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Not sure where this should go, but this seemed like the best fit.

So, next March, I intend to take a long backpacking trip through most of Europe. It's got a lot of things I'd like to do, but I also intended on bringing my army overseas so I can pick some games up with all sorts of random people.

However, to do this, I want to try and get a carrying case that's really, really compact, small enough for me to keep with me. I don't expect to be able to buy one this way, so I'm figuring I'm going to have to make one.

Any recommendations on this? I'm hoping to end up with something absolutely as small as possible.

One thing I figured on doing was using magnets to hold the models in place, reducing the need for foam.

Hmm sounds tricky

what kinda army? specifically:
How many models
Tanks?
Spiky bits?
do you plan on bag check or carry on?

It might depend entirely on the exact models you with to transport;
for example warhammer fantasy armies might transport very well magnetised onto regiment trays which in turn magnetise (or otherwise fasten) to the sides of, or shelves within a box.

40k armies tend to need far less infantry room, and include more larger items such as tanks or flyers.
would likely impact the most appropriate way to build any such case.

I agree the models are really the key to how small you can make it. if you were to say play a more elite army you could even look into smaller tackle boxes. The smaller double sided organizer style ones. They could easily slip into a backpack like a laptop or book.

A lot of models, actually. I was thinking about building a second, low model army specifically for this, but I'm just too attached to mine to give it up.

Specifically, 111 Infantry models, 10 RRs, and two Tanks.

Some of my guys are mutants, so they're pretty weirdly shaped, but that's about it as far as spiky bits go.

I was likely going to carry this one on. I'd only have this and my rucksack, so I figured I'd check my ruck and carry this.

http://www.harborfreight.com/24-divider-storage-container-94458.html

something like that times maybe 3 double up on solders in each compartment. then put a piece of foam above each one like the ones in blisters.

likes this post
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/491975.page

The tanks should just be warped in bubble wrap.
should fit in a back pack

If you want to get fancy you can cut a strip of metal and tape it to the sides of the container so you can magnetize them as well but i think that's over kill.

maybe even Velcro

 Desubot wrote:
http://www.harborfreight.com/24-divider-storage-container-94458.html

something like that times maybe 3 double up on solders in each compartment. then put a piece of foam above each one like the ones in blisters.

likes this post
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/491975.page

The tanks should just be warped in bubble wrap.
should fit in a back pack

If you want to get fancy you can cut a strip of metal and tape it to the sides of the container so you can magnetize them as well but i think that's over kill.

maybe even Velcro

A reasonable start, though I don't know if some of my guys will be able to double up effectively.

On the magnet end, I think I might consider something like a plastic toolbox/tackle box with magnets imbedded into it in regular intervals. With a removable top portion, I could likely have space for quite a few models, and it would be deep enough for tanks, while not taking up too much space.

Going to take a lot of magnets, but with strong enough of them, it would be extremely good for traveling, since the models wouldn't move very much.

Check with your airline if its ok to bring in something like a tool box or tackle box. i don't remember if there are regulations for that or magnets (probably not but good to check)

Otherwise
http://www.saboldesigns.net/catalog/item/4831117/4866454.htm

something this sized works fine and can fit just but about everything. i have one and took it on a flight with no problems.