpson" cases, as though every home built case is some sort of rube goldberg daeth trap contraption.

Also... this is one of the internet's, so it's real easy to read maliciousness into someones post if you want to.

GG

Gornall wrote:I bought my BF 1520 because it was much easier and holds a lot more than I could have gotten out of a pluck foam case. Yeah I paid for that convience ($300), but I think it was worth every penny. I did the foam toolbox and pistol case routes before that, and the difference is night and day.

This.

Also transporting your army in a gun case in my area is a sure way to get pulled over or shot.

generalgrog wrote:

jbunny wrote:I know some people that will not use something unless GW has blessed it first. Tried to get people to use airbrushes for painting. I heard "There a waste of time." GW relased one and they were the first to buy one, and this is going to be the greatest thing for the hobby. As if GW invented airbrushes.

OMG!! OMG!!

jbunny stop judging!!!! Didn't read sids post?

GG

Well, if jbunny did what you did, then no he didn't.

generalgrog wrote:I didn't "judge" anybody.

Welcome to the ignore list. It's a pretty exclusive club.

GG

Well, you certainly put me in my place!

If anything you've just proven my point, but instead of berating people who disagree with you, you've simply chosen to ignore the fact that they even exist. Why bother making a thread asking for Dakka's opinion if you're just going to disregard it in this fashion?

But what the hell do I know...

generalgrog wrote:

jbunny wrote:I know some people that will not use something unless GW has blessed it first. Tried to get people to use airbrushes for painting. I heard "There a waste of time." GW relased one and they were the first to buy one, and this is going to be the greatest thing for the hobby. As if GW invented airbrushes.

OMG!! OMG!!

jbunny stop judging!!!! Didn't read sids post?

GG

lmao

The point is like 30 miles that way, dude! You're way, way off.

nkelsch wrote:

generalgrog wrote:I didn't "judge" anybody.

GG

Some of your posts in this thread did come off as if you had an emotional investment and anyone who didn't 100% agree with your view on figure cases was missing something. Many of your posts were belittling one-liners which could be taken the way Sid pointed out and yes, he did say what people were thinking.

Thanks for your support, though I hope you realize you've doomed yourself to his ignore list as well.

It's not all bad, it's exclusive after all!

generalgrog wrote:Also... this is one of the internet's, so it's real easy to read maliciousness into someones post if you want to.

...wait a minute, did I read that right? So I ended up on the ignore list because you wanted to read maliciousness in my posts?

Well in that case I'm reporting you for trolling. I feel like I was baited into posting in this thing to begin with by your original post and your condescending tone towards people who have come out and said they buy "high end" cases. I don't care if you really were or not, I want to assume you were because it gives me a better reason to get pissed off, lol.

I've never thought of cases being a status symbol... That being said I've had the occasional person practically drool over a nicely built figure case so I guess it must happen in the hobby, much like it happens in the rest of life - People buy "brand name" food because they wouldn't be seen dead buying budget generic brands - I know, I've seen it happen, Hell, I've lived with people who've removed my bargain hunting purchases from their wrapping lest the neighbours see we've bought generic coffee... (Ironically, I buy my own rather expensive coffee purely on taste that isn't to be shared with anyone - not as a status symbol but simply becuase instant coffee is revolting in almost all it's forms so why bother buying more expensive instant...)

I build all my cases, always have, always will... My first cases were various power tool cases with carefully cut foam (Interestingly enough there was a black and decker drill case that was literally a perfect carbon copy of the GW case available at the time apart from the raised B&D logo) of course these are only cheap if your parent is a power tool rep and you get them free from factory warranty returns - amazing piece of good luck that most companies only want the tool back. As my armies got larger, my conversions more complicated and GW produced larger and larger models I began to build more and more elaborate constructions from cardboard and foam trays stacked in copier paper boxes to converted tool boxes...

My current cases, all sadly in storage are wood with aluminium re-inforcing, but I've got one at work with my electrical test gear/ meters ect. in it that I could get a pic of...

I've had a few comments on them, mostly on the price/time that went into them but forget plastic boxes - these will stand up to being run over - I've dropped my test meters down a two story flight of stairs and the case didn't suffer a scratch... the customers wall on the other hand cost me a large chunk of that weeks pay...

I'd never think of these as status symbols though... Just the absolute best protection I can give my gear whether it be painted toy soldiers or a $NZ600.00 Megger Tester...

TobyDog wrote:Have you tried to make a case to transport a Thunderhawk or Reaver titan?

I'd be even more inclined to build something for one of these but I agree with you, just because I built my cases doesn't mean everyone else can and if a pre made case gives your model the best protecting then thats what I'd use...

Cruentus wrote:GW cases are even worse with those giant logos and embossed aquilas on them. As such, I went for the KR Multicase, which is gloss black with aluminum corner braces and a small manufacturer's logo. There's nothing to indicate the nature of its contents, which is the way I want it.

Agreed, GW cases are hideous... I'm not about status but aestetics... I'm all about aesthetics... I think I need my boxes repainted in gloss black when I get them out of the shipping container...

Duce wrote: ducks have nothing to do with model carrying, but if you had one which would fetch you drinks and ruffle your hiar and sit on your shoulder... you wouldnt need a carrycase, people would flock to carry your models to be seen with the 'Guy with the kick ass duck on his shoulder'. This ensures money saved, and if you lose in the battle your duck cheering you up, or distracting the enemy.

