A How To on One more way to store your planes

[Teaticket]

Here is a storage system I came up with to reduce the space my plane collection takes and make it easier to access them. Space saved is considerable. One case holds 48 WWI scouts and cards in just over 1/3 the space the ARES boxes take up.
What I do takes some time but I think it is well invested.

What I use is a photo storage box. They are available at craft shops like Michael’s and AC Moore in the US. They list at $40 but you can always get a 40-50% discount.


The case holds 16 smaller boxes.


With sand paper I scratch up the bottom and lower sides. Box on left is new, the one on the right has been roughed up.


I made a template out of cardboard (Cheerios box!) and trace the outline on felt sheets of varying colors. The inner perimeter is 53 cm so I cut 2 pieces to equal that length.


I spread a thin coat of white glue on the bottom, smooth it out with my finger and put in the felt. Lightly rub in the felt so all of it will get some glue.




Bottom view shows felt has full contact with glue.




After the bottoms have dried do the same along the lower sides.


I cut 1” x 3/16” Basswood lengths to fit snugly into the box, slotting them in the center.


Once they are in place you have four compartments.


Three card decks and planes one box. I don’t use the supplied bases or pegs anymore but they will fit.






They also have slightly larger boxes that should do the same for two seaters. I will get some soon to try out. Unfortunately they do not have a case to hold them so you will have to find another way to transport them.

This has made putting on games at shows immensely easier. Warning, as all your eggs are now in one basket keep an eye on them as they are too easy for a crook to walk off with.

!!!!! Important up date!!!!

You can get sticky back felt. No need for the scratching and glue if you can find the colors you want.

[Brewer]

Very nice, love it!

[Franco Lucchini]

Very creative and simple. Well done!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Neat idea Peter, and very inexpensive compared to other storage cases.
Rob.

[flash]

Very smart idea Peter - and you can see what's what with the translucent casing.

[Nightbomber]

Excellent solution, Peter!

[Jager]

Brilliant solution. And of course you post this after I bought a bunch of hanger trays
Karl

[Teaticket]

Brilliant solution. And of course you post this after I bought a bunch of hanger trays
Karl

Sorry about that! I just gave up waiting for the trays as SWMBO kept asking what I was going to do to consolidate. I looked for a month at all the different Plano type boxes available, even The Container Store didn't have what I was looking for. Luckily I found these photo storage cases. Now you know for the next 100 planes!

[BobP]

Another great idea on storage. Thank.

[matt56]

Very nice solution, Peter! And a sense of accomplishment for figuring out how best to make it happen, too.

Your step-by-step pictures and instructions make it easy to make our own. Thanks for the inspiration!

All the best,
Matt

[Diamondback]

This has made putting on games at shows immensely easier. Warning, as all your eggs are now in one basket keep an eye on them as they are too easy for a crook to walk off with.

Simple fix, loop one of these beauties
http://targus.com/us/defcon-1-ultra-...-system-pa400u
set in "Doorknob Mode" through the handle when you're away. You'll hear the slightest movement... and so will everyone else in the room.

[Teaticket]

Thanks for the tip DB, I may just get one of these loud babies.

[Diamondback]

Let's put it this way... I had an earlier version back in college, and once my *passing gas* set it off--shutoff was immediately followed by wolfing down a fistful of ibuprofen. Then again, I *have* been called a "big bag of hot air" on more than one occasion... LOL

[Flying Helmut]

That's a great solution, Peter! I have taken to using Really Useful boxes, in clear plastic, to store figures and other wargames bits for other periods and games, and they stack securely for transport; however, I'm much too deeply committed to KR now to contemplate changing my WGF storage/transport.

[Teaticket]

Up to this point I still used the original boxes. What a pain at shows to open to get the planes on the table and then pack up again when it was over.
A few months ago I found these after trying something close in size that just missed. These seem to hit the mark for me.

[Gribble]

Peter, thought I'd add my congrats on your stunning concept...

...that I shall snitch as soon as I am able to have that many planes.

Cheers,
Mel

[BobP]

Was out today and went to the Hobby Lobby (same shopping center as the liquor store) and found them there. I picked up a 6 storage case . What felt do you use ? I saw felt that was self sticking. Also how do you do the slats in the dividers ?

[Teaticket]

Was out today and went to the Hobby Lobby (same shopping center as the liquor store) and found them there. I picked up a 6 storage case . What felt do you use ? I saw felt that was self sticking. Also how do you do the slats in the dividers ?

I use plane non-sticky felt and white glue. I didn't know they made sticky felt!

For the dividers I use 3/16" Basswood. I have a small hobby table saw that I cut them on. I use the same saw for cutting the slots by holding the wood an an angle.
I think any way you can cut them should work. You want them snug but not too tight.

I'll give info on the saw when I get home.

[Gotham Resident]

Great idea. I love the way you showed each step. That's good for a simpleton like me. I second Bob's question about the slats.

