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Made in us
Irked Blood Angel Scout with Combat Knife





Wolcott, NY

I'm always the one thats a little short on cash (as I'm a student and almost always broke), and all the money I can get usually goes towards badly needed paints or new figures. Since I started the game I've transported my figures in old shoe boxes lined with foam with slots cut into it. Though after purchasing a land raider and predator for my army it's getting tedious to carry arounf 4 shoeboxes when I want to play games, and tanks are hard to keep from shifting and moving in the boxes without risking breaking something... Is there a CHEAP alternative to GW or Citadel's army cases? Though if it come down to it I'll spend a weekend and craft a better suited case from wood. Any suggestions?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/15 10:35:27


 
   
Made in gb
Ork-Hunting Inquisitorial Xenokiller





Suitcase or two lined with said foam? Not sure. This is something I wanted to ask actually, lets see what comes up.
   
Made in ru
Regular Dakkanaut





I had a bag with foam trays for a while, then returned to cardboard again. There's no cheap alternative to it. You can however organize multiple boxes inside a suitcase, makes it easier to carry around. Also I make sections inside boxes, so every model is in its own section and does not shift too much. This way, you don't even need foam.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/15 11:05:20


 
   
Made in us
Krazed Killa Kan






Columbus, Oh

Do you have $15?

If so, look around your area for a largish chain store.. (I got mine at my local Walmart).

Look for a Plano pistol case, should be less than $15.. holds a darn fine amount of models.

Eilif has a tutorial here..

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/362407.page

Even if you don't want to use his tutorial to make the case hold more, it is STILL a dandy case... straight from the store.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/15 11:09:05


2+2=5 for sufficiently large values of 2.

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Made in au
Anti-Armour Swiss Guard






Newcastle, OZ

I used a tiered cantilevered tackle box for many years for my marines. Still do.

Space in the cantilevered trays for infantry (lined with foam from all of the blister packs) and tanks, bikes, dreads in the main compartment.

It's lockable, and waterproof (even has an o-ring seal). Cost me $45 or so 20 years ago.


I'm NOT a tournament player and though my minis are painted, I couldn't care less if they won any painting awards. They are toy soldiers to play games with, nothing more.
My display pieces don't travel. They stay in a cabinet.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/16 00:14:29


I'm OVER 50 (and so far over everyone's BS, too).
Old enough to know better, young enough to not give a ****.

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Made in us
Irked Blood Angel Scout with Combat Knife





Wolcott, NY

chromedog wrote:I used a tiered cantilevered tackle box for many years for my marines. Still do.

Space in the cantilevered trays for infantry (lined with foam from all of the blister packs) and tanks, bikes, dreads in the main compartment.

It's lockable, and waterproof (even has an o-ring seal). Cost me $45 or so 20 years ago.


This is a very good idea! I'll see what I have laying around, I'm sure I've got old tackle boxes. Thanks!

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/03/15 13:55:16


"The uniforms of the Imperial Guard are camouflaged in order to protect their wearers by hiding them from sight. The principle is that what the enemy cannot see he cannot kill. This is not the way of the Adeptus Astartes. A Space Marine’s armour is bright with heraldry that proclaims his devotion to his Chapter and the beloved Emperor of Mankind. Our principle is that what the enemy can see, he will soon learn to fear…"
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Made in us
Mutilatin' Mad Dok




Philadelphia, PA

Take it a step further
Metal Fishing box. 1-2 seperaters
Earth Magnets on the bases of models
Place model onto the inside layers of the tackle box.

$12-15 including magnets pending size of your army.

A friend did it. It was fabulous for him, and he liked to fish too.

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Made in us
Warplord Titan Princeps of Tzeentch





porkuslime wrote:Look for a Plano pistol case, should be less than $15.. holds a darn fine amount of models.

This.

