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Searching dakka with google produced loads of discussion about storing models with foam or in gun cases and tool cases and the like. However, there seemed almost no discussion about purpose built MDF storage options. Currently looking at a number of options:

https://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/sec7a4c1a8845/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/Storage_Solutions/Figure_Storage_Chests/Boxes__Lids

https://www.wargame-model-mods.co.uk/ourshop/prod_3415304-12-size-Storage-Cases-40mm-tall.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-small-storage-tray-Warhammer-40k-bits-cases-wargames-figures-infinity-legion/113233964566?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170920101022%26meid%3Dc2e5fec578fd4b9c83c1d25563a33e25%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D123158153471%26itm%3D113233964566&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

Anyone got any experience of these or views on MDF more generally? Or know of any other good options for MDF storage?

For context, I never envisage my models leaving my house so the protection of foam seems a bit unnecessary and it looks to require more space than these MDF options. I want to minimise storage space, something that these boxes seem to do at around 45mm to 50mm in height and by being stackable. Additionally, I want my models to be easily accessable rather than (as they currently are) lying on top of one another with layers of bubble wrap between them. Currently, I only need store 28mm infantry on 25mm round bases, no vehicle storage needed.

Surprised no one has done a form of modular building that is also a carry case/tray of some sort

The issue with those is; why not just buy cardboard? Unless you're stacking twenty of them full of all-metal models, double-walled cardboard provides entirely sufficient strength, and for the price of two of those MDF doodads you can get 10 shipping boxes with equivalent or greater length & breadth but 150mm height(for big models or, with a bit of extra work to make supports, an extra layer). More if you buy them in bulk. Flexible self-adhesive ferrous sheeting to make them work with magnets isn't exactly cheap, but you'd still be getting at least twice as much space for the same money.

So these are my thoughts about advantages of MDF over cardboard. 1) Potentially longer lasting for storage (guess they will take knocks and general wear and tear better). 2) Potential to be used for display if one pays even more to have see through lids or sides. 3) Stackable in a manner whereby they lock together rather than just sit on top of one another so less possibility of an accident. 4) Fits the exact size of the base inserts. 5) More attractive (whether see through or not) so I have more possibility of them being accepted into the living room by the other half.

On the other hand, radically higher levels of cost. I guess I might buy some game specific ones for low model count things (i.e. a single boxes fitting 48 models could do all of space hulk, one box for 3 to 4 necromunda gangs, one box for 3 to 4 mordheim gangs, one box for a couple of 28mm stargunt 2 armies, that sort of thing). Everything else can stay in a4 box files.

If you're wanting something that will be acceptable in the living room to store a portion of your models, I'd grab a DETOLF from IKEA and one of the extra shelving kits off ebay. That gives you six ~42x35cm shelves(seven if you use the "floor") in an all-glass cabinet for about 80 quid. If the other half has some creative or collectible hobbies you can even bribe them with the offer of a shelf or two for their stuff

While it's technically correct to say MDF is harder wearing than cardboard, for this type of application the difference doesn't really come into play - I can't think of a situation in the usage scenario you describe that would cause damage to a cardboard box that wouldn't also put a dunt in MDF. If these mailing boxes can stand up to the handling they get from Royal Mail posties they should deal with stacking and being moved around inside your own home just fine, hah.

 Yodhrin wrote:
If you're wanting something that will be acceptable in the living room to store a portion of your models, I'd grab a DETOLF from IKEA and one of the extra shelving kits off ebay. That gives you six ~42x35cm shelves(seven if you use the "floor") in an all-glass cabinet for about 80 quid. If the other half has some creative or collectible hobbies you can even bribe them with the offer of a shelf or two for their stuff

While it's technically correct to say MDF is harder wearing than cardboard, for this type of application the difference doesn't really come into play - I can't think of a situation in the usage scenario you describe that would cause damage to a cardboard box that wouldn't also put a dunt in MDF. If these mailing boxes can stand up to the handling they get from Royal Mail posties they should deal with stacking and being moved around inside your own home just fine, hah.

I think the Deltof only has 4 shelves, unless they changed it, but agree with the main points. You can get some acrylic risers (or spice/nail polish racks) to add tiers too. The MDF boxes really don't look "living room worthy" to me either.

Miniature Market runs semi frequent sales for Game Plus bags for $20 and foam trays for $5. The foam trays fit pretty well in Sterlite containers you can normally get for a couple bucks at the store if you want something more stackable too.

For living rooms I think the crystal fortress would be your best bet. Nice looking transparent storage boxes protect and display.

Ah, by "accepted into the living room" I meant they would be a more acceptable form of clutter that could temporarily come into the living for a few hours whilst playing a game. The notion of them being permanently on display in the living room, alas, that is such a non-starter even if placed on shelves made of the finest crystal!

 Bossk_Hogg wrote:


I think the Deltof only has 4 shelves, unless they changed it, but agree with the main points.

That's why he said "and one of the extra shelving kits off ebay"

 AndrewGPaul wrote:

 Bossk_Hogg wrote:


I think the Deltof only has 4 shelves, unless they changed it, but agree with the main points.

That's why he said "and one of the extra shelving kits off ebay"

Look, sometimes reading is hard! And I'm not bright to begin with!

What about these options...

https://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/Storage_Solutions/Really_Useful_Box_Storage

You can pick RUB from many high street stores, or equivalents

https://wargamesbuildings.co.uk/epages/950003459.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/950003459/Categories/Storage_Solutions/Figure_Storage_Chests

I have some 100mm high ones, and can get 50 25mm based figures in one. The lids (available separate) makes them stackable.

Something really cool a local guy has is a box made out of MDF (with a water-proof carrying bag) so constructed that you can slide metal baking pans into it. Then his models are magnetized so they stick to the pans. It's really neat.