Transporting your planes.

**Oberst Hajj** · 08-11-2009 22:54

I use an S&S Design filled with foam trays to carry my Wings of War minis around. I can fit one of each plane from series 1-3 as well as about 10-12 extra planes (handy for repaints and squadrons), all of the maneuver decks for those planes, 4 A damage decks, 2 B damage decks, 1 C and 1 D damage decks, ground targets, and extra cards. I also fit a small plastic box to hold all the counters and some dice. The outside pockets are used for balloon cards, range rulers and rule books.

The case closed up...

The case opened up. You can see I've labeled the trays on the side so I can find the right decks quickly.

These shots show the 1 inch trays with the planes in them...

I've got one more Spad coming and it will go in the tray on the right.

1.5 inch trays hold the two seaters

The tray on the right has room for extra planes and the one on the left needs two more D.VIIs and then it will have extra planes in it. I have one more of these trays that is in the case that is completely empty and will be used for extra planes.

These three 2 inch trays hold a total of decks of cards.

This 1 inch tray holds my counter box, fly pegs, some dice, and a Spad that is going to be made into a crashed plane diorama for some special missions.

I really like this setup as it allows me to carry all of my WoW stuff in one nice bag and every thing is very well protected. It is a little pricey, but you can buy the foam trays as you need them to spread the cost out some. You could actually fit more planes in each tray, but I like having a little more room around them and laid out nice and neat by plane type.

I have attached a Power Point file that has the foam tray layout as well as a silhouette for each plane type. If you like, you can download it and move the planes around until you get a layout you like.

**WilliamBarkerVC** · 08-22-2009 22:15

Nice set up. Still have all my planes in the boxes.

Battlefoam.com do custom cut foam for anything you want and will engrave messages in the foam too. I have been thinking about getting them to do my WoW collection...

**Oberst Hajj** · 08-23-2009 09:09

I've looked at the Battlefoam cases and foam trays. If you do not get them to custom cut your trays, they are the same foam as in all the other systems. After looking at the case at the local store, I thought they were a little pricey compared to some of the other brands (mainly S&S Designs).

I'm rather happy with the plucked foam and placing the planes card under it.

**WilliamBarkerVC** · 08-23-2009 09:19

Originally Posted by Col. Hajj

I've looked at the Battlefoam cases and foam trays. If you do not get them to custom cut your trays, they are the same foam as in all the other systems. After looking at the case at the local store, I thought they were a little pricey compared to some of the other brands (mainly S&S Designs).

I'm rather happy with the plucked foam and placing the planes card under it.

The only cool thing about Battlefoam is the custom cutting, which means (I don't know as I haven't had them do a run), that you might be able to get more aircraft per sheet. They minimize the walls to fit all the minis in.

I have a 10000pts Orc&Goblin army that I will be getting them to make a case for, and if that works out, then I might look at the WoW option.

Did you toss out all your boxes, or did you keep those too?

I like your counter holder, much more organized.

**Oberst Hajj** · 08-23-2009 11:24

You could get more planes in with custom cut trays... you can even get more planes in then what I did with the pluck trays (I just liked mine laid out like that). Have a play with the file I uploaded and you can see just how many planes you can get in if you want to pack them in tight. Just open the file up and drag and rotate the darker plane shapes around.

The counter box helps out a lot. It can be found pretty much at any home/hobby store like Hobby Lobby here in the States.

**WilliamBarkerVC** · 08-23-2009 12:49

Brilliant! I used to do that with GW cases, and planned the cutting of the foam for days before laying a knife to them.

I do have an Army Transport "Platoon" case that I use for naval right now, but I bet it would fit my planes just fine.

Cheers and thanks!

**Oberst Hajj** · 08-24-2009 10:01

You can always get extra trays and swap them out when you need to transport one army or the other. This works well if you have a nice shelf to put the other trays on. I often keep a tray turned upside down on the top to keep dust out.

