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So after ages of using whatever comes to hand; TV dinner trays, picture frames, cardboard; I finally decided to do an actual display case/board.
Off to Home Despot. Some 3/4 ply, 1/4 MDF, Gorilla Glue, finishing nails, and various bits of hardware....and a buddy who happens to own a table saw...and its off to see what sort of mess I can make.
Basic dimensions are 24x20x3.
Framing up the interior.

The drawer built. Its a bit over 2" deep. Plenty of room for books, dice, templates, etc.

Testing the drawer slides.


Drawer face installed.


A nice lazy weekend complete. I still want to add a quater-round to the top to keep models from falling off and to lock in any foam-built display bases. Carrying handles on the sides and a knob for the drawer.
I'm think of painting it in a very high gloss black lacquer with oriental designs (Kanji characters, dragons, and cherry blossoms) painted onto the sides. This would match nicely with my Samurai themed armies.
Total cost so far is about $25. Probably another $25 on hardware and paint.

Wow! That is going to be super epic!

I have been wanting to make my own display tray for a while now. I hadn't even though of including a drawer, that's just pure genius!

Please keep us posted on your progress

Thanks Whitenbeard. The drawerslides from Home Despt cost something like 6 bucks. Not a bad deal to not have to have the clutter of books and templates and stuff as I move from table to table.
Found some nice corner trim and decided to use that around the top. IMHO it gives a nicer finished trim.
Sanded and sealed with a 50/50 mix of wood glue and water (MDF is notorious for soaking up paint, especially on the ends, and needs to be sealed).
Then the first coat of Primer. Plan to sand and apply the first coat of gloss black after work tuesday.
The BRB showing the drawer room and a Vendetta on top showing the general size of the display area.
Note when the drawer is closed the molding makes a clean transition and hides the drawer.

Haven't seen anyone add a drawer before, but it's a great idea - very handy, without adding tons of weight or bulk. I'm somewhat worried about the lack of a catch for the drawer, though. I imagine you'll carry it carefully, since it'll be topped with your army, but if that drawer slides out unexpectedly, you may end up toppling your models or taking a hard-edged piece of wood to your... anatomy (let us pray it hits your gut ). Unless the drawer slides are pretty stiff, I'd consider adding small latches at the front corners. It could even be a nice chance to add a little extra Japanese flare, if you can find or modify suitable hardware.

I was considering a pressure catch on the back of the drawer to hold it, but then decided I'll just hold the tray with the drawer pressed into my belly.
Another alternative I've been considering was setting rare earth magnets into the frame and drawer face to hold the drawer shut. But small decorative latches on the sides of the drawer would work nicely also.
Weight-wise this thing is sitting right at 14 Lbs (6.3 kilos).

I hope to have this finished enough to use it at a Tourny this weekend (no hardware or accent painting). That will give me a real world evaluation if I need a MK2 design (I have enough leftover material to build a second box of equal size).

I agree that some sort of latch or catch system is in order. Why take the risk of the "belly latch" slipping or sliding.

Magnets would be a cool solution. Strong enough to hold the drawer in, but won't take away from the sleek lines of the drawer and tray.

Wet sanded the primer then got a coat of gloss black on it. Once cured another wet sand followed by another coat of black. Rinse and repeat until I'm happy with it...then onto the clear gloss.
Despite seeing hints of the white primer you can already see a nice reflection on the side panels.



Nothing says "Samurai Theme" like...

Sand and paint, sand and paint...I should have been a carpenter.
2nd coat of clear is dry, but not yet cured.
With a Leman Russ, Chimera, Manticore, and my version of a Grey Knight to show scale.



And the GK next to the box for scale. Starting to get a nice gloss on the paint.

Take the sword with the zero inspired IG flier! So rad!

What about zen rock garden terrain?
I know it's jap inspired but I've found the Chinese Gardens very appealing too. Bridges. Water features. Round passages.

Also, have you ever seen the movie Ronin staring Robert Dinero? The French guy that brings the story-line to audience who was a minature builder. He was building a japanese castle. Consider googling one for inspiration.