[csadn]

Then again, I *have* been called a "big bag of hot air" on more than one occasion... LOL

How far-t you've come.... >;)

[Teaticket]

Great idea. I love the way you showed each step. That's good for a simpleton like me. I second Bob's question about the slats.

I used 4" x 3/16' Basswood. They have 1" but I want it a little wider so it gets really close to the box top. I cut the 4" wide piece down so I get 3 pieces 1 1/16" wide.

Here is the saw I play with.

[Jager]

Great idea. I love the way you showed each step. That's good for a simpleton like me. I second Bob's question about the slats.

I'll second that thought; the more complete the instructions, the easier I have it.
Karl

[zenlizard]

Looks like it works nicely, Peter.

[Mad Charly]

Here is a storage system I came up with to reduce the space my plane collection takes and make it easier to access them. Space saved is considerable. One case holds 48 WWI scouts and cards in just over 1/3 the space the ARES boxes take up.
What I do takes some time but I think it is well invested.

What I use is a photo storage box. They are available at craft shops like Michael’s and AC Moore in the US. They list at $40 but you can always get a 40-50% discount.


The case holds 16 smaller boxes.


With sand paper I scratch up the bottom and lower sides. Box on left is new, the one on the right has been roughed up.


I made a template out of cardboard (Cheerios box!) and trace the outline on felt sheets of varying colors. The inner perimeter is 53 cm so I cut 2 pieces to equal that length.


I spread a thin coat of white glue on the bottom, smooth it out with my finger and put in the felt. Lightly rub in the felt so all of it will get some glue.




Bottom view shows felt has full contact with glue.




After the bottoms have dried do the same along the lower sides.


I cut 1” x 3/16” Basswood lengths to fit snugly into the box, slotting them in the center.


Once they are in place you have four compartments.


Three card decks and planes one box. I don’t use the supplied bases or pegs anymore but they will fit.






They also have slightly larger boxes that should do the same for two seaters. I will get some soon to try out. Unfortunately they do not have a case to hold them so you will have to find another way to transport them.

This has made putting on games at shows immensely easier. Warning, as all your eggs are now in one basket keep an eye on them as they are too easy for a crook to walk off with.

Hello Peter
Many compliments for the creative and inexpensive storage solution.
Do you have an URL of an online shop to buy it?

Bye from Italy
Carlo

[grumpybear]

That is a great idea Peter . A very durable solution .

[Tonx]

Fantastic idea Peter - thank you for posting and sharing with us.

I am going to see if the components required are available in the UK or as similar to what you are using as possible. Hoping to carry WGS in whatever creation (hopefully not contraption! ) emerges from my efforts as I am getting tired of having to remove them from the default Ares Games packaging. Which given all of the protrusions and antennas (which I gather are not so much of an issue with WGF) they are detailed with has to be done with great care on each and every occasion!

Either that or get ready to T-bone loads of stuff like radio antennas and machine guns if you do remove WGS from the default packaging in a hurry!!!

[Teaticket]

Here is the actual table saw.



I did a quick search but came up empty. I have had these for 10+ years. I'm sure there are other small tools out there. I'll have a look and report what I find for other makers.

[Teaticket]

Ok, here is what I found first try at Micro-Mark. It looks like it will do what the saw I have does. http://www.micromark.com/microlux-mi...-saw,6936.html Looks like this one you don't need the variable transformer I need with mine. This is a US 120AC motor so hopefully all those across the pond can find a version to suit their needs.

I'm sure there are other like it, you just have to find them!

[Teaticket]

Here is what I found for a very handy tool on the UK. This will do a lot more than my little table saw! I might have to get one of these.
http://www.dremel-direct.com/acatalo..._Moto-Saw.html



Or here... http://www.tool-shop.co.uk/Dremel/To...oSaw+MS20.html

[Gotham Resident]

You haven't found that the slide from side to side ? Or if you turn the box sideways they don't all "all to that side"?

I'd rather have Keith's Hangar trays, but until I get them..this would work!

[Teaticket]

They will move if you tip the boxes but I have had no damage so far. The felt is a soft cushion, but maybe something a little thicker could be used. I have thought of putting felt on the dividers but haven't done any yet.

[Gotham Resident]

If it works, why mess with success. I went over at lunch and didn't see any felt, but I bought some of the tiny bubble wrap. Didn't feel like trekking anywhere else in the snow, just had to get out and wander aimlessly for bit.

[Teaticket]

If it works, why mess with success. I went over at lunch and didn't see an felt, but I bought some of the tiny bubble wrap. Didn't feel like trekking anywhere else in the snow, just had to get out and wander aimlessly for bit.

Good luck with that. Let us know how the tiny bubble wrap works out. Post pictures too if you can.