**Nekrodamus** · 08-24-2009 10:23

Originally Posted by Col. Hajj

You can always get extra trays and swap them out when you need to transport one army or the other. This works well if you have a nice shelf to put the other trays on. I often keep a tray turned upside down on the top to keep dust out.

That's the 'classic' way to go since we need those quite expensive cases only for safe transports, not to store (any) miniatures. Allthough especially GW would be quite pleased, if we buy 'a few' extra cases. I guess I'd need around ten more army cases ...

**Oberst Hajj** · 08-24-2009 10:27

Yeah, I've got a few case that hold my retired Eldar army and one of the large S&S Designs cases for all my WoW stuff. Not sure what I will do once I start picking up the WWII minis in bulk.

**KsLazarus** · 09-22-2009 08:24

While I think the boxes are great (it is nice to have the plane, cards and base all neatly placed together) I think it is a pain to transport and mess with all of the little boxes. However, due to budgetary constraints, I don't think I will be able to bankroll a transport system any time soon... especially considering I have financed my current WoW revolution without formalized spousal approval.
So, I had to go a little ghetto on this effort...
what was once a poker chip case

merged with a clumsily-hacked up piece of foam

to become the new home for mon petite escadrille

When the D.III arrives there will be one of each current model, which will have to suffice for now...

**SHVAK** · 09-22-2009 08:34

I use Sabol foam cases for my WH40K armies. For WoW, I went with plastic storage bins (for crafts or fishing tackle). Movement cards, bases and corresponding plane are each held in their own slot. As well, each plane, cards and base are placed in UV resistant trading card plastic sleeves (used normally for Magic, baseball or hockey cards). This protects the paint and the excess elimates any unnecessary movement in the bins. The bins then go into a gym bag, as well as the original game boxes which still store damage cards and game counters. Whole thing cost about $50.

**Stoff** · 09-22-2009 10:57

For my cards I used card individual card boxes from the WoW Nexus site. Then I just worked with the original boxes after removing the plastic inserts. All the decks in one box, then the control cards and balloon card in the next and then a fome fray for my models in the third. All of these go in a nylon attache case I had laying around the house not being used. Befor I got the 1" foam tray for the planes I built a compartmental cardboard tray, but was not happy with it. At this time the only things I have for WoW that will not fit in the attache case are homemade playmts and the zep when she is finished.

Christoph

**rapier1642** · 09-22-2009 13:23

I use a sabol design case (size depending on how much i am carrying). Usually use 1.5 inch foam. which hold planes quite nicely.

Jim

**Bixby** · 09-29-2009 10:47

The transport case system you set up looks very impressive. Thanks for sharing. Right now I am struggling with how to store and transport my stuff. Hopefully I will be running the Wings of War league at my home so transport will not be as critical, but I would like to get a system in place just in case.

**Oberst Hajj** · 09-29-2009 13:04

Thanks. If funds are tight, you can start out by just getting the foam trays and carrying them in a plastic bag or backpack. If you get one extra tray and turn it upside down on the top of the stack, some rubber bands will hold it all together nicely.

jodiepascal · 10-05-2009 06:52

We have a player here in Michigan that uses the clear plastic fishing tackle travel cases you can find at WalMart. He carries like 4 trays of planes and the top is big enough for his custom made balloons and box sets.
Pretty inexpensive and very protective.

**Bixby** · 10-05-2009 07:07

Well, I just finished a transport system quite economically. I went to the Dollar Store and they have small plastic containers, (3 for $1). Each container holds a mini, base, and maneuver deck. I even bought some foam at a craft store for $5 to cut and glue inside the containers to keep the mini safe. Not as elegant as the system above, but it turned out well.

**The Blue Baron** · 11-02-2009 05:01

I use the same system Keith uses for some years. WoW is the 4th game I use it for and it always did a grear job.

**Poliorketes** · 11-04-2009 10:36

I use the de Luxe box which I filled with two layers of foam. Though it's getting to small lately...

**LGKR** · 11-09-2009 06:35

Originally Posted by jodiepascal

We have a player here in Michigan that uses the clear plastic fishing tackle travel cases you can find at WalMart. He carries like 4 trays of planes and the top is big enough for his custom made balloons and box sets.
Pretty inexpensive and very protective.

