Storing bases: A possible solution from The Works

[NeilCFord]

So a branch of The Works has opened up where I live and I decided to check it out yesterday. Whilst wandering the isles, I stumbled across these:



I didn't actually get one, so can't yet speak from practical experience, but they look a great idea for storing loads of spare bases. MIght well pop back today and pick one up.

- Neil.

[Techno]

B&Q have had something very similar in stock recently.....Made by 'The really useful box' company.....I think. 




Online they're about twice the price though.
I'm pretty sure B&Q were selling them for a lot less.

Not sure...But the ones you've pictured, Neil, appear to be 'just' drawers ?
The really useful box ones ARE are actual boxes that slide into the compartments.

Mrs Techno's got umpteen of these.

Cheers - Phil

[Leon]

I always keep an eye out for things like these as well.  The local pound shop had some nifty little 200mm square storage boxes a while back, which came with little inserts/slots so you could customise how many compartments you wanted and what sizes.

The Really Useful ones are always nice but they're so pricey.  As Techno said, you have to keep an eye out for the online deals usually.

[Tawa]

B&Q have had something very similar in stock recently.....Made by 'The really useful box' company.....I think. 

You are correct, I have a trio of those with the clear boxes in. Very handy! 

[NeilCFord]

I use those small Really Useful for storing electronic components, as I discovered that they fitted quite conveniently in a Stanley tool box. So I now have all my workshop kit neatly packed away ready to go for when I either run workshops for kids or need to try something out at home. I'm only not using them for the bases as I wanted something I could easily put away when I'm not painting, ie. using the desk for said electronics stuff. Won't post a picture of the toolbox unless someone really wants to see it.

I have however been back in to The Works and picked up one of the storage cases:



As you can see, it seems to handle everything up to 50mm hexes quite well. It does show that I appear to have overstocked on 20mm round bases, but I'm sure they'll get used up eventually.

The lid isn't the tightest fit, but it seems to survive the tip test okay.

One good thing: I'm fairly certain I don't need to pick up any extra bases at the weekend!

- Neil.

[Rob]

I have in the past generally used box files for 15mm and 25mm troops, £3.00 a time from Tesco.

For 10mm stuff I have two methods:
1. For vehicles and funny shaped bases such as WW2 I use KR Multi Case cardboard boxes and foam trays.
2. For Napoleonics I now use magnetic tape to base the infantry, and buy commercially cut steel movement trays. This gives a fast method of moving troops on the table. From Office world I buy A4 sized plastic boxes 40mm deep and put an A4 magnetic sheet in the bottom for a completely secure method of storage and transportation.

Rob

[Ithoriel]

Having spent rather a lot on Magic: The Gathering cards (and made even more when I got out of the game!) all I have left are the boxes I stored the cards in. Ideal for storing bases!

An empty box ... I need more bases!

[fsn]

That's your man-logic right there!

Have an order for bases placed immediately!

[NeilCFord]

For finished figure storage KR cases are my preferred solution. I used them for Wings of War planes and never looked back. I do have one Figures in Comfort case and trays, but I'm not so keen on it.

- Neil.

[Leman]

time to pop along to the southport branch of the Works tomorrow, especially as I have bases on order to collect at Warfare.

[Ithoriel]

The Really Useful Boxes aren't cheap but I am finding them, as described, very useful.

I've picked up mine whenever I've seen them going cheap - latest score was a 9L box and two Hobby Trays for £6.99.

They'd be good for bases too I think.

[NeilCFord]

I like the idea of using them for building storage. Whose Arab/North African buildings are those in the middle photo?

- Neil.

[Last Hussar]

I'm with Ithoriel.  I'm moving to all my stuff in 9 and 4 litre RUB with the hobby trays, especially for 10mm.  60mm compartments are great as I usually base on 20 or 30mm squares  They stack and are really strong.

I've posted these before

IMAG0178 by Last Hussar, on Flickr

IMAG0176 by Last Hussar, on Flickr

Bottom layer for current painting, a tray for paints, and one of the lipped trays to allow height for the paint pots containing equipment.  I can have everything away and neat with in 10 minutes of Lady Hussar saying "Clear up your mess".

28mm WotRoses I've got a 4l and 9l with no trays and magnabase.

Because the trays are clear, I can label the bottom of units and just hold it above my head to see who is in each tray.  leon should stock the trays, because they encourage over buying "I've got 54 bases.  That's 13 and a half components.  Might as well fill the tray with a full 60.  Ooops overspill - 61 bases, need to fill the next tray".

Wargamers are weird.  Spend hundreds on metal, then say a good way of storing is too expensive at a tenner! Costs me about £12 I think at Hobby Craft for a box + 4 trays.  In that goes all my WSS 18 bns of 36 men, 15 regts  x 12 Cav, 6 guns, wound markers, generals and CinCs carriage. Well over £160 worth, and people will keep them in old cardboard boxes and sweet tins!

[Ithoriel]

I like the idea of using them for building storage. Whose Arab/North African buildings are those in the middle photo?

- Neil.

The buildings are a mainly Leven (http://www.levenminiatures.co.uk/) with Hovels (http://www.levenminiatures.co.uk/) providing a couple of buildings and the fort. The blue temple is a Brigade or Old Crow sci-fi building (I forget which) on a scratch-built plinth and the walls, towers and gate are scratch-built from Pendraken mdf bases.

The Leven website says,"please note these models are by no means perfect" ... I beg to differ

I just got some Marsh Arab huts for my Sumerians - reed huts can't have changed that much in 5,000 years can they? Now i've realised they've just released jetties at the point i've been trying to work out how to scratch-build them. Money, money, money

[NeilCFord]

For completeness, here's my workshop kit:



As you can see, it's made up of a few sizes of RUB, that conveniently fit in the tool box. And things like Raspberry Pis and Arduinos in cases sit quite happily on top. Works great for electronics, but I wouldn't want to transport figures like this, far too much risk of damage.

- Neil.