So where do we put this stuff?

[elindo]

How about a thread that doesn't bash Avalon Hill or their new AAM product... at least initially is doesn't<insert topic warp here>? I'm relatively new to mini's games with my only experience being Heroscapes... which I really enjoy. So with that in mind, I store my Heroscapes figures and terrain in a plastic tub, stuffed so as to not accidentally clip Mimring's wings. I can't imagine doing this for AAM since the individual pieces are collectable and as such their value will be dictated by their condition. I can just imagine a new market opening up for a product that does the same thing as deck protector sleeves, except for minis! That would be over the top. Anyway, those who have valueable mini's, what do you keep them in? Shoot some pics of what you use or what you plan to use. Possibly a compartmented tray system, tackle box or better yet, a felt lined mahogany custom made box (oh yea, I know there's gotta be someone out there who's done that one!)

[GoblinSlayer]

I keep my common and uncommon minis in a big tackle box from walmart. With my rares I use a smaller tackle box filled with individual compartments.
It works good the commons and uncommons dont get bent up or anything either.

[VFults]

The stackable plastic boxes used to store fishing lures work just fine for most of my D&D minis. Look for the ones with adjustable dividers so you can fit the space to the miniature. The larger D&D figures I keep in in plastic shoe boxes. With their smaller size, A&AM should fit in the the lure boxes.

Regards,

V

[SJPadbury]

My D&D Miniatures collection currently resides mostly in 2 Plano Model 737 Tackle Boxes. These things are huge, sturdy, and well compartmentalized so you can sort things and find them later. The only problem I really have with them is that they're almost too big. When full they're annoying to carry. But I have so many minis that they're neccessary. And I'm probably going back to Dick's and spending the $40 to buy a 3rd one, since I'm already in overflow mode, just got another case of the latest set, and have 42 packs of the next one coming next month! :D
Of course, now that I have a case of SWM in my living room, and will likely be having some AAM showing up as well, this could get out of hand fairly quickly.

[Caveman Lawyer]

My favorite source for mini-storage is Home Depot. They have all sorts of compartment style tool/hardware boxes. My favorite is one by Workforce. It's single level, grey with a clear lid and has adjustable yellow dividers. I think it sells for $10. It's deep enough to store Mechwarrior mechs standing up. I've used them for Heroclix, Star Wars minis, and even Pirates of the Spanish Main ships.

[vogless]

Yeah, those are great. I used to put my D&D minis in there untill it just got to be impractical. I put my D&D minis in clear shoeboxed sized Rubbermaid containers and gave the tool boxes to my wife for her Jewelry hobby. I think I will return to these for A&A.

[Arnminster]

I found that the cheap bead bins from the craft stores work great as well. They are especially good at storing warbands because you can put the cards on top and the bins still close. For this game it looks like a 15mm tank will fit perfectly.

[Plagued]

Bead Boxes/Tackle Boxes work excellently, especially for sturdy plastic miniatures. I've used both to store my Battlefront, Old Glory and Peter Pig miniatures and it takes them all fairly well.

You'll really have to wait until the game is released to determine what size box you'll need. As we aren't exactly sure what the average player's force will look like.

[VFults]

Just a 411 to anyone not familiar with the D&D and Star Wars minis: don't be surprised if some of the A&A minis come with bent rifles, curved tank barrels, or troops who lean like they are doing the limbo. The soft plastic used to make them can bend. The good news is that they are easy to restore to their correct shape.

The best method I've found is to heat the mini with a hair dryer until it becomes pliant, reshape it by hand, then immediately dip the figure into ice cold water. The heat/chill treatment will lock the figure back into it's proper pose. Also, this method will not hurt the paint jobs.

Regards,

V

[SeattleGamer]

Hey V . . . thanks for the tip!

I do indeed have a number of D&D minis that have bent swords, but the worst are the "leaners". They appear to be heading off into battle under the effects of far too much adult beverage because they are staggering to one side or another so badly.

I was tempted to try the hair dryer approach, but didn't want to destroy the mini. Now I'll give it a go.

[ArtBraune]

Hey V . . . thanks for the tip!

I do indeed have a number of D&D minis that have bent swords, but the worst are the "leaners". They appear to be heading off into battle under the effects of far too much adult beverage because they are staggering to one side or another so badly.

I was tempted to try the hair dryer approach, but didn't want to destroy the mini. Now I'll give it a go.

Boiling them also works well...

Ciao!
Art

[VFults]

The boiling method is also effective; I just find the hair dryer a bit faster. The Clone Strike Star Wars expansion had so many leaning battle droids that I'd have had to boil a couple of gallons of water to straighten them all. ;)

Regards,

V

[XAos]

Boiling them also works well...

Just to clarify that, I wouldn't put them in a kettle and wait till it boils.
Boil a cup of water, dip the figure in it for about 5 seconds, straighten it out & put it in cold water.

[Podlet]

The fact that the A&A miniatures are tough plastic really is a plus for me in deciding whether to buy them. I like the idea that an army or squadron or fleet can safely reside in a shoebox without fear of their coming to harm. On a very basic level, there's something appealing about a collection that doesn't require much in the way of "care and feeding". One of my friends is into traditional lead miniatures. He has beautifully-painted Ancient armies that look nothing short of glorious on a tabletop, but the troops have to "live" at a club where they can be safely stored on trays on shelves. He's very much a traditionalist, and doesn't understand when I say that lead has the disadvantages of being both heavy and fragile (I compare lead soldiers with their nice looks and brittle nature to having a set of playing cards made of stained glass -- they look nice, but play carefully 'cause they weigh a ton and will shatter if dropped!). I can deal with miniatures looking a little less than professionally perfect when it comes to paint jobs if they're light and sturdy. It sounds like a visit to the Container Store is in order when one's armies start to grow.
As an aside, I cringe when I hear miniatures referred to as "figs". Figs are fruit, and a fruit that I don't like the taste of. Any miniature that enlists to fight in my armed forces would be too proud to be dismissively referred to as a fruit. Would a Marine consent to being called a "loquat" or a "persimmon"? I think not!
This game is really shaping up, and these discussion boards are lots of fun! :cool:

[Moderator Keldar]

As an aside, I cringe when I hear miniatures referred to as "figs". Figs are fruit, and a fruit that I don't like the taste of. Any miniature that enlists to fight in my armed forces would be too proud to be dismissively referred to as a fruit. Would a Marine consent to being called a "loquat" or a "persimmon"? I think not!
http://www.houstontexans.com/fan_zone/messageboards/images/smilies/new_rofl.gif


This game is really shaping up, and these discussion boards are lots of fun! :cool:

Thanks for helping make it that way!!! :)

[TheFoeHammer]

For storage in my other games I started off with a Plano 1155 Tackle Box. It worked great for LOTR until cavalry came out, then I switched to a Stanley tool box with little insertable compartments. Its great for putting ready-made armies in each box and carrying them from table to table during a tourney. I still use the Plano box for Star Wars and D&D. The top compartment has a half section that is ideal for rules and paperwork. I will probably use one or the other for A&A Minis.