Hi guys I'm having a hard time transporting my large LM-models, like Stegadons, Carnosaurs, Bastiladons and Terradons/Ripperdactyls. How do you guys transport these models?
Stegadons i can barely manage in my Bag from KR multicase, the steg is a bit too high if it's got the flimsy totems on it, but otherwise fits (whole) in the Stegadon bits. The old carno fits as well. New carno and troglodon, i have no clue as to how best to transport them. My trog usually travels around in my hand, because his friggin channeling rod broke twice now, and the model is way too tall and long for the case i've got. Terradons and rippers i transport by Paperboard crate with foam, loads of foam, and loads of spare place too, since terradon arms are also a prime candidate for breaking, those i would have magnetized, had i been a reasonably sensible guy, but i never took the time to learn the how-to's so for now the other method works. I bet someone else has better advice than me tho'
My Warriors of Chaos models all have magnetized bases (rare earth magnets), so I am easily able to transport my models in a metal tool box. It's a bit of work to magnetize everything, but once that is complete it becomes extremely convenient to store and transport models. It's great being able to pull out entire units on their movement trays and place them directly on the table in seconds. Monsters, no matter what shape they may be, are also easy to transport. I've started magnetizing my Lizardmen army, but they still have a ways to go.
My carry case has 3 levels, each separator is made of steel, and my models are magnetized. If im done placing my models to the steel plates, I add some spacer to fill the empty spaces and to prevent the models touching one another.
I transport my big models in a separate box filled with packing peanuts to maximize their chances of survival
I recently bought a couple of Tool Pro Pelican cases from Supercheap Auto (for those in Australia). If you can get your hands on any pelican case at a reasonable price, I'd recommend you get it. It lets you pull out squares of foam to fit you models (large or small) in the most efficient space. My old 25th anniversary GW case can't hold too many monsters or wide things like Terradons since I'd be wasting so many of the rectangle spaces. I've managed to put all of my lizardmen into 1 large pelican case and my GW case. Here's the layer with the Terradons: That's a 560x430x215mm case, a bit bigger than GW but it holds the terradons nice and snug.
I'll add a +1 to the magnetization method. Go to a craft store and pick up one of those 8.5x11 sheets of magnet. Cut to fit and glue it to the base. Get a metal bottomed carrying case like a small toolbox. Voila!
I know what i'm using isn't the best idea system, but i has worked for some time. Just doesn't have a top over it for protection and i'm still exploring new ways to use other cases, but the height issues for banners is always the problem. I'm using a gw stegadon box for transporting all my stegs. Open box with one inside the other for extra support and lining the inside using bubble wrap and putting foam between the models. Works pretty good, except when transporting, you have to be careful not to tip it over, but with the foam in beteeen models they won't fall out. I have also used magnets for the skinks inside the howdah. The hold well and can be removed during combat. I like the magnets idea for rank and file models, but already have a system i am satisfied with, for now anyway. Will have to get around to post some pics sometime. Oh yea, i have 4 Stegadons (3 new & 1 old model) that all fit in the box. Not to bad for going inexpensive anyway. Hope it helps or gives any new ideas?
This is what I ended up buying for my Lizardmen army. The bottom is pretty deep and you can remove foam blocks to fit what you need in there. I can easily store my three Terradons and Carnosaur (lying down on it's side) in there, plus I have plenty of room on the three trays for my Skinks, Saurus and Temple Guard. It's got a nice zippered pocket on the front where I transport my trays also. I do however have to use a separate box for my Cold One riders and Stegadon, and I need to go look for a case that just has those large unit cutouts to make things easier.
Here is my transportation system for all my models, big or small. Models are magnetized to their movement trays, and the movement trays are magnetized to a metal tool box. I can fit incredibly large sized models in there (especially if I choose not to insert the top tray).