Even if you did lose you could have it attack thr enemy commander.

I'd never spend money on a case just becuase it was this or that brand...

Rabid Attack Ducks of Doom on the other hand...

I've GOT to get one of those....

4 pages is far too much for me to catch up on this topic, so here's my 2 pence.

I don't think they are really a status symbol as I have seen many a respected player use home made transports and it doesn't reflect on them.

If anything I lose some respect for people who have the GW cases as they are far inferior to the Sabol or other transport options out there and they cost far too much. I used to have a lego case that was the same thing as a GW case. It was for legos...

For me, I am having my father(a hobbyist woodworker) custom make me a 24" wooden army transport made to fit Sabol trays in it. I wanted a hard case but the premade aluminum ones and other types are far too pricey for me right now. Since it is being custom made I am able to dictate the size of it, and add such things as a collapsing handle(like on luggage) and wheels on one side. I am also using butterfly latches for it and as such will be able to lock it. After all that I will be able to paint it as I like which will make it stand out as a one of a kind item.

If it turns out well I could likely offer them to others for the sake of people wanting custom heights beyond those offered by major companies. Not sure on how much it would cost, but once this first one is done then I can work out numbers on materials and labor. I should also note that it is being made out of some damn expensive maple plywood that my dad had left over after making his cabinets for his bathroom, so it's not some cheapo $10 plywood from home depot.

I will most definitely be posting pics of it once it's done.

It's not so much a status symbol as an aesthetics issue.

I spend hours upon hours painting my army to look great - I'm going to carry them in a nice looking case. Not a tool box. Not a shoe box with hastily plucked foam. Not a tupperware container. A nice case.

In fact, I'm still kinda looking for "the perfect case". One that fits a decent sized army without excess. I really like the Battlefoam bags, but they are either too big or too small I need a nice mid-sized bag for about 1500 - 1750 Tyranids.

Well, if have a 1520 case since it is the only case I have found that can carry the entire infantry, bike and walker part of my 21500 ork army in a safe, neat and compact case. I toyed with making my own case but there would have been so much work involved in it the extra money I spent on the 1520 case. I was a true chunk of changes to plunk down on the table but totally worth it.

Status symbol? Only for people that have one for each army they own.

Status Symbol?

Heck yes..

Because my case is hand tooled leather, and it took me 6 months to make, and cost about $150, and it says -I made this and I am therefore cooler then you-

and it was in the back pages of NQ 16..

Lanceradvanced wrote:Status Symbol?

Heck yes..

Because my case is hand tooled leather, and it took me 6 months to make, and cost about $150, and it says -I made this and I am therefore cooler then you-

and it was in the back pages of NQ 16..

http://lanceradvanced.deviantart.com/art/Circle-Orboros-Mini-s-Case-49258954

I'm not worthy!

I love my bolter and chainsword miniature bag.. Much better than army transports. Very unique and sturdy as well

if I needed more transport bags (My basement is a gaming center with shelves) Id get battle foam because precut stuff holds so much more

malfred wrote:

Lanceradvanced wrote:Status Symbol?

Heck yes..

Because my case is hand tooled leather, and it took me 6 months to make, and cost about $150, and it says -I made this and I am therefore cooler then you-

and it was in the back pages of NQ 16..

http://lanceradvanced.deviantart.com/art/Circle-Orboros-Mini-s-Case-49258954

I'm not worthy!

You better watch out LA malf may bypass your socks and go for your mini bag!

When it comes to me I have tried everything. I definatly prefer using Sabol foam. I haven't tried Battle foam but Sabol keeps my junk safe from falling out like gw which has failed m many a time. But I really like using tackle boxes/tool boxes from walmart there 20-25 bucks then buy a sheet of bed foam for 5 bucks and bam it'll fit practically anything.

Is there any way to tranport a tournament size army on a airplane , with several landraider sized vehicles, other than the high end cases? Because I'd really love to know.

Ha! wrote:Is there any way to tranport a tournament size army on a airplane , with several landraider sized vehicles, other than the high end cases? Because I'd really love to know.

By "high end" do you mean Sabol bags? If you don't, a Motor Pool is small enough for carry-on.

Sorry, let me rephrash: Is it possible to fly with a large army without spending $200, or carrying 2 toolboxes that could pop at any moment, and draw lots of attention?

Nope

I judge everyone by their bag. People with nice bags are obviously hoity toity snobs, and people carrying models in garbage bags or used pizza boxes are inferior to everyone else.

I carry my models attached to flypaper to reflect my care-free attitude. Its like flying a plastic kite.

Doesn't matter to me so long as they get where they're going. As an example, here's a funny story.

I got into 40k via a friend who got Space Hulk 3rd ed. and I got AoBR at a comic store. So I looked into the different armies and got Guard.

I found some beginner games at a GW and took my newly painted guard, grabbed the newest box I could find and plopped them in. No ceremony, foam or nothing. (I'm a bad man ) I get there and ask for a game, the red shirt looks at my box and says "What'cha play?"

Guard

...

"Really?" He looks at me funny and I say Yeah, you wanna see'em?

"No no, I was just wondering." At this point I'm a little peeved, what's wrong with guard? So I put my box down and open the lid and go ohhhhhhhhhhhhh

Yeah, I had put them into the AoBR box

To me, time spent making a custom carrying case is time spent away from family, friends, and gaming.

Life is about choices.