Obviously I'm not a viable local customer - but something "mid range" would be appealing to my thinking.

I have so many tool boxes with socket sets, screw drivers, etc and I.m always pulling them of the shelf, lugging the to the bench (or floor), opening them up .... searching 

The price of Snap On down under is second mortgage stuff - but most of the seems like junk. Thats probably why I haven't made the jump yet.

Personally I'd prefer something below bench height, so it would sit below a utility bench. Not bright red either, something subtle. 

I use old Stanley Vidmar cabinets.  I found a few that were workbench height and a couple of the taller ones.  They are no more expensive than what you are looking at with SnapOn, yet are a bit more durable.  They are rated to something like 400lbs per drawer.  They are the ultimate cabinet and if you spend sometime looking for them on auction or for-sale sites, you can often find great deals.  My last 3 11 drawer units came from CL for 350.  They are hard to beat, my dad has a unit that was in an Air Force engine shop for 15 years before it was replaced and it made it to his shop.  That was 20 years ago and despite 3 moves and all the use, it still works perfectly.  The short ones would have no issues on casters, thought the taller ones would become a bit tippy.

i have alwatys liked those kind of cabinets. i almost bought a set last year on sale but the atm was out of order so i had to pass as it was 4 hour drive away.

Thanks for your input guys.  This give me a basis to start some research.  I'm not just talking to Brits, it could be that what I'm looking for is not yet in the UK.  Though we do have smaller workshops here in Blighty and I wonder if this sort of thing is as useful/necessary?

I am also wondering if a modular system might work.  i.e using something like 80x20  This way it can be adapted to exactly the way the user needs it.

Now you're talking ... something modular would be perfect. Though maybe each drawer is a module and you could have 4 sizes (full width and half width by two different heights).

Have a peek at these ... they've almost got the idea ... just not quite there for me.

http://www.steelspan.com.au/tool-storage-cabinets.html

Hi Tom.  Is Kennedy sold in the UK?  Kennedy is a solid brand, long-lasting, and definitely less $$$$ than Snap On. 

Thanks guys, great info.

Looks like there are some good options for Snap-On style cabinets.  What would be great is if we could get the lower drawers to be systainer sysport style.

I'll look into it.  I'm also going to look at the kit form 80x20 idea

In keeping with the modular idea, the best design I can envision would be cabinets in which you could pick and choose the tops sides and bottoms of the cabinet ~ heights, depths, widths. Sort of an erector-set of toolboxes. I don't know if that idea is practical in any way, but then who knows if someone doesn't at least try?