 |
Charon Figure Cases from Chelgames
|
If you are anything like me you have spent most of your years as a wargamer racking your brains to
find a safe, secure and convenient way of transporting my models. The difficulties have been many, what works for 15mm models doesn't for 28mm. Individually based skirmish troops present problems compared with those on multiple bases, and as for the transport of vehicles, equipment or terrain..... well just
do not ask!
I have used tool boxes, cardboard boxes, document files, Blue Tack, sticky tape, magnetic bases, polystyrene sheets and foam rubber strips to a widely varying degree of success. The best packing always seemed to take an age to do, and when being pushed to vacate the club premises, or suffering from two too many ciders, I tended to find that the models never quite fitted into their containers as they had in the morning, and this resulted inevitably in bent or broken spears, lopsided cavalry and muskets that shoot round corners.
 |
If you have similar problems to me, then take heart, help is at hand, thanks to Chelgames!
They have submitted for review their range of carrying cases, produced by Charon,
a Canadian based company, especially designed for the wargamer with armies to transport.
Chelgames have provided two of their large cases, called Battlepacks for review. Both measure 82cm x 38cm with a depth of 15cm for the standard case and 18cm for the deluxe version.
 |
Looking at the Standard case (Priced £80)first, it is constructed in a tough woven black cloth, the lid being fastened by a sturdy double zip that can be secured by a small padlock included in the case price. There is a large side pocket on the back of the bag, with a zip on three sides. The pocket is certainly large enough to carry all your rules, paper, pens, dice, Kit Kats etc
The carrying handle is again woven cloth, but covered by a leather effect, sewn sleeve which is attached to a black metal fitting sewn to the case. At the corners of the top edge of the case are two securely fastened D shaped metal rings which hold the carrying strap. This strap, again from woven cloth with metal fittings is fully adjustable up to 130cm in length, and includes a padded shoulder pad. The top edge of the case is completed by a clear plastic address label.
 |
The front of the case bears a very stylish embroidered logo, and title Battlepack, in crimson and silver, a very nice touch that adds so much to the overall effect.
Opening the case an internal pocket is revealed, again with a zip. It also becomes clear how thick the padded lid is, giving protection to the contents. The main body of the case is divided into two sections, with a semi-rigid crossection held in place by Velcro providing additional support to the case lid. Each section will hold a varying number of dark coloured foam trays in a range of designs depending on the army to be carried.
 |
The first type of tray is designed for holding individual 25/28mm figures. the second is designed for the safe transportation of model vehicle, equipment and based models. In the case under review the trays, or clamps, were designed for transporting vehicles, and the case contains four pairs, measuring 40cm x 36cm x 6cm, and a pair of foam tops 1cm in depth. The case includes an example sheet that illustrates a variety of methods of packing the models into the case, enabling you to make the most of the space available. packing the models is easy, and the dogtooth pattern of the clamps certain holds them firmly.
I packed this case with a selection of Space Marine vehicles, carried them to the club on Thursday, repacked them after the game, took them home on the late night bus, left them in the hallway for two days where the bag was kicked, and moved about, and finally I took it for a ride on the back of my bike, and for a jog around the park, all without any loss or damage apart from the dispersal of a small amount of base scatter.
|
The Standard case is available in a number of
different versions, each supplied with a different selection of foam trays and
clamps, details are on the Chelgames website. When I removed the foam trays from
the case it was easily folded for storage.
The second case, the Deluxe version (£90) has a number of differences from the standard case. First of all it is deeper, allowing more carrying capacity. It is also more sturdy, being constructed with a semi rigid material covered in black soft sheen material. On this case the impressive logo and design are printed on to the material of the lid. The interior and exterior zip pockets also feature in this case, but the sample
received for review differs internally from the standard bag by being divided into three smaller sections by two semi rigid dividers that simply slip between the foam trays.
 |
These trays measure 36cm x 27cm x 9cm for the vehicle tray, and convoluted figure tray which holds up to 40 figures. The second style of tray is for figures, measuring 36cm x 27cm x 3cm. Cut out of the foam are 32 rectangular cavities measuring 3cm x 5cm x 2cm, especially designed to hold a range of wargaming figures. In all cases the trays are in a one piece construction, with the cavities moulded into the foam, and avoiding the separation between base and tray I have seen in some products. Additional trays are available separately to enable you to securely store additional models and to mix and match the carrying capacity of the cases. Also included were a couple of foam lids to hold the models in place and add extra protection.
 |
The whole design of this case is simply superb.
These cases may not be cheap, but they are excellent value, given the high quality of the product, and the degree of protection that they afford your models. So if you want your favourite army to travel in safety and style then I highly recommend these cases.
Available from: -
Please remember to mention Wargames Forum when contacting traders!
Return
to Wargames Forum Return
to Reviews