Jodie here are some pictures of AB's tackle box plane storage that you mentioned.

**Greywolf** · 11-17-2009 21:52

I tried to find out what S&S design could do for me but was informed he is closing down and going into a different business next year. asked him what deal he could on his remaining stock of 2.5" foam.

otherwise it looks like Sabol will get my hard earned cash.

Cheers
GW

**Oberst Hajj** · 11-17-2009 22:16

That's sad news, guess I'll try and pick up one or two of this empty bags while I can then.

**Greywolf** · 11-17-2009 22:35

Originally Posted by Col. Hajj

That's sad news, guess I'll try and pick up one or two of this empty bags while I can then.

all he has is foam nothing else.

Cheers
GW

**Horse4261** · 11-20-2009 16:11

Looks a lot like the case I use, although the top is filled with maneuver and damage decks. LOL
I was able to get the entire series I aircraft in a single tray, including bases.

Originally Posted by LGKR

Jodie here are some pictures of AB's tackle box plane storage that you mentioned.

**Greywolf** · 11-20-2009 16:14

not a bad set up. I am going to do what col Hajj has done with the foam and get a nice case.

will be ordering some stuff from Sabol next week.

Cheers
GW

Hueg · 11-20-2009 16:32

That tackle box idea is pure genius, I'd have never even given that a thought. I think I'm going to invest in one myself, thanks for the inspiration!

**Oberst Hajj** · 11-21-2009 08:07

You know, the foam trays might fit into those tackle box trays. That would give you a lot more protection for your planes, but cut down on the cost of the bag a little bit. And it would be an alternative for having a hard case with the foam trays.

**Greywolf** · 11-21-2009 22:45

I'll get my trays first and then work out the best storage from there.

what are the amount of trays and sizes you used Col.?

Cheers
GW

**Oberst Hajj** · 11-22-2009 11:11

I've listed all of the sizes in my first post between the photos. The number of each one needed will depend on how many planes you have/are going to have.

**Greywolf** · 11-22-2009 11:23

Originally Posted by Col. Hajj

I've listed all of the sizes in my first post between the photos. The number of each one needed will depend on how many planes you have/are going to have.

ALL of the PLANES!!!!

lol

thx will check it out and write up my list of foam requirements.

Cheers
GW

**Oberst Hajj** · 11-22-2009 19:14

Then you are in luck, my first post covers every thing you need for all 3 series for WWI plus all the decks.

**thumper7458** · 12-11-2009 11:23

I'm curious as to what is on the CD?

**LGKR** · 12-11-2009 12:35

Originally Posted by thumper7458

I'm curious as to what is on the CD?

If your talking about the cd that is in the top of the tacklebox, it is a dvd I made of The History Channel's Dog Fights. It the episode about WWI. I recommend a watch to anyone interested in WWI air combat.

colneher · 12-30-2009 19:19

Good ideas on the plane storage ... jealous of your collections!

I am personally thinking of the 1" think foam battle trays .. they just stack better, while providing room for the cards, planes and stands.

Col. Hajj, it looks like you have taken out all the foam to get the cards with the plane. the insterted the blocks back in?

**Rum Demon** · 12-30-2009 21:38

Apologies if the image doesn't work or whatever. I'm new to the Aerodrome.
And yeah, don't laugh... that IS all of them...

After 11 months of planes kicking around in the Famous Aces box, I've finally put them into a proper display case.

It's just a jewelry display case that my wife wasn't using. I put a couple of layers of cotton batting into the bottom until the glass top hit the planes when closed. The planes stay put even if stored vertically. I like this system. The planes have a pleasing "butterfly collection" look. Next step would be to mount it safely on a wall somewhere.

All of my maneuver decks and so forth are still stowed in the FA box, which is fine. I bought a bunch of mini rubber bands to keep things organized.

-Joe

**Oberst Hajj** · 12-30-2009 23:53

Originally Posted by colneher

Good ideas on the plane storage ... jealous of your collections!

