"Considering storage options" Topic

Currently I have my figures stored in a mix of A4 file boxes (not acid free), metal tool boxes and a foam KR case. So far I'm not aware of any damage to the figures but I continue to be nervous of the figures in the card A4 file boxes since they are not made of archival quality acid free card.

I can't decide what system to go for. I could use a Bisley cabinet (retailers are cheaper than buying direct):

link

Or the now very popular Really Useful Plastic boxes in the 4L size. These look like a great option for transporting the figures to a game. As much as I like these for storing my tools and materials I'm less keen on them for figures because they are clear they don't offer UV protection. I have a lot of older figures so I'm worried about them being a sealed air tight unit – of course I could drill holes in them so they can vent and store them in a dark cupboard to keep them away from harmful UV.

So what to do use and recommend and have you ever had figures damaged because of the method you used for storage?

Currently my figures are only used at home but I'm considering joining a local club so transportation from home to club by car may become necessary.

The bug has struck.

I use a mix of methods for storage.

I have 3 bisley cabinets (which I bought cheaply on ebay) and I have the figures magbased so they stay still in the drawers. I simply take the drawers out and take them to the club in the car like that. Not had any problems with damage.

I do have a mix of Really useful boxes and KR cases as well – mostly 25mm skirmish in the KR cases (and some 54mm) and a load of 28mm Dark ages in the RUB boxes. If I could get another bisley small drawer unit cheaply then I would replace the RUB boxes with it.

Mike

Another vote for Bisley cabinets and magnetic basing, i used to have an 80 mile round trip to my club and just put the trays into an Ikea bag in the boot of the car; no damage in 5 years of travelling backwards and forwards. I also have some Ikea metal filing cabinets, which are useful for 28mm figures, especially cavalry. When I moved house a few months ago, I bought several Really Useful boxes and the hobby inserts. After lining them with self adhesive steel sheet, they proved very useful for a 500 mile house move, with no damage to figures. I am now using them to store my WW2 10mm armour etc.
After many years of using an odd assortment of boxes, to have the collection organised in good storage is a real boon.

The Bisley cabinets (I have the 15 drawer ones and 1 6-drawer with higher drawers) are okay for 28mm figures if they aren't too tall or waving spears enthusiastically. I put cavalry and command stands with high flags in the taller drawers. My Foundry FPW, 20mm WW2, 28mm WOTR, 28mm EIR, 25mm GW LOTR and a load of 15mm all fit in the smaller drawers without a problem.

Mike

Which club ??

What's a Bisley cabinet?

I went with the really useful plastic boxes 4L for everything but terrain.

Follow the link in Tim's original post to see what Bisley cabinets are – they are metal filing cabinets that come in various formats and have 51mm and 83mm deep drawers so good for a lot of figures. You can pick up the 15 drawer ones new on ebay for £93.00 GBP – I paid £30.00 GBP for each of mine from an office clearance.

Mike

Thanks for your replies. I've decided on Bisley cabinets.

@Teppsta – I'm not sure yet, there appear to be a few in my area. Are you a member of a club?

Loughton with DB

I converted to Really Useful Boxes. I don't believe that they are really airtight in practice.

I've never had a miniature suffer in any way from any storage method that I've used, and I have miniatures going back to the late 1970s.

So:
Plastic 35mm film cans with a bit of foam padding: OK.
Banker's boxes: OK
Cigar boxes (Roco tanks, mostly): OK
Really Useful Boxes: (One of the smallest sizes is perfect for holding a 25mm squad of 5-8 troopers.) OK
Tupperware: OK

I never worry about UV exposure. My stuff just doesn't get into the sun much, just a few minutes going to and from my car.

Thank you – good to know that all storage methods have worked well.