I use this bag and foam currently:
http://www.miniaturemarket.com/ssearch/?q=#/?_=1&filter.manufacturer=GamePlus Products
I use it for my X-Wing, Armada, and Imperial Assault minis.
I went from Plano to Custom Battlefoam to the above Gameplus pluck foam solution. I can't recommend it enough. It's relatively cheap for foam and good quality. They have foam from 1" to 4". It can hold everything (minus the CR90 and maybe the Imperial Corvette) up to Wave 8.
Edited by bmfNumerous people swear by Plano. I do not.
Numerous people swear by custom foam. I do not.
A battle foam bag and pick and pluck trays is infinitely configurable and only very rarely have I had to replace a tray for a new one. It has pockets of precisely the size you need for everything, and precisely where you need them. I have everything from wave 1-8 in mine, with multiples of almost everything. It looks nicer, is less unwieldy, and wastes significantly less space, with the added benefit of foam padding instead of hard walls.
You'll note there are a lot of people in this thread who say "I used to have (suchandsuch) Plano, now I have..." or something similar. Plano seems cheap. $20 or $30? Sure. Until the wave where you run out of room. Or the wave where a giant Ghost-like ship comes out. Then it's off to buy an entirely new case.
Yeah but if you buy the right Plano, this isn't much of an issue. The more customization Plano cases offer, me, as much buildability (its a word, don't worry about it) as any pick and pluck. All without picking and plucking!
You can't beat Plano.
Versatility : Things can be moved around and it's pretty easy re-organizing everything. Just need to move some plastic dividers. With Battlefoam, you're locked-in to how its plucked. The Plano 3700 comes in standard sized and tall ones. Multi-compartment or single compartment. And if I get into fishing, I can always empty out some Planos.
Compatibility : The Plano 3700 series has been around forever and it's probably going to stay around forever. My 10-year old Planos still stack up nicely with brand new ones.
Scalability : I started with 2. One for each faction. Now I'm up to 10 or so:
Plano 1404 ($20) will hold 50 Ships, Large and Small. Or about 4 Huge.
Sorry for the spamming, but I think I found it!
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-15-Compartment-Interlocking-Organizer-Black-2-Pack-320034/204515485
You get two of them for $10, and the orange walls are removable both ways. Costs less at Home Depot than Amazon.
It fits the Ghost!
This is what I bought and I'm VERY happy with it.
Battle foam custom foam is the place I recommend people go. The shaped foam will keep your miniatures looking best for years.
While we're on the subject.... where is the best place to buy card sheets (not individual sleeves) for upgrade cards?
Edited by Boba RickI use these storage boxes from Bunnings (in Australia). They are similar to the Plano/Stanley boxes I've seen linked on here.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/tactix-22-compartment-organiser-storage-box_p2580707
The little orange boxes are removable, and if you get 2 of these you can mix and match. I have one for my Rebels and one for Imperial/Scum. A Firespray fits in the large square boxes, the Falcon needs to have a large and a small square box removed and then it sits in the gap.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/tactix-20-compartment-organiser-storage-box_p2581003
I have this for the tokens etc
Foam would be ideal, in fact I went in on the Mantis case Kickstarter, but the bugger never delivered the Australian orders at all as far as I know. I've not had any ships damaged in the Tactix boxes, and you can't beat the price.
Edited by Rat of VengenceNumerous people swear by Plano. I do not.
Numerous people swear by custom foam. I do not.
A battle foam bag and pick and pluck trays is infinitely configurable and only very rarely have I had to replace a tray for a new one. It has pockets of precisely the size you need for everything, and precisely where you need them. I have everything from wave 1-8 in mine, with multiples of almost everything. It looks nicer, is less unwieldy, and wastes significantly less space, with the added benefit of foam padding instead of hard walls.
You'll note there are a lot of people in this thread who say "I used to have (suchandsuch) Plano, now I have..." or something similar. Plano seems cheap. $20 or $30? Sure. Until the wave where you run out of room. Or the wave where a giant Ghost-like ship comes out. Then it's off to buy an entirely new case.
Why don't you like Plano? I'm just curious.
I've used the huge Plano case and love it. Yes, my collection is quite big now and I've had to expand into other storage solutions, but I still use my large Plano for most of my ships and accessories. I'd hate to go with anything else. I will say that I don't like the smaller Plano options. Don't bother with them. Just get the big suckers. You will fill it soon.
