Quick answer: For most car and club trips, a rigid box with magnetised bases on a ferrous sheet is gentler on painted miniatures than foam. Use foam when flying or when the case may be thrown around. Pack large models alone, varnish first, and never assume magnets survive a checked bag.
This hub covers club, car and cabin travel. Related: army transport guide, foam vs magnetic.
Choose by journey
| Journey | Usually better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Club night / car | Magnetic box | Less rub; fast unpack |
| Train / bus with bumps | Magnetic with snug lid, or foam | Impact risk rises |
| Flight (cabin) | Foam in a rigid case | Orientation and handling unknown |
| Flight (hold) | Avoid if you can; foam + rigid shell if you must | Rough handling likely |
Foam trays
Foam wins when cases tip, stack, or go through baggage systems. Varnish first and let paint cure fully. Use a hard outer shell — soft bags alone compress foam. Pull models straight out to reduce snags on spears.
Magnetic boxes
Magnetise bases, add a ferrous sheet to a rigid plastic box, and keep a lid that cannot pop open. Heavier than foam. Community reports vary on airport security with strong magnets — treat that as anecdote and check current airline rules yourself; this is not legal advice.
How-to: magnetise for transport, magnetised storage, magnet sizes.
DIY magnetic carry case
- Choose a rigid plastic box that fits your bag.
- Fit a ferrous sheet or tray to the base (and optionally a second layer).
- Magnetise bases consistently so pull strength matches the sheet.
- Add foam or card dividers only where models could collide if a magnet fails.
- Test with a gentle shake before a real event.
Flying with miniatures
Prefer cabin baggage. Foam in a rigid case is the more forgiving choice when handlers may tumble bags. If you fly with magnets, expect questions and pack so models cannot escape if a tray shifts. Always verify the airline’s current rules — we cannot guarantee what security will allow.
Large models and centrepieces
Give oversized models their own well or box. Do not let a heavy centrepiece rattle against infantry. At home between trips, a dedicated stand helps: WarSplay Hero 9-slot stand (£18.95) for large bases, WarSplay XL display rack (from £14.35) for bigger footprints.
Home display between trips
Transport is temporary. Between games, standing free on a stand or cabinet beats living in foam. WarSplay modular stands · storage hub: how to store miniatures (publish may land same day).
FAQ
Foam or magnets for club night?
Magnets for most car/club use; foam if the case will be thrown around.
Can I fly with magnetised miniatures?
Community experience varies. Foam is safer for unknown handling. Check airline rules.
Cabin or hold?
Cabin is strongly preferred.
How do I pack a tank-sized model?
Own compartment; nothing rubbing neighbouring models.
Do I need to varnish?
Yes before foam packing. See varnish guide.
Which magnets?
Follow the magnet size chart — do not guess millimetres.