Our Guide to Magnetic Cases - Featuring A-Case Victory 2.0
In an ever-expanding age where miniatures are becoming more detailed, more intricate and often “less miniature”, the care and protection of our models is a paramount concern. I’d wager that most, if not all, of us have spent at least some time dedicated to slotting our prized models into foam inserts, hoping that the foam itself won’t scuff or rub away any of the paint-work that we’ve so painstakingly applied to our skeletons, space marines, aliens and everything else. Over the last five years or so there has been a marked increase in the popularity of magnetic cases, whether purpose-manufactured magnetic carry cases or homemade plastic boxes with magnet sheets glued in. No matter your flavour, we’re here to show you some key considerations when preparing your miniatures for their magnetically-secured adventures. Let’s get stuck into some of the benefits and considerations of a magnetic case, featuring the Victory 2.0 case from A-Case!
For those uninitiated, magentic cases use metal shelving to fix your models onto by super-gluing small magnets under the bases of your models. This, providing the magnets are of sufficient strength, will stop your models moving and will ensure they do not come into contact with the case, other models, etc. This keeps them secure and the paint protected on your models, not to mention reduces the risk of physical damage to a negligible probability. This sounds simple enough, right? Well, the great news is that this is largely true - this is a simple and effective method of miniature transport and is becoming more popular as each day goes by.
In the above image, you can see the A-Case Victory 2.0. This is a medium-sized case with a handful of metal shelves upon which the models can be stuck to. With this case, I’ll show you some of the key advantages.
Capacity
The shelves in the Victory 2.0 (along with other magnetic cases of your choosing) can be acquired in differing sizes to accommodate as many models as you so wish. As seen above, this case holds many of my Gloomspite Gitz from Warhammer Age of Sigmar. The flexibility of being able to adjust the height of the shelves means that I could fill it entirely with hordes of smaller models (such as a seemingly unending horde of goblins), or I could remove one of the shelves so it can house some larger models that pack a bigger punch. This level of versatility without needing to chop and change foam keeps things simple, tidy and effortless.
Here’s an additional tip, providing you’re comfortable with the magnets you’ve glued under your models. With the power of magnetism, you no longer need to adhere to the tyranny of gravity - you can sit the models on the underside of the shelves or the inside sides of the case to maximise on the empty space! Naturally, and I cannot re-emphasise this enough, you must ensure that the strength of your magnets is suitable for this and that they are glued on reliably. I’d definitely use this for smaller, lighter models, such as the aforementioned goblins.
Upside-down undead horses here shown for display purposes, only.
Magnets
Arguably, just as crucial to this process as the case itself are the magnets! This point can be a little looser as this will largely depend on the models you’re looking to transport, the size of their bases, etc. In my experience 5mm x 3mm magnets fit most bases from Games Workshop, bar the 28.5mm and 25mm bases that are a tiny bit more shallow, so the bases won’t be exactly flush on the shelves. I’d suggest going for 5mm x 2mm magnets as these should cover all of your needs for more typical, less centrepiece-sized miniatures.
However, there’s a prime consideration here. You may assume that getting the biggest, strongest magnets will always be the best call, but that is not always the case. Whilst bigger miniatures may benefit from a more powerful adhesion to their shelves, the smaller models can be put massively at risk. If the grip between the magnet and the shelf is very strong, then smaller and more fragile models can suffer damage when you look to pull them from the shelf. I’ve seen models pulled off of their bases or snapping at the legs due to their magnets being too strong. Try to go with a general premise that the lighter, more delicate models should manage fine with smaller, less powerful magnets.
I’ll also use this as a point to reinforce that you should only use superglue to fix your magnets under bases, NEVER plastic glue as the magnets won’t stick with this.
Furthermore, “pulling” models right up and off the shelf can impact the bond of the magnet to the base and also risk damage to the model as well, depending on contact points. I would always advise “sliding” your models off the shelves as this puts much less strain on the models themselves.
The unpleasant misting above is what happens you lack patience waiting for your glued magnets to set.
Additionally, though this isn’t crucial but is advised, you should refrain from putting your models onto the shelves/metallic surface too quickly after glueing the magnets under their bases. As the glue dries it can “mist” surfaces around it and in attaching the model to the shelf it will leave ugly white marks, as can be seen above. Needless to say, this doesn’t impact the efficacy of the case in any way but if you like things to look nice then keep this in mind. I typically leave magnets gluing under a base overnight just to be safe.
The A-Case Victory 2.0
Let’s take a breather and go over what I’m using for the example here - the A-Case Victory 2.0. This is a medium sized magnetic case that comes with three shelves on which you can sit your magnetised models. The case itself is light and easy to carry, making it a great case for transporting your smaller armies. I’ve used this for some years now and it’s been the perfect case for transporting my armies of goblins, but I’m now using it to transport my Ossiarch Bonereapers for Age of Sigmar.
With this, the case fits the bill perfectly. Lots of fragile, delicate skeletons rest flawlessly in the case, never being scuffed by foam and never clattering into each other. The case features a velcro strap, for those keen on patches or badges to make the case distinct. It also comes with a shoulder strap for ease of transport along with an accessory pocket that is ideal for dice, tape measures and other wargaming pariphanalia.
It is also worthy of note that this case comes at an undeniably premium price point of £150. Whilst that might be a tough pill to swallow, and isn't helped by the smaller carry capacity of Citadel cases of a lesser price point, the price offers the peace of mind that your miniatures are as safe and protected as they possibly can be. This would surely strike a chord with those out there with more “professionally painted” miniatures where this factor must be paramount.
Whilst the Victory 2.0 cannot transport massive fleets of models and all extra bits necessary (rulebooks, etc), it works superbly for those smaller bouts. If you were after a magnetic case for your Age of Sigmar Spearhead army or Warhammer 40,000 Combat Patrol, then the Victory 2.0 should suitably meet your needs.
Never Perfect
Whilst transporting your models in magnetic cases clearly as a number of advantages, there are also a few drawbacks. Yes, magnetised models are typically safer than in foam trays, especially where paint work is concerned. However, you must consider that anytime you handle the models into/out of the case that they are suffering strain. This is why the prior point of using magnets that are not too strong is so important as you run the risk of damaging your models if not handled with extra care. There are a few things you can do to mitigate this. For instance, for larger models/bases, I will always put a piece of debris or decoration on the base that is glued in excessively - I will only ever handle the model via this piece of debris as this would not put pressure on the model itself.
Furthermore, magnets can be tricky beasts. As an example, if you’re not careful then when you’re handling your models they can snap together by their magnets, which could prove disasterous for the more fragile kits available. In addition, some boards (including some that I’ve used at a major venue in Nottingham, UK) can have metal/frames within them. This can cause your models to snap onto the board in a way or place that isn’t desired. This is far less likely to occur, but definitely something to be mindful of.
Regardless of flaws, those straying into the land of magnetic cases for the first time would do well with the A-Case Victory 2.0 or other similarly sized case. So long as the previous considerations and cautions are heeded to, you’ll find yourself transporting your models to and fro, comfortable knowing that your hard work on painting them is never at risk. Providing you adhere to appropriate strength/size magnets, and respect the power that they wield, magnetic cases are another wonderful tool in our multifaceted arsenal of hobby.
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