Hi everyone,

I want to share with you my latest project. I got lot of X-Wing miniatures (around 40 for each faction) and I still store them in their original plastic boxes, which is really "space consuming". So I started a small project - create a modular, space efficient, cheap and easy way how to store my miniatures.

I am paper modeler, so when it came to materials, decision was done very quickly. 1mm thick cardboard is strong enough to be effective as a protector and still very light and easy to cut-out. Using 3D modeling software Rhino, I have created small box for TIE Fighter as a test for further development. Results can be found on images below. All parts were cutted out using a laser cutter.

Upper part with inner structure (left) and lower part with inner structure (right):

All parts glued together - lower part left, upper part right:

On the second picture you can see how it works. Inner structure of the lower part of the box is designed to fit perfectly to TIE Fighter shape. When the fighter is in its position, you just cover it with the upper part of the box. Upper part also has an inner structure, which fix TIE Fighter in the position so it can't move. Without moving of miniature you minimalize risk of damage. And basicaly that´s all.

Maybe you ask where is the modularity I was talking about earlier? So, my idea behind all is pretty simple. The box should be the same for every miniature, you will only cut-out or "laser-out" different inner structures based on the model you would like to store. For example, you have six TIE Fighters and two TIE Bombers, so you will cut-out eight boxes, but then you wil cut out six inner structures for Fighters and two for Bombers. This also opens doors for other possibilities - you don't have to have only one small box for every single miniatures. You can create box for four models - two models in two rows and than simply put the very same inner structures on the right positions in 2x2 box. Furthemore, in 2x2 box, you will be able to store also big ships, just with the different inner structures.

Pictures above shows the very first test box. Main purpose of it, was to check if it fits well with the miniature and where are the limits of 1mm cardboard. Box will be definitely bigger, because TIE Fighter isn't the biggest "small" ship. I think, that the biggest small ship is bomber, defender or HWK - there are lot of measurement in front of me . And I hope, that the new ships from S&V faction won't be bigger than actual miniatures (I am really afraid of StarViper).

Some things I have realized right after I have completed the test box:

- find another "laser-cutter-guy", cheaper one and one, who is able to cut-out cardboard with laser correctly and without burning the edges

- ALWAYS count with that small transparent plastic rod for holding miniature (it will prevent further problems ).

- give the model "more space", and also move walls of upper and lower part of the box little bit further - to easily open and close the box.

So finally, what do you guys think about it? I know you are using totally different boxes, foams to store your miniatures but will you be interested in it? My plan is to publish all templates on my site and give them FREE to everyone. Then you will have to download it and then either print it out, glue to cardboard and cut it out with some sharp knife or you will download it and ask your local laser cutter to cut it out from cardboard.

There are really cool dude, great job Hope you keep us updated!

Nice work.

It's a really clever design so kuddos on that - my only concern is that I would then end up with a lot of little holocron boxes laying about and no way to really efficiently store those other than a shoebox or something.

I really like my Plano box. But honestly - it's cool so well done.

For a while I had each of my ships stored individually in 400 count card boxes along with the pilot cards, dial, base inserts and all the tokens that ship needed. Made getting set up a bit easier, but made putting everything away much much mire of a pain, and it was hugely space consuming so I changed.

Cool stuff. What about your larger ships though?

That's a neat idea. For the future ones though, you should add a label showing what ship is inside. And unfortunately, I don't think you can avoid the blackened edges if you're using a laser. You could get them die cut if you had a sufficiently large volume. If you really want to get into this, you could try kickstarter.