I am personally thinking of the 1" think foam battle trays .. they just stack better, while providing room for the cards, planes and stands.

Col. Hajj, it looks like you have taken out all the foam to get the cards with the plane. the insterted the blocks back in?

Nope, you can easily slide the plane card under the foam blocks with out taking them out once you have plucked away the squares to fit the plane in.

**afilter** · 01-05-2010 12:13

So I found a local supplier for the Sabol products.

Just to confirm you are using 2" trays for the decks?

1' or 1.5" trays for the planes?

TIA,

Aaron

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-06-2010 01:24

Yep, those are the correct sizes.

saboldesigns · 01-06-2010 05:02

Thanks for using our foam trays in an extremely useful application! The template design/layout is great. We are always available for groups, clubs etc. to help. Contact us if you need any other information that can assist you in the safety of your WOW models. Group discounts are also available. Again, hats off to some very creative and useful applications!

**afilter** · 01-06-2010 07:08

Originally Posted by Col. Hajj

Yep, those are the correct sizes.

Thanks, I also found you photo album with sizes.

I am thinking 1" will do for the WWII planes.

This is waht I am using for the time being:

As you can see I can already use some more room and I still have two stukas waiting assembly.

A local supplier carries the Sabol foam trays. My plan is to start picking up some trays and then one of the bags later on once I decide which size is needed/practical.

Is $8/tray a decent price?

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-06-2010 07:38

Yes, the 1 inch trays will fit the Series 1 WWII minis just fine. $8 a tray is a good price, better than my LGS.

**afilter** · 01-06-2010 08:34

OK, sounds like a plan....I currently have 34 planes including the 2 B-17s.

I think I will start with three 1" and one 2" tray which should at least get all my WoW planes stands and cards in trays and then build from there.

**afilter** · 01-08-2010 11:48

So, I stopped by the LGS last night and picked up some of the Sabol foam trays,

So Far:
1-1"
1-1.5"
2-2"

Actually wanted four 1", but that was all they had. More will be coming in.

Now what bag? There are two I am debating

Large one Division transporter:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sabol-Designs-Di...item414bb4272c

Smaller Mark II:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sabol-Designs-MA...item3a56280d51

In both cases I would be getting empty bags from my LGS
$59 for the Division size
$31 for the Mark II

I am tempted by the division size, but honestly I think it is bigger than I will ever need. It appears I would also need to buy the foam to fill it all at once as well to prevent stuff from sliding.There might be the temptation to buy more as well

The Mark II looks like it would fit 12" or so worth of foam trays. Realistically even if I have more planes than will fit in the bag I most likely would never need to transport all of them at the same time. With the cost I could always get a 2nd and have WWi in one bag and WWII in the other.

Overall the nice thing I see with the foam trays is even if you do not store them in a bag they stack nice for storage on a shelf at home.

So do I:

1. "Go Big or Go home" and get the large Division bag?
2. Be fiscally responsible and ease into this with the Mark II?

Of course it does not help that I received a $350 reimbursement today from a trip I took last month.

Thoughts?

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-08-2010 18:16

Aaron, I'll post a good response for you (with pics I hope) later tonight... so don't buy any thing just yet!

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-08-2010 23:27

Okay, this is the minimal mount of trays you will need to transport all Series of miniatures for WWI along with their maneuver decks and damage decks. The layout of these trays have the planes organized in to types, but emphasis was given to fitting the most amount of planes in to a tray.

It will take three 1 inch trays to hold all of the single seat planes in Series 1-3. As you can see, you will have some extra room in the last try for future releases (maybe the two Ni-16s from Balloon Busters?) or repaints.

If you are a fan of the Dr.I, you could fit quite a few more of them in there if you play with the layout on trays 2 and 3.

For the two-seaters, you will need two 1.5 inch trays.

The Maneuver and Damage decks are what really eat up the space. You will need three 2 inch trays to store all of the maneuver decks with the clear plane bases (and pegs if you use the official ones) as well as the damage decks. You will see that there is a good bit of room in the last try for future releases or extra damage decks if you pick up more copies.

