"Securing Model Vehicles" Topic

The majority of my collection has been horse and musket with figures and vehicles on thin steel bases. These in turn are on 'unit trays' of MDF covered in magnetic sheets. This keeps them very secure for storage and travelling.

Now I have started a small WW2 collection. Storing the individual figures is no problem as they are mounted on steel washers and thus I can still use the existing tray system. Vehicles, both AFVs and soft-skinned, are more problematic. I could mount them on steel bases but they look so much better sitting on their own tracks or wheels.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can secure vehicles in such a way as they can share a tray with their supports on foot?

Thanks in advance.

Put a concealed magnetic base underneath the vehicle. Paint it black.

I find a steel base that will attach to the wheels/tracks but that does not extend beyond. Some times i use two, one for the front wheels one for the back.

I haven't tried this myself, but…

Let's say you glue a washer to the bottom of the tank hull.

The problem is that there will be a gap between the washer and the magnetic sheet, reducing the magnetic attraction.

However, if you put another washer to fill the gap, that might work. Could be a loose washer, or glued down to the sheet. That should extend the magnetic field. I think.

A foam insert for the tray? While not magnetic, it could still work in the same box.

Lots of good ideas there. Thanks everyone. I am now making a series of experiments.

Mount the vehicles on bases, steel or otherwise.

If you set the vehicles on their wheels or tracks, and put troops next to them, the troops will appear taller because they are on bases.