Looking for a review for Games Workshop Citadel miniature transport cases? I’ve been eyeing a new case to store and transport my ever expanding miniature collection from Warmachine/Hordes and Warhammer 40k. I’ve used all the foam transport options, e.g., Battlefoam, Sabol transports, but have now considered the Citadel line of carrying cases At first, I had mixed feelings, but now I think the Citadel Cases are one of the best options for safely carrying your miniatures wherever you need to go.
In this article, I review the Citadel Crusade Case. Is the Citadel Crusade Case worth the cost?
Here’s a quick summary: The Citadel Crusade Case for transporting your miniature army is a fantastic way for storing and traveling with your painted miniature collection.
MORE: TOP 10 POPULAR MINIATURE ARMY TRANSPORT CASES AND BAGS
Continue reading to find out more about what I think about the Citadel Cases for storing and transporting your model army.
Citadel Army Transport Cases (3 Sizes)
Games Workshop has 3 army transport cases. Each uses the same revolutionary foam system that allows you to carry any number of weirdly shaped models.
- Crusade Case (Large)
- Battle Case (Medium)
- Skirmish Case (Small)
Rather than using the conventional pluck foam that has dominated the GW transport-foam market, these specialized cases use zig-zag foam.
Citadel Crusade Case (large)
Citadel Battle Case (medium)
Citadel Skirmish Case (small)
Are the Citadel Cases worth it?
Does the usefulness and convenience of the Citadel Army Transport case justify its cost compared to other options on the market? Without beating around the bush, I think these cases are a really good value!
Now these cases seem pricey, but they are essentially on-par (or dare I say cheaper) than equivalent miniature carrying systems from other companies. In short, the cases are unique in that they use a channel system of soft foam that compresses (nicely) when the lid is closed.
How do the Citadel Cases work?
To keep things simple, I review using details of largest of the Citadel army transport case systems, the Crusade Case. The smaller cases are similar in function and form, e.g., same durable materials, foam design, and latching enclosure. The Citadel Battle and Skirmish cases are less expensive, but still do the same job.
What makes the Citadel Figure case different than other transport systems is the unique channel foam and the way the plastic case wraps around everything when closed. This compressor technology for lack of a better description allows you to jam much more into the case than other options out there.
The Crusade Case is made of a soft, pliable but seemingly durable plastic, that closely snugly with the foam inside. The plastic enclosure is a flexible material, which have some give as you press down on it. Mind you, the compression doesn’t apply a lot of force on the miniatures inside. It basically hugs your miniatures firmly so they stay in place within the foam inserts.
The hinge in the back is reinforced with a metal pin (an upgrade from other cases that use plastic hinges that can break or warp over time).
In my experience, so far, the selling point of this unique design has proven true. I picked up the Crusade Case with the intention to carry my budding Grey Knight army. I’ve got large vehicles, a land raider, a bunch of terminators, and 3 dreadknights. All of them fit in the case easily! Indeed, the Citadel case has worked really well.
How much can I fit in the large Crusade Case?
The selling point of this system is that the foam structure allows the user to pack a wide variety of miniature sizes and shapes without worrying about orientation or fit.
Essentially, the foam is pliable and flexible enough to fit large and small models without too much effort. The foam structure did not bend or break any of the models even when I packed them to overflowing.
I’ve fit 25 space marines, 20 terminators (with banners and halberds), 2 fully glued together dread knights (with greatswords!!!), and a fully assembled land raider into the case.
There is about two stacks of foam that are still empty. Empty. I’m fairly sure I could fit a dreadnaught, and a whole bunch of infantry into those two extra stacks.
I’m Impressed!
My initial concern that the compressed foam would damage or bend parts of my miniatures was unfounded after using this case for a few days. No damage occurred and I wasn’t even careful putting the models into the foam.
I essentially pushed the models in whichever way they fit.
The foam-case system works, and the curious part of me is intrigued by the physics of how the foam compresses around miniatures. I almost wish the black case were clear so I could see inside while the case was closed!
Now, a question does come up: Would the Crusade case fit my Warmachine/Hordes models or other wargaming miniatures? Yes, it would! In fact, I think the shape/flexibility of the foam would be really useful for safely squeezing the most cumbersome of my Privateer Press models, including the warcaster, Harbinger of Menoth, and the warjack, Guardian (with it’s two fragile flags).
I did a quick test and my Judicator colossal fit nicely into the bottom foam. Though the weight of these heavier models (generally made of pewter) may shift the foam and surrounding content a bit more.
RELATED: WHY PLAY WARMACHINE AND HORDES?
Potential Limitation
A limitation that I have yet to test is whether the foam is durable. The individual “channels” appear to have been constructed by gluing individual foam zig-zag strips into a foam “frame”. If the glue does not hold properly, or is weakened by repeated use, then the foam channels would eventually collapse.
The cynic/cautious sense in me thinks this may be GW’s plan. Get the case, have low-durability foam that requires periodic replacement, and make continuos money selling replacement “channel” foam. If true, that would be annoying. Then again, we, the miniature hobbyist are a creative and resourceful group. Note that there is no dedicated room for holding codex/books or other gaming doodads.
If you’re carrying books, dice, and other gaming accessories, you’ll need to use a separate bag. The Citadel cases are fantastic for what they do, transport and protect your miniatures as they go from point A to B. For more options for taking your painted miniature armies with you, check out this article for more army transport options.
Final Word: Is the Crusade Case worth it?
Yes!
But, long-term use may require maintaining the foam to keep it from falling apart. That means likely avoiding transporting too many heavy miniatures (e.g., read that as pewter, metal models).
While I’m very happy with my purchase of the Crusade case (it appears to be a good value), I own a glue gun and a roll of duct tape. I’m ready to go when things start to fall apart.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all army transport case that doesn’t require you to fiddle with foam bits and plucking open spaces for all your stuff, the Crusade Case (or its smaller siblings) may be what you’re looking for!
Thanks for reading!
Tangible Day on YouTube (Miniatures and More!)
Have you found them okay with metal models? I’d be a bit concerned about using them, particularly for larger ones.
I know people who use this Citadel case regularly for pewter metal models, including the bigger warjacks from Privateer Press. Heavy suckers, but seems to work for them without damaging the foam (or models).
I’ve not heard this being used with larger colossal type models (90-120mm based models)….could be risky.
I’m wondering about some models like Sylvaneth or Nighthaunt… What is your advice about it ? (I really doesn’t like magnet and box).
Hi – absolutely. Any of the Games Workshop Citadel cases work great for Age of Sigmar miniatures. The Crusade case (the big one listed above) has the zig zag foam in 4 giant stacks that will fit a pretty large collection of miniatures. Even the monstrous sized models and vehicles would fit in there, too. I’m with you on the no-magnets thing. It’s more work attaching magnets and with a lot of models the whole thing is very heavy (you need metal plates inside the case).
I didn’t see your comment… Sorry. The problem is not the size but the fragility…
Here are some other options for foam transport that would work for your models. https://tangibleday.com/top-10-great-miniature-transport-bags-and-cases/