X-Case Kickstarter Interview with Kenneth Romero of Active Mind Games
For the longest time I have struggled with the ?? of how to store my miniatures. I’ve never been a fan of foam storage and have been, until recently, relying on the storage techniques of not bringing my miniatures anywhere and when I do carry them very carefully in a box.
My plan has been to glue magnets into the bases of my miniatures and use metal containers, such as Christmas cookie tins for storage. The magnets have worked a treat and haven’t been too terrible to retrofit into my existing collection, ignoring many of my miniatures mounted on metal washers.
When I saw the X-Case review on Wargamer Girl’s Youtube channel I was instantly interested in the Kickstarter. I had a few questions and thought I would request an interview with Active Minds so that I could share what I learned here on my blog. Kenneth Romero accepted my request and I eagerly sent my questions.
The Interview
Tyler: When I first saw the Kickstarter I was instantly interested in the X-Case. I’ve been looking for a storage system for a long time and generally make do with DIY solutions which don’t really work. Buying foam and bags is very expensive and I have armies which are not finalized. I’m always afraid that I’ll buy foam that doesn’t fit my future needs.
My first question is on the design. It seems the intended practice to to carry the X-Case with the doors facing inwards and then opening the case wide to allow access to the miniatures. Is there any reason not to connect the X-Case so that the doors face outwards allowing easier access to the miniatures inside within a smaller footprint?
Kenneth: No reason, I just find when showing the cases off a book opening setup works best. For transport though it is purely owner preference.
X-Case Clear by Active Minds Games.
Tyler: I am very interested in magnetic basing. I’ve started attaching magnets to the bases on my miniatures. I noticed that your system uses magnets in the case with ferrous material in the form of “Flex Iron” which is sold cut into standard base sizes. Is it possible to attach the Flex Iron to the case to allow storage of miniatures with magnetic bases?
Kenneth: Yes, it is possible to attach flex iron to the case and we do sell it in strips the same width as the magnet 2″. The Flex Iron would have to be glued down since it does not have adhesive on one side as the magnet does. If you double up the Flex Iron the hold will increase in strength as well.
Tyler: For those that are planning to use the standard system you include with the cases for attaching the miniatures I was wondering about the strengths of the magnet. The magnetic strip I’ve seen in craft stores doesn’t seem strong enough to handle large metal miniatures. Is your material different or is the Flex Iron that provides the strength? What types of miniatures have you tested with the system? A large metal Warjack seems like it would be a challenge.
Kenneth: The Magnetic strip we use is a high energy magnetic material. Unlike craft magnetic material it is quite a bit thicker and unfortunately limited in the available widths thus the 2″ width of the strip. It is plenty strong as far as pull goes and most pieces stick to the magnet great with the Flex Iron base the larger the base the more magnetic hold. That said there are top heavy or extremely dense metal pieces that with enough vibration or hard enough impact could knock loose. For those we recommend gluing an extra layer of flex iron to the base and you will gain a very noticeable increase in hold. At only 1/32 inches thick even 2 layers has a barely noticeable impact on the profile appearance. I am not familiar with the war jack and without actually testing I cannot guarantee but large base figures, max 2.74 inches.
X-Case in multiple colours by Active Minds Games.
Tyler: What is your goal with the Kickstarter. Generally Kickstarters are to allow the funding of new projects. You are already selling the X-Case on your website so the only obvious improvement of the Kickstarter over the current product is the additional colours and a price discount. Is this for a new tooling of the molds or is the goal to introduce the different sizes of X-Case hinted in the stretch goals?
Kenneth: Well the Kickstarter is primarily to bring the new clear units to market, make a few minor improvements, refill our nearly sold out inventory, and hopefully provide the units to some people outside of the U. S.. We would really like to reach the stretch goals allowing us to start production on the custom inserts for holding cards, tokens, and other game, painting, collection related items.
Tyler: Any hints of what colours we can expect in the stretch goal or anything you’re really excited about?
Kenneth: I am most excited about getting the inserts made as I believe they are the next best step for the XCase. Color plans are really just for special events and of course Kickstarter backers who choose that reward level. Economies of scale make it difficult to have more than a few primary colors. We had plans for adding a stretch goal to make larger units but that may have to wait until a later date since current backing pace probably will not reach the level required
Tyler: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Good luck on the Kickstarter, I’m excited to see what designs you’ll come up with when you hit your stretch goals.
Kenneth: Thanks for inquiring about the XCase. I look forward to reading your blog.