My plano case easily holds 3 full squads of marines and 3 rhino-chassis vehicles. You could probably get 4 vehicles and 4 units in there if you had to, but I usually just carry 2 cases. Gives me everything I need for a variety of army configurations.

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Made in gb
Unhealthy Competition With Other Legions




Nottingham / Sheffield

Old ammo boxes with foam make good cases that look cool too.
Your grandparents may have one or two knocking about in their loft.

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Made in us
Dark Angels Librarian with Book of Secrets






Tackle boxes and a/c filters work for me.
   
Made in us
Necrotech





njpc wrote:Take it a step further
Metal Fishing box. 1-2 seperaters
Earth Magnets on the bases of models
Place model onto the inside layers of the tackle box.

$12-15 including magnets pending size of your army.

A friend did it. It was fabulous for him, and he liked to fish too.


I do this, but save additional $ by doing it with ammo cans I snag when my police department or army reserve unit goes to the range.

.50 cal ammo cans are the ideal, but many of my 50pt warmahordes armies are in their own two 5.56 ammo cans spray painted w the armies colors and insignia.
   
Made in us
Ultramarine Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control





North Carolina

I know you are looking for something on the cheap end but my favored transport option is Sabol Designs Army Transport. It is likely to run you $65 (just missed their sale I believe) but it will hold a load. I have 4 Rhino chassis (2 rhino 2 predators), 4 dreadnoughts, and somewhere around 40 infantry WITH room to spare in my one transport.

Since I invested in my first Army Transport I've actually purchased 2 more for other army/expansion options. In addition to that, the foam is customizable and it work.

Bit of an investment, but I tell ya, I'd be shocked if you were disappointed.

http://www.saboldesigns.net/home.html

   
Made in gb
Dispassionate Imperial Judge






HATE Club, East London

Obviously homemade stuff is the cheapest, but I think the cheapest of the 'proper' case manufacturers is still KR Multicases - $50 with a full foam loadout including shipping.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/15 17:37:01


   
Made in us
Ultramarine Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control





North Carolina

ArbitorIan wrote:Obviously homemade stuff is the cheapest, but I think the cheapest of the 'proper' case manufacturers is still KR Multicases - $50 with a full foam loadout including shipping.


Any chance on a link? Although I am 'ok' on cases right now I keep my options open for 'new' things I've not tried, not only that, I share the information with my play group.

   
Made in us
Servoarm Flailing Magos







Toolboxes and scavenged foam?

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Made in us
The Hive Mind





I'm too lazy to turn it the right way up for you, but that's a magnet in every base, 2 in the pewter Hive Guard, 3 in the Carnifex.

So easy to transport, and easy to carry around at tournaments.
[Thumb - photo.JPG]
Magnets and a cookie sheet

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/15 19:04:27


My beautiful wife wrote:Trucks = Carnifex snack, Tanks = meals.
 
   
Made in ca
Homicidal Veteran Blood Angel Assault Marine




Toronto-Ont

rigeld2 wrote:I'm too lazy to turn it the right way up for you, but that's a magnet in every base, 2 in the pewter Hive Guard, 3 in the Carnifex.

So easy to transport, and easy to carry around at tournaments.


Thats awesome!

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Made in us
Stabbin' Skarboy





WHEREVA DA FIGHTIN IZ BEST

I use a tackle box to transport minis. They are cheep and you can find them at the local wal-mart or other supply store.

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Made in us
Ultramarine Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control





North Carolina

zman111 wrote:I use a tackle box to transport minis. They are cheep and you can find them at the local wal-mart or other supply store.

The problem with this is, even with foam, the trays and stuff may not be really 'secure' and can allow for the jiggle, wiggle, and bouncing of miniatures. For mass miniatures, boys, nids, stuff that is not that important, I can see if being good, for pewter and stuff that is painted to anything above primed standard, I'd advise against it unless you are positive that the case you are indeed using adequately secures your miniatures.

rigeld2 wrote:I'm too lazy to turn it the right way up for you, but that's a magnet in every base, 2 in the pewter Hive Guard, 3 in the Carnifex.

