With a little DIY you can build a viable transport and storage out of a tool box or tool case.
Pro:
- you can design the inlay to your specific needs
- several trays inside give you plenty of storage space
- easy to transport (as long as they are not misinterpreted as another form of gun case).
Con:
- DIY necessary
- Does not look as professional as purchasable solutions
- You still need foam mats and a tool case and other materials...
I added pics of one of my 3 cases, i have built for my collection (~400 different BT miniatures, 200 more to come). The case itself is a simple tool case you can buy at your local home improvement store. It contains two trays of ~2" thick foam cut into size from one big foam mat (also available at your home improvement store). Each foam tray has 30 cubicles, but it is up to you, if you want bigger cubicles or smaller ones. Usually one cubicle can hold two miniatures (with separating foam between them). BTW: use the cutout from the cubicles to create matching bottom and top foam layers for the respective cubicle (and if you are willed to put more than one miniature per cubicle, even the divider). While the bottom tray does not need a separate bottom plate (the usually foam coated wall of the case itself takes over this function), the upper foam tray is glued to a thin plywood board (.15") (thick cardboard will work the same way) including some strings as lifting aid (and another tip: cut the upper foam slightly smaller than the case for ease of extraction of the tray).
3rd tray is a thinner one, usually containing my tanks. Thickness of this tray depends on remaining space inside the case. Cubicles were more specific to my tanks stored inside.
My 3rd case contains a single egg crate foam tray on top instead of the tank tray. It is for all kinds of infantry, battle armor and ProtoMechs (as i place them separately on 1-cent coins).
Overall costs should be lower than any purchasable solution, but depends mostly on the costs of the case.
Nevertheless these cases are quite durable and can be stapled. (Which does not say, they can break your shelf again. A fully loaded case can weigh up to 20 pounds...) The all around packing in foam should prevent damages during transport and up to 60 cubicles plus separate space for tanks should give you plenty of space.
BTW:
As this topic reappears from time to time why not make it sticky?