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Together instead of against each other: co-operative games that are fun
by Jan Johannsen
Building a games case - Part 1
10.6.2020
Translation: machine translated
I always take a good number of board and card games with me to game nights. I have a special case to transport them easily. But it's getting on in years. So it's time for the game case 2.0.
In the picture you can see how I created a recess in the foam for each game and accessory. However, the accompanying documentation was anything but clear, which I would now like to change.
Time for the games case 2.0
My new game case should be easy to set up and be able to transport as many games as possible to an event. I secure the games in the case with relatively hard foam, which is used for photo camera cases, for example. The accessories can also be stored in the foam or in the lid.
Selecting the games
I made it relatively easy for myself with the first version by packing all the games I owned at the time into the case. Since then, however, more have been added that also want a mobile home. Card games are generally ideal, but so are board games that don't have too much material. Here is a list of the games that I will include in version 2.0:
Case selection
I found my new case in a building supplies shop. You can buy them almost everywhere and in all kinds of designs. It is designed for cameras, 500 mm wide, 150 mm high and 400 mm deep. The foam is already inside. But I will replace it with a new one.
Measuring the games
As the measurements for the games on the internet are too imprecise, I need a calliper. I use it to measure the games to within a tenth of a millimetre and compile the data in an Excel list.
Some games also have accessories or need two cut-outs, which I have noted as a comment in the table. I also realised with the first case that the height is not entirely irrelevant. I take this measuring quite seriously so that nothing flies around and gets mixed up during transport. At the moment, my suitcase looks like this:
The personalised foam
A foam insert was already included when the case was purchased. However, this is standardised and not designed for my personal needs. I therefore needed a customised solution. But first I have to create a sketch for the cut-outs. Since, like most people, I have little knowledge of CAD and DXF, I quickly used Word for my first sketch:
In our company there are CAD specialists who I politely ask for a private favour. Fortunately, someone takes the time to convert my sketch into a professional DXF:
I am now sending the DXF to various service providers and awaiting their offers.
Next steps
While I wait for the foam to be cut, I will tackle the lid and the accessories. I don't yet know exactly what this will look like. You'll find out which variant I decide on in another article. Part two will follow soon.
Do you have any tips that I should bear in mind? For example, how should I design the lid? Then please let me know in the comments. I'm grateful for any input. Don't want to miss the next step on my journey to the perfect, self-made play case 2.0? Then follow me by clicking on the "Follow author" button.
Alessandro Grieco
Passionierter Brett- und Kartenspieler
ramon.schneider@digitecgalaxus.chEvery week, I organize board game evenings in a private setting. I am open to all games. I also like puzzles and Escape Rooms. I am not afraid of challenges.
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