In my previous post, I mentioned that I was planning on expanding my Carthaginian Gauls so that I could field a full Gaul army, and that once painted and based I would need to find some additional storage space. My current storage system for my Carthaginian and Roman armies consists of nine stackable containers, each one is capable of holding up to nine bases. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any more containers of the same type, and even if I could, a stack of four does not fit in the available shelving space.
After a bit of thought, I decided to have a go at making some custom containers using MDF sheets and my schoolboy-level woodworking skills.
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The current storage situation for my Ancient armies.
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| Each container holds 9 bases. The bases are 3x4 inches. |
The plan was to build eight custom containers, each measuring 3 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 15 inches deep. The shelf space dictated the width and depth, while the height was determined by the 20mm miniatures (the elephants being the tallest). Each container would hold 18 bases, all my bases measure 4 x 3 inches.
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The finished containers.
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| The new containers hold 18 bases. |
After thinking through a few ideas, I decided on the design shown below. This allows the containers to stack securely without sliding and toppling while still be easy to slid in and out.
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A drawing of the design. Forgive the combination of imperial measurements and metric. With all my bases being in inches (the traditional wargaming measurement) it was easier to use inches for the construction while the purchased MDF sheets come in metric.
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All the MDF pieces cut out for one container. The darker pieces are the side 12mm MDF.
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| The 12mm MDF is used for the sides. |
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3mm MDF is used for the front and back.
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The thin 1 inch strips of MDF are glued to the bottom so the containers do not slide and topple in on each other.
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| A close up of how the containers are stacked. |
A few quick notes on construction. The 3mm MDF sheets were attached to the 12mm MDF sides using PVA glue and 25mm (1”) panel pins. Five pins were used along each side to secure the base, and one pin per side was used when fixing the front and back 3mm MDF pieces. I did not glue or pin the front and back panels to the base. This simplifies construction and the containers are sufficiently strong without being fixed to the base. The thin MDF strips used to prevent the containers from sliding when stacked were simply glued to the base.
One word of warning, avoid hammering panel pins too close to the ends of the 12mm MDF, as it will likely split.
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| PVA glue and 1 panel pins is used on each side to attach the front and back. |
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| PVA glue and 5 panel pins secured the base to the sides. |
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| 25mm or 1 inch panel pins were used. |
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| The base with the strips attached near the sides. |
The end result is that I can now store 144 bases of ancients in the same shelving space that used to hold 81 bases. With each container holding 18 bases, eight containers will provide more than enough room for the planned expansion of the Gaul army. Best of all, this was a cheap solution which I completed over 2 days.
Nicely done! I really need someone with handyman skills (and tools) to sort out some purpose built shelves to go under my tables The space there is used so inefficiently it holds only a fraction of what it could and is awkward to access.
ReplyDeleteI tend to have my bulkier terrain under the table, but its is not the best use of space.
DeleteSuperb stuff Peter. You have given me inspiration to complete some stackable boxes for 1:300. Also getting a small panel saw for Christmas, so all should work well :) ...now to find all the 3mm MDF i borrowed from the woodshop in work all those years ago... Great advice on the panel pins too
ReplyDeleteFinding skinny draws or containers for 1:300 scale is not easy.
DeleteThe Range do "Scrapbook Storage Box for Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts" which are 2.7cm high. Pretty good for 1:300 figures.
DeleteThank you for the tip.
DeleteGreat work Peter, your school boy carpentry skills are superior to mine by the look of things.
ReplyDeleteI tried a slow and steady approach. No rushing and making mistakes.
DeleteVery nicely done sir! A good tutorial and they have worked out really well for your collection.
ReplyDeleteVery happy with the finished containers. I am considering painting them.
DeleteThat works and efficient too!
ReplyDeleteI will be able to fit in all my ancient army bases, once they are painted.
DeleteNicely done 👏👏 Who doesn’t need more storage?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Geoff
Thanks. I was at the point where I had to do something, and now that I am retired I have more time to complete projects like this.
DeleteNicely done. Maximises that space well.
ReplyDeleteI am now looking at some of the other shelves and determining whether to take the same approach.
DeleteExcellent design and result Peter.
ReplyDeleteAlso, now that the original boxes are empty you will need to go on a buying spree to fill them 😁
Very tempting, but the old plastic boxes will replace some of the cardboard boxes.
DeleteSmart work Peter. It's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI am looking at some of the other shelves now and may make some more.
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