One of the aspects of foam of any type is that you are constantly needing to buy more trays and more bags and more everything. The costs for each tray and bags is usually beyond my budget. I've bought foam for other game systems and just found I spent so much money on trays that I didn't have much money left over for minis. Also, the bag I thought was big enough soon wasn't and a bigger or second bag just ends up costing so much more. I find the cost level to get in and keep using foam to be just more than I'm willing to pay. The models don't really need any extra protection.
Run out of space in Plano, you need another Plano.
FFG releases a big ship, need another Plano.
Plano walls, lids, etc are hard. (My tourney case is Plano actually and last tourney I wasn't careful and smashed a ship closing the lid)
Plano solutions are usually bigger because the rectangles aren't just right for the ships.
Plano always felt like a giant puzzle of how to optimally fit everything in a bunch of not-quite-the-right-size pockets. It was a lot of work to organize I felt.
Pluck Foam trays do not need to be replaced as often as most people seem to think. Save what you pluck and you can always hot glue pieces in, resize existing pockets, etc.
Pluck trays are soft. Never had one break a ship when I closed the bag.
Pluck trays make spaces that are just the right size. A smaller container can hold more ships than Plano.
Plano works, I just think foam is better is all.
Edited by GiraffeandZebraPlano works, I just think foam is better is all.
I totally would recommend custom battlefoam as well, it just they look to me overpriced and over cramped. You get a lot ships into them, but usually those ships are to firm in the foam, small cannons or similar details might break when they get caught up by the foam.
Plug Foam is totally ok too, if you are fine with the fiddling, though a stanley knife, and regular foam might give you similar results for even less. ;-)
I stay with Feldherr storage, decent bags, nice foam, reasonable prices and the most convenient for me.
Lots of options for the OP to decide form
I don't dislike Plano, I just don't think it is the optimal solution, either in cost or function. It is...ok.Run out of space in Plano, you need another Plano.
FFG releases a big ship, need another Plano.
Plano walls, lids, etc are hard. (My tourney case is Plano actually and last tourney I wasn't careful and smashed a ship closing the lid)
Plano solutions are usually bigger because the rectangles aren't just right for the ships.
Plano always felt like a giant puzzle of how to optimally fit everything in a bunch of not-quite-the-right-size pockets. It was a lot of work to organize I felt.
I find this part amusing. I always found myself running out of foam trays or needing bigger foam tray carriers than I found I needed new Planos. This is especially worse when the trays and bags are so much more expensive than Plano. Then again, I started with a big Plano case and didn't need to constantly get new ones. I don't rate those little handled things. I agree in that regard. You just run out of room soon enough.
One thing I really like about my Plano storage is that I can keep ships on the pegs. It makes it so much easier to just pull out these guys when I'm not constantly searching for bases or pegs. I can fit enough ships in trays for most of my stuff. I will admit that my Empire collection has gotten big enough that ships I don't use often enough get stacked in without stands. I've never had an incident with them being damaged in the trays.
I also like this tray, that can keep templates, asteroids, etc.
I can fit four of these trays in my box:
There is also the top storage that can hold quite a bit. I used to fit my CR-90 up there and all my cards, but have just put my cards, pill container, sound effects button, and movement template tray (with cover) there:
I did find deep trays for my Epic and they are the best way to store them. I can fit 2 epic per tray:
I do wish I had a better way to store these trays, though. I have this box, which is really cool, but not the best size. If it could only fit one more tray in, I could fit all my large based ships in there, too. Instead, this just fits my epic stuff.
At this point, the only thing that doesn't have a good storage are my large based ships. I've got some tuck boxes and some 3D printed boxes for them, but not a good container. I'm also trying to keep all my extra tokens and missions and all that jazz somewhere. I should just take them out and have a simplier life. Well, I got a $10 tool box from Walmart for this stuff.
Oh, I did find this! It would probably help quite a bit. I might be able to store all my large based ships in the top. I can put all my epic tokens and mission tokens in that tray above the big trays.
I find this part amusing. I always found myself running out of foam trays or needing bigger foam tray carriers than I found I needed new Planos. This is especially worse when the trays and bags are so much more expensive than Plano. Then again, I started with a big Plano case and didn't need to constantly get new ones..
