"Input requested on foam miniature storage systems" Topic

I have finally accepted that I have to move my 28mm minis to foam storage (instead of being stuffed in a cabinet as they have for years…finally OUT of room!).

I have Ancients, Napoleonics, and Colonial.

Can anyone provide me with their experiences with the various foam storage types? I have seen one that stores the figures "upright" rather than on their side; one that talks about paint rubbing from "hard" foam (?); and, in general, are the standard cutouts pretty much big enough for all infantry types>?

All input appreciated.

My older GW armies are in the hard plastic GW cases but most of the rest of my skirmish collections are in KR Multicase card cases. I have not had a problem with their foam. I also had a few custom battleground cases that I sold with their armies – no problem with those either.

My 28mm Vikings are in Chessex boxes, each of which has 76 basic compartments and four larger compartments for Vikings who are living large or doing something dramatic. The figures lie down in the box. The cases stack nicely in the closet or in my car.

Problems: My colonials are in 21 figure units, which aren't going to go nicely into an 80 figure box. Some assembly required. A few figures, like standard bearers, don't fit into the basic compartments, or even the large ones--but I could cut through the foam wall to make a double size compartment. I haven't figured out what to do about cavalry--this summer, I plan to get a box with different size compartments to try out. The "pluckable" foam might work better for individual cavalry. It takes a little doing to get labels to stick to the outside of the box (I scrub the plastic case with soap and water, dry, attach label, then place clear tape over it all. None of these are killers, and I plan to buy a couple more boxes this summer.

I've also bought foam at the upholstery store, and made my own cases. You need a really sharp knife to cut the individual boxes (if you go that way), and you usually don't have much of a choice of color of foam. I have ended up with harder foam, which would wear at the paint, if I moved the figures much. Cutting straight lines in the foam is difficult, and mine often look like I'd fail a field sobriety test.

Grelber

I use Dave's Baggage Train trays and cases. You can fit most 28mm infantry into regular sized openings, laying down. Paint rubbing only becomes an issue if you are constantly moving them or taking them in and out a lot. I would recommend touch up clear coat every once in a while to maintain protection.

I have also made custom foam trays for various projects with craft store upholstery foam. It will dull a blade fast, but it is good for banners, etc.