So easy to transport, and easy to carry around at tournaments.


Epic...

   
Made in au
Dipping With Wood Stain






Brisbane, Australia

Seconding that KR Multicase is pretty good. Link included for whoever asked for it.

   
Made in us
Brigadier General






Chicago

Jstncloud wrote:
zman111 wrote:I use a tackle box to transport minis. They are cheep and you can find them at the local wal-mart or other supply store.

The problem with this is, even with foam, the trays and stuff may not be really 'secure' and can allow for the jiggle, wiggle, and bouncing of miniatures. For mass miniatures, boys, nids, stuff that is not that important, I can see if being good, for pewter and stuff that is painted to anything above primed standard, I'd advise against it unless you are positive that the case you are indeed using adequately secures your miniatures.
...


If the trays are made correctly, it can be every bit as good as a sabol. In fact, my case is probably sturdier than the Sabol, as it has hard sides. It holds nearly as much as a Sabol, but costs less than a third the price of a sabol case.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/362407.page





It's easier to buy pre-made, but there are some DIY solutions that are as good or better.

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Made in us
Cataphract






My current storage and transport strategy is a combination of spendy and thrifty. I'm putting my dollars where I think they will do best. My vehicles, large models and such are getting foam trays (battlefoam for the DE and sabol for the Orks). The foam trays will go in cardboard boxes. I bullet coat (gloss varnish dip then a matte spray) my plastic infantry and so far they are indestructible. They've been getting tossed into ziplocks and so far so good. You won't find many advocates of that, and time will tell how beat up they get long term, but it is hard to get much cheaper than that!

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Made in us
Gnawing Giant Rat




Texas

What I did for mine was I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a bead carrying case. It holds Skavens, Orks, paints, and SM really well. I can fit about 2-3 people in each of the holes and there's about 20 holes in it. I haven't had a model break or anything since switching to them (I have 2). They costed me $2 each.

However my friend just bought a big plastic container and put foam in it then lays out all his models. Then another layer of foam and repeat untill you're at the top. Then you put your last layer of foam on it and your lid. It carries quite a bit and he has never had a single Tau model break.

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Made in us
War Walker Pilot with Withering Fire





USA - Salem, OR

I was fortunate and found a roll of eggcrate foam and a thin flat sheet of foam at a thrift store for 5 dollars apiece (each was sized to sleep on, for camping maybe). I combined this with one sheet of white foam board ($5-$10 at an art supply store) for solid movement trays underneath, a suitable cardboard box to transport miniatures, and some velcro stickers to keep the box closed (works like a charm!). So, for $25 and a solid afternoon of crafting, you can have an excellent carrying case for models! I've made 3 of these so far, before my materials ran out.

For infantry:

1) Find a cardboard box suitably shaped and large for transporting miniatures.
2) Cut white foamboard into trays just big enough to place in box (I cut small triangles out of the corners to allow air to flow). cut out two small tabs for lifting with fingers.
3) Cut the aforementioned eggcrate foam into sheets that fit onto the foamcore trays.
4) Either place models in the valleys of the foam sheet, or cut out holes to fit models. (preferred for large quantities/pokey bits)
5) Ideally, find a thin flat sheet of foam (1/4" - 1/2" thick) to cut and and sandwich over the eggcrate foam; you can also just double over the eggcrate foam, but that takes up extra space uncecessarily.

I have found having layers of white foamboard supporting eggcrate foam trays holding models is the most effective homebrew method to protect infantry models. It is important to pack extra foam sheets in the box to prevent movement during transport, plan for your reinforcements .


Now, for taller infantry, or MC/Tanks, find larger foam. Ideally, places like Home Depot or Walmart might sell a 2 or 3 inch sheet of open cell mattress pad foam for the best price, otherwise a mattress store can actually cut foam of differing qualities to the exact size you want (I did this for eldar skimmers, very useful). However, specialty stores are very expensive! in this case, pull & pluck foam trays are almost as good a price, but sometimes a full sheet can better suit one's needs.