That does not work in favor for one or another solution. Buying directly big works for more or less all storage solutions. This hardcase can store about 65 small base ships, 2 huge, and 7 large ships. Though if you use plug foam you most likely get twice as much into it, with the downside of not being able to store your ships with the base still attached. Personally I think using such a big hard case is impractical.
For storage at home or transport by car a simple cardboard storage box is more than enough. Cost about 10 Bucks at Feldherr or Ikea. And does not care if you will it with Foam or Micro Hangars.
Speaking of micro hangars, have we already mentioned them enough? Because they are most likely the cheapest solution of them all.
http://www.sirwillibald.com/?page_id=1923〈=en
I think I've made up my mind. Mostly because my tax return is going to be big this year. I'm going to get the Battlefoam 1520. Custom foams for the ships I have and am even barely likely to get and several plucks too. I think I'll still have space in the case for a nice deep open Plano for stuff too.
Edited by Jremy75I bring you a solution. STANLEY!
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/943758/love-gaming-x-wing-storage-solution-acrylic-templa/page/1
Relevant, the Stanley cases have both a 2 inch deep with 25 compartments (Best for small/medium ships and some large), and a 4.5 inch deep 10 compartment (best for large and Huge ships).
I use this solution and have no trouble storing anything so far. The ghost will certainly fit in the deeper stanley.
I really like how you salvaged the vacuum form packing
Well the lovely man I took this idea from did a much better job than I did. My setup does have all the vacuuform so far but it's not as pretty as his is.
I find this part amusing. I always found myself running out of foam trays or needing bigger foam tray carriers than I found I needed new Planos. This is especially worse when the trays and bags are so much more expensive than Plano. Then again, I started with a big Plano case and didn't need to constantly get new ones..
That does not work in favor for one or another solution. Buying directly big works for more or less all storage solutions. This hardcase can store about 65 small base ships, 2 huge, and 7 large ships. Though if you use plug foam you most likely get twice as much into it, with the downside of not being able to store your ships with the base still attached. Personally I think using such a big hard case is impractical.
It doesn't look like your case and my case are that different in size. Mines a little bigger and yours has a shoulder strap. Also, your solution wouldn't be big enough for all the ships I own. I think maybe for the small based ships, but I have 3 Huge and 9 Large based. So, I'd still be in trouble....and have spent more.
I bring you a solution. STANLEY!
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/943758/love-gaming-x-wing-storage-solution-acrylic-templa/page/1
Relevant, the Stanley cases have both a 2 inch deep with 25 compartments (Best for small/medium ships and some large), and a 4.5 inch deep 10 compartment (best for large and Huge ships).
I use this solution and have no trouble storing anything so far. The ghost will certainly fit in the deeper stanley.
The problem with the Stanley trays is that they only hold so many. Once you start to get a sizable collection, you need more space. Do you go with a second Stanley? What about when that one is filled? Now, you have two Stanleys that you need to lug around and you need more space.
I admit that I already had my large Plano before I got into X-wing from other game systems. When I started X-wing, I had some spare Plano trays that I used. I had 2. I popped them into an old laptop backpack. It was easy. When I needed more, I finally booted Warhammer out of the full blown case and then used the large Plano. That was easy enough for a long long time.
I bring you a solution. STANLEY!
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/943758/love-gaming-x-wing-storage-solution-acrylic-templa/page/1
Relevant, the Stanley cases have both a 2 inch deep with 25 compartments (Best for small/medium ships and some large), and a 4.5 inch deep 10 compartment (best for large and Huge ships).
I use this solution and have no trouble storing anything so far. The ghost will certainly fit in the deeper stanley.
The problem with the Stanley trays is that they only hold so many. Once you start to get a sizable collection, you need more space. Do you go with a second Stanley? What about when that one is filled? Now, you have two Stanleys that you need to lug around and you need more space.
That was my thought when I saw the Stanley's. They do look like great cases. But I would still need multiple cases to hold everything including epic. My hope is to get one case to hold it all every X-Wing bit I own. They have "stack-able" cases that clip together, but I'm not sure that's better than a big Battlefoam case.
My plan with the Stanley's is one per faction, plus one for Epic/Huge, plus one for the dice and bits. If I get more than that then honestly I'll probably get a little wheeled cart with bungees.