[Mike George]

Nicely done thanks for sharing

[Gotham Resident]

I glued in the bubble wrap into 2 of the boxes. I did take pictures - will put them up tonight. Being a lozy sod I used cardboard from my beer carton for dividers (but I did notch them as cross sections as suggested) and then applied bubble wrap to them too.

Haven't decided what to do with the bases yet. Liking this whole "storage" system though. I had bought the photo container on clearance when this first was posted but didn't follow up until now. Now Target doesn't seem to carry them at my first local store.

[Teaticket]

If you want more I think AC Moore and Michael's still carry them. You can always get a 40% or 50% off coupon to make them quite reasonable.

[Gotham Resident]

Here is the bubble wrap I used. It was $4.99 from Target. (FYI - yesterday I found some felt at Walmart for 23 cents a "sheet" - roughly normal size).




I placed it over and then trimmed it.


I didn't take the time to cut wooden dividers, I used heavy cardboard from a box.


Here are the planes. You can't see it here, but I went back and put bubble wrap on the dividers as well. I didn't put my cards or bases in yet.

[Teaticket]

Nice! The bubble wrap must be a lot faster to line the box with than the felt I use.

[Hedeby]

INgenious - some great and inexpensive ideas there. Thanks guys

[Captain Chum]

That's a great solution, Peter! I have taken to using Really Useful boxes, in clear plastic, to store figures and other wargames bits for other periods and games, and they stack securely for transport; however, I'm much too deeply committed to KR now to contemplate changing my WGF storage/transport.

Me too.....but I would be on this otherwise.....great idea Peter!

[BB401]

Sorry about that! I just gave up waiting for the trays as SWMBO kept asking what I was going to do to consolidate. I looked for a month at all the different Plano type boxes available, even The Container Store didn't have what I was looking for. Luckily I found these photo storage cases. Now you know for the next 100 planes!

Is this the box you used:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B001MY9Z7M

?

[Gotham Resident]

I have the smaller one at the bottom of that ... in the "other people bought this".

[Teaticket]

Is this the box you used:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B001MY9Z7M

?

Sorry that I didn't see this when you posted it Bob. Yes, these are the boxes I use. Also sorry Carlo, I missed your question way back when. I would think they are also available in Europe but where I wouldn't have a clue.

A good deal on Amazon 'HERE' for two.

Michael's in the US carry them 'HERE' and 'HERE'. You can usually get a 40-50% off coupon so they end up quite reasonable.

I've seen them at AC Moore but can't find them on their web site. Maybe they don't carry them any moore.

Joann's Fabrics carry them 'HERE'.

Going directly to IRIS, and 'HERE' and 'HERE' for 16 and 12 versions. I hadn't seen the 12 before. This might be better for bringing a lesser amount of planes to a show.

You can get the 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" boxes individually. They have a container for 12 x the 5" x 7"s but it holds them vertically so I won't get that. I carry my 5" x 7"s in a larger container with my rules and other game materials.

[Rebel]

Very clever and inventive Peter. I haven't come across these boxes but that's probably because I haven't been looking for them. Will now keep an eye out for them. Are they available in the UK does anybody know?

[Jager]

I came across my set while cleaning the office/workroom last week, and had to think a bit why I had them. Old brains, you know
Karl

[Brak Morn]

Here is a storage system I came up with to reduce the space my plane collection takes and make it easier to access them. Space saved is considerable. One case holds 48 WWI scouts and cards in just over 1/3 the space the ARES boxes take up.
What I do takes some time but I think it is well invested.

What I use is a photo storage box. They are available at craft shops like Michael’s and AC Moore in the US. They list at $40 but you can always get a 40-50% discount.


The case holds 16 smaller boxes.


With sand paper I scratch up the bottom and lower sides. Box on left is new, the one on the right has been roughed up.


I made a template out of cardboard (Cheerios box!) and trace the outline on felt sheets of varying colors. The inner perimeter is 53 cm so I cut 2 pieces to equal that length.


I spread a thin coat of white glue on the bottom, smooth it out with my finger and put in the felt. Lightly rub in the felt so all of it will get some glue.




Bottom view shows felt has full contact with glue.




After the bottoms have dried do the same along the lower sides.


I cut 1” x 3/16” Basswood lengths to fit snugly into the box, slotting them in the center.


Once they are in place you have four compartments.


Three card decks and planes one box. I don’t use the supplied bases or pegs anymore but they will fit.






They also have slightly larger boxes that should do the same for two seaters. I will get some soon to try out. Unfortunately they do not have a case to hold them so you will have to find another way to transport them.

This has made putting on games at shows immensely easier. Warning, as all your eggs are now in one basket keep an eye on them as they are too easy for a crook to walk off with.

Five years after this post, and still a gift that keeps on giving. Just got two of these boxes at Mike's, and thank you Peter!

[VonSquid]

Thanks for reviving this! I think we'll be making a trip to the local craft stores soon