If you add all of that up, you will see that it is 12 inches of foam. However, don't forget that you need to account for the base of each tray, which totals 2 more inches. So, if you want to store and transport all of Series 1-3, your case needs to hold 14 inches of foam.

Army Transport's Motor Pool will hold a total of 16 inches of foam. That would require you to buy two more 1 inch trays to fill the case. Not to bad as you will need the extra trays as more planes come out anyway.

The other option from Army Transport is their Platoon Case. These only hold 8 inches of foam, so you would need two of them and the two extra 1 inch trays. There are a few good things about going this route. These cases can clip together. This allows you to start off with just one of them, and once it is full, pick up a second and just clip them together for easy carrying as your plane collection grows. Two of these case do cost more then a single Motor Pool case however.

If you are really concerned with being able to hold any of the future release Wings of War plane, you might look at getting the Army Transport MkII and the Platoon case as they can also clip together.

If anyone is interested, I could make the above diagrams with the planes organized by service years and side. A layout like that would be pretty handy for cutting down on the number of minis you would need to carry with you (as long as you play by years). It would however, not be idea for adding future planes as they come out.

**afilter** · 01-09-2010 05:23

Excellent post, thanks for the information. I had seen some of this in your album.

I am leaning toward the Mark II as I like the idea of the side opening up similar to yours.

My WWI collection is not that robust as I currently only have 18 planes. I have not felt the need to get every mini since it is all one theater and only plan to get 4-8 from each set. I still have a couple more from set III to aquire. The WWII release delayed my plans.

I see myself using the WWII more right now. Any chance you have a layout for them? I have some trays, but have not plucked any foam yet. It would be a tight fit, but it looks like 12 fighters could fit in one 1" tray. So I could easily get the 16 in two trays. Then there are my 18 custom models.

For the time being a single Mark II should be able to handle my entire WWII colection or WWI collection. As time goes on I can look at expanding if I feel the need to store them in the case.

Based on this info I would say the Division case is way too big for anything I will need even for both sets.

Thanks,

Aaron

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-09-2010 06:06

Having the case open to the side is a very helpful feature... it's the reason I went with the S&S Designs case, that and it's size. Do you know if your LGS carries the S&S bag? I'm trying to track another one down.

I don't have the files made up for the WWII planes yet, but I do have my trays plucked and I'll make a file up for you today some time. I actually have a photo I took last night to post for you, but forgot to upload them before I left for work. I'll try and get that up for you as well.

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-09-2010 07:36

Here is the layout for the WWII trays:

And here is a photo of one of them with the planes in it:

I should point out that the reason there is a large open area on the left wings of the Zero and Wildcat are due to the antenna on that wing. It falls right where the two foam squares meet. You could leave the middle square of that top row in the tray, but it would put some pressure on the antenna.

**afilter** · 01-09-2010 07:54

Thanks, so you went with 10 planes per tray.

Is your foam S&S or Sabol? Are they basically the same?

I checked with the LGS and no S&S bags....they did have some foam, but I went with sabol beause I was not sure if it is compatible and saw the post that S&S will no longer be available.

I was thinking of 12 planes per tray by turning them the other way and aligning 3 x4. I currently have 16 WoW and another 16 + the 2 B-17s for WWII.

Where do you store your bases? I was considering with the manuever deck or putting them in the pockets of the bag.

I do like the side loading feature as mentioned. Instead of painting the tray I plan to put a label on the side(if it will stick with the contents of each tray so they are easy to ID from the side while in the bag.

I think the Mark II it will be for me then.

**Carlos Lopes** · 01-09-2010 12:06

Hello, Col. Hajj,

Since the first time you had show me the possibility to transport the Wing of War minis in a home made box, that I was looking for a solution.

I manufactured a box to transport 10 airplanes, 6 German (4 Albatros and 2 Roland) and 4 Allied (SAPD XIII) in two floors.

I’m going to use it to transport my minis to the convention LeiriaCon 2010.

My regards