Best of luck, homebrew army transports require all the enginuity of an average 40k hobbyist, so with any effort you'll find an effective solution.

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Made in us
Ultramarine Master with Gauntlets of Macragge





Boston, MA

Melt your figures down, breathe in the fumes, and store your army in your lungs. Then, when battle starts, breathe all over the table until your army materializes. This will work.

Alternately, go to Goodwill and pick up an old suitcase for cheap. You could transfer your boxes over to that, or invest in some cheapish Sabol foam trays and fit them in there. They're only like 8 bucks a tray and can hold a good deal of stuff.

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Made in lv
Camouflaged Zero





Where the sun crosses the field of blood.

Brother SRM wrote:Melt your figures down, breathe in the fumes, and store your army in your lungs. Then, when battle starts, breathe all over the table until your army materializes. This will work.

Alternately, go to Goodwill and pick up an old suitcase for cheap. You could transfer your boxes over to that, or invest in some cheapish Sabol foam trays and fit them in there. They're only like 8 bucks a tray and can hold a good deal of stuff.


Do NOT attempt this!
I've tried it, and some of the pieces got swapped! That Necron Warrior suddenly had a Resurrection Orb, and my Lord carried a Gauss Cannon!
You have to breathe out in the exactly right way and order to get them right.

Also, another vote for KR. One cardboard case is enough for a small army, I believe. A few of them in a bag is an army. And not too pricy.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/03/20 14:53:12


 
   
Made in gb
Lead-Footed Trukkboy Driver







rigeld2 wrote:I'm too lazy to turn it the right way up for you, but that's a magnet in every base, 2 in the pewter Hive Guard, 3 in the Carnifex.

So easy to transport, and easy to carry around at tournaments.


This is what I've done with my Deathwing, they all fit nicely in an old tin (A Cadbury's Roses tin, to be precise). It's a really nice, cheap system but if you're running anything with a high model count (or more vehicle based, for that matter) it's gonna start getting more expensive and less convenient.

Although it does mean that, if you have a metal board, you'd be able to play in zero-gravity, which is pretty cool.

   
Made in gb
Ancient Ultramarine Venerable Dreadnought





UK

I got an official GW one off ebay with them big red foam trays and then hacked the gak out of it with a stanley knife to get the models in how I like them.

Works fine, never bust a model, and cost me about £20

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Made in us
Irked Blood Angel Scout with Combat Knife





Wolcott, NY

Brother SRM wrote:Melt your figures down, breathe in the fumes, and store your army in your lungs. Then, when battle starts, breathe all over the table until your army materializes. This will work.

Alternately, go to Goodwill and pick up an old suitcase for cheap. You could transfer your boxes over to that, or invest in some cheapish Sabol foam trays and fit them in there. They're only like 8 bucks a tray and can hold a good deal of stuff.


Ingenious.

"The uniforms of the Imperial Guard are camouflaged in order to protect their wearers by hiding them from sight. The principle is that what the enemy cannot see he cannot kill. This is not the way of the Adeptus Astartes. A Space Marine’s armour is bright with heraldry that proclaims his devotion to his Chapter and the beloved Emperor of Mankind. Our principle is that what the enemy can see, he will soon learn to fear…"
-Chaplain Aston,
Fire Hawks 10th Company

2,367
450
 
   
Made in us
Doc Brown





San Diego

http://www.manticgames.com/Shop-Home/Paints-and-Hobby/Bags-Bases-and-Cases/Carry-Cases.html

All of your case needs. They are extremely cheap and very good.

10 Large Cases for 39.99US. You're not going to be able to beat that.

Director at Fool's Errand Films a San Diego Video Production and Live Streaming company.

https://foolserrandfilms.com/

 
   
 
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