Storage solution for Small World: a Plano 3600 box. Holds EVERY COUNTER in the game, except the Mountain tiles (which are hardly necessary and easily stored separately in the game box).
There seems to be a consensus that the inserts for this game are well designed. I say they are barely adequate.
The tray for the races allows the pieces to fall down flat in the bottom which then necessitates a flat object (we use a letter opener or tableware knife) to remove them. The main insert still allows the money to fall around.
Sooo... I got rid of it all and went with small baggies for the races after sticking the labels I found here on the geek to for the outside of each one. Works much better and _each_ person can just be handed a bag with their race handy-dandy right in front of them.
I say the storage solution that came with the game is "nice attempt" but "no cigar."
I find that I'm constantly concerned about my tiles falling flat in their holding areas. Getting them back up is a pain. My preferred tool of extraction is a pen cap. Plano boxes are looking like a good option.
I have used Plano plastic cases (primarily the 3600 series) for several of my games. The only draw back is carrying an extra box of bits for each game box that you bring with you when traveling. However the minor inconvneience and axpoximate $5.oo investment is well worth it. I have found the best selection of various sizes and alternate (similar) brands in the Fishing Tackle Aisles of the Sporting Goods Departments in K-Marts and Wal-Marts.
I find that I'm constantly concerned about my tiles falling flat in their holding areas. Getting them back up is a pain. My preferred tool of extraction is a pen cap. Plano boxes are looking like a good option.
This is easily remedied; simply angle the tray slightly and give a sharp tap with your fingertip to the bottom of the cell that the errant tile is laying in. It will pop neatly back up into place.
Not only is it easy, but I find it strangely satisfying in a fidget-y sort of way.
Incidentally, the credit for this trick belongs to another 'geek, who commented elsewhere. I simply wanted to set the record straight here for those who have not yet learned this trick. I would encourage the publisher to add a note to the rules to this effect in any future printing.
Nice solution. But one thing to note is that the 3600 box only comes with 15 dividers which make a maximum of 21 compartments. As shown, the box uses 19 dividers and has 25 compartments.
I cut a piece of stiff cardbaord to slide underneath one of the short sides of the tray to elevate it about 1.5 to 2 inches. Keeping the tiles facing the low end keeps them all snug and cozy with gravity.
Even for the big three sections I turned the tiles to face the low end and the few extra don't mind hanging out to their side.
Played last night without a single tile slipping down. Worked perfect.
------ The coins are another story. Too much work to get them in and out of those little slits and they shifted everywhere. I still have them in a large baggie sitting on top of the rules and just dump them out at the beginning of the game.
At first I thought it would be annoying, but I don't mind the tile compartments. Usually I just take all of the tokens out and leave the extra ones by the side (except Skeletons and Sorcerers), but even when I do let a tile fall flat, I find it very easy to use a second tile to dig the first one out. If you use a tile to push down just at the edge of the fallen tile, it pops up (sort of like stepping on a rake, but much less extreme).
The five noble animals - camel, horse, ram, goat (played by moose), cow
macron wrote:
Nice solution. But one thing to note is that the 3600 box only comes with 15 dividers which make a maximum of 21 compartments. As shown, the box uses 19 dividers and has 25 compartments.
Answer to this comment from another thread:
mrosal wrote:
From the Plano web site:
Q: Can I get extra dividers for my StowAway ® utility boxes? A: Send an email to customercare@planomolding.com , include in the email: model number of the organizer (stamped on the bottom) and the number of dividers you need, along with your name, address and phone number. Small quantities for your own personal use will be provided at no charge. Larger quantities or for business or resale will be available at $0.25 per set plus shipping and may be ordered via credit card from our Consumer Customer care department at 800-226-9868, M-F 7:30a.m.-4:00p.m. (central time).
I find that I'm constantly concerned about my tiles falling flat in their holding areas. Getting them back up is a pain. My preferred tool of extraction is a pen cap. Plano boxes are looking like a good option.
Agreed.
The problem with the plano and the original tray is: "where do I put the tiles from the expansions?"
Is there an adequate plano box?
To use the 3600 in the picture, I would suggest making your own dividers in thick cardboard. To store the races/SP more efficiently I'd cut off the first two top-right fixed dividers (leaving the second column intact) to lay the tiles horizontally (repeat for the other parts), thus save space for mountains and the expansions. I have to try it out, but I think it should do the trick.
Plano's are great things, but this is one of the few games I own that I'm happy with the box insert.
... until you get the expansions.
I agree that this was one of the best and most functional inserts ... until I got the expansions. I got two plano 3500's for the small counters and then bagged the larger cardboard pieces.
A good solution to a not-that-horrible problem. Now, a real problem presents itself when you add the expansion pieces (Cursed and Grande Dames). I'd like to see a storage solution that includes those.
Set up a lot of the PBF framework for BSG, Runewars, Small World, The Devil's Castle. PBF in Gears of War, Death Angel, A Game of Thrones. Currently playing Twilight Struggle, Middle-Earth Quest and Eclipse on Vassal.
I'm anal about using the right terms to describe games and have posted an alternative glossary to the inconsistent sprawl in BGG's database and lexicon that is clear, accurate and simple. I care big time about my reviews, ratings and comments.
Using the same box (Plano 3600), I store Small World + Cursed! + Grand Dames + Tales and Legends in the base game box, in conjunction with the tray provided with the base game. With potential room for ...Be Not Afraid.
I preer the way you organized yours though. I'll have to try that later.
I like this storage solution. Looks like this Plano 3600 is what I'll be going with. One question though, does anyone know if two of these 3600's could stack on top of eachother and still fit in the Small World box?
Set up a lot of the PBF framework for BSG, Runewars, Small World, The Devil's Castle. PBF in Gears of War, Death Angel, A Game of Thrones. Currently playing Twilight Struggle, Middle-Earth Quest and Eclipse on Vassal.
I'm anal about using the right terms to describe games and have posted an alternative glossary to the inconsistent sprawl in BGG's database and lexicon that is clear, accurate and simple. I care big time about my reviews, ratings and comments.
No. A Plano 3600 is about 1.75" tall, and the Small World Box is about 2.8" tall.
can anyone please tell me the dimensions for the plano 3600 box's individual compartments?
Hey, sorry it took so long for you to get a response. I just picked up one of these today. The smallest compartment you can make is about 1 3/4" by about 1 1/8" and about a little more than 1 1/2" deep. And of course you lose a tiny bit of space on the edges which are a bit rounded and by the latches.