I figure that way I have to carry max 3 cases anywhere, they're stackable, the ships stay in good condition, and it's all protected. I hate having game components rattle around.
I find this part amusing. I always found myself running out of foam trays or needing bigger foam tray carriers than I found I needed new Planos. This is especially worse when the trays and bags are so much more expensive than Plano. Then again, I started with a big Plano case and didn't need to constantly get new ones..
That does not work in favor for one or another solution. Buying directly big works for more or less all storage solutions. This hardcase can store about 65 small base ships, 2 huge, and 7 large ships. Though if you use plug foam you most likely get twice as much into it, with the downside of not being able to store your ships with the base still attached. Personally I think using such a big hard case is impractical.
It doesn't look like your case and my case are that different in size. Mines a little bigger and yours has a shoulder strap. Also, your solution wouldn't be big enough for all the ships I own. I think maybe for the small based ships, but I have 3 Huge and 9 Large based. So, I'd still be in trouble....and have spent more.
My personal solution is a simple mini plus, maybe a second one if I get into epic, enough to carry my list around + a cardboard box with feldherr foam or micro hangars, does not get more expandable than that ;-)
Though for that hardcase from feldherr, which is sure nice for transportation, let's see if it is really not large enough as you can use custom foam setups. 3 Huge is one full-size 90mm for the raider, which covers as well a 3 large ships, 210mm height left. You add an half-size 85mm for the transport, tokens, base, rulers, etc, another half.size 85mm for the gozanti huge. 3 Huge ships done. 135mm left.
Now we add a tantive IV full.size 85mm, which stores another huge, and another 3 large and a few others and have still enough space left to add 2 50mm half-size foams, for example something for large ship + 6 small one combos, 20 ships with base, or whatever. All huge ships done, and about 30 or so smalls.
Or don't need 4 huge, you might as well go for 35mm half-size storage for small ships without base, adding 44 small ships and another 4 large ships, covering 3 huge, 7 large and 50ish small.
Personally I would still go with getting all my epics and large in that hardcase and just a few cheap minis if my small ships are very numerous. One of each gives you about 40 smalls right now.
And hey, if that hardcase was not big enough for you, there are is even bigger storage from Feldherr. Or battlefoam for that matter as the op decided already on that huge $299 bag with custom foam.
That one covers 600mm full-size, more than twice as much over the hard-case, and I guess still less expensive than that 299 battle foam bag
<<< $15.59 without foam
While we're on the subject.... where is the best place to buy card sheets (not individual sleeves) for upgrade cards?
Plastic Binder pages are available at the sports cards stores. Heck, even Walmart carries them in their Magic/Yugio section up by the registers. Ultra-Pro is probably the best brand. They have just started making 4x4 mini boardgame binder pages.
Sorry for the spamming, but I think I found it!
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-15-Compartment-Interlocking-Organizer-Black-2-Pack-320034/204515485
You get two of them for $10, and the orange walls are removable both ways. Costs less at Home Depot than Amazon.
It fits the Ghost!
Went to Home Depot this weekend and bought it to try it. It does fit the Ghost, just barely. There are grooves on the lid, and those hit the ghost if you close the lid, so you just need to adjust the Ghost slightly so the turret on top isnt hitting the grooves.
The deal is a good one, two of these cases for $9.99. They will hold alot. I just dont like that there are no small compartments for single or double ships. Small ships need foam or crammed in with four of them. I still deciding if I want to keep it or try something else. It does fit the ghost though, for anyone looking for a less expensive storage solution.
I just laid a few ships in there to give people an idea of the space. Mist Hunters and Starvipers lay perfect, can get two in each square section. The firespray fits nicely in the middle section. Four Ties are perfect in the smaller squares. Kwing is the awkard one, as it wont lay flat. You can probably get two in that middle section where firespray is though, as it can almost lay flat there. And remember, you get two of these cases that interlock.
Nice! I took some of the extra dividers (after putting the ghost in the same spot) and super-glued them into the black compartments, creating more slots.
I've been playing around with alternatives to Sir Willibald's gearboxes (since I don't need to store bases/pegs alongside the ships and the maneuver dials can be flat with the new plastic maneuver dial upgrades). I can fit ~18 ships worth of templates and dials in a box like the one below, along with six maneuver dial upgrades. I'm thinking this is going to be my most reasonable path forward.
No, it doesn't help with ship storage
