Actually Johnny, we started using a briefcase in 2006. You guys didn't start until 2007. I remember you guys having the go to the home depot in Atlanta that year to buy casters for your controller because it weighed so much. But this doesn't matter.
Dan did do a lot of work on our controllers the past two years, but the original designers of our briefcase in 2006 were Aymen R., Iain H. and Andrew B. We went through about 2, maybe even 3 revisions that first year, but the changes made in those revisions made Dan's job much easier these past two seasons.
The briefcase we use is:
http://www.dealsonbags.info/index.ph...mart&Itemid=26
We first remove the shoulder strap and cut out all the webbing inside the attache.
We use an 1/8" sheet of textured polypropylene from McMaster-Carr and the inside cover. We measure the maximum height from the bottom of the case to the bottom of the cover (I believe it's about 2.5-3"). We make appropriate standoffs that are tapped on both sides. We use countersunk screws on both sides to secure the plastic. This provides a clean, flush bottom and top.
From there it's up to you. How many controls and their appropriate positioning is up to you.
We prefer the textured plastic because it's light, easy to work with, hides scratches and gives the inside cover a more professional look compared to a smooth or matte plastic. Our first version of the brief case in 2006 used an aluminum plate. This added a little weight to the controller and also looked pretty ugly. I wouldn't recommend using an aluminum plate unless you can sand and paint it, anodize it or powder coat it.
You should also be mindful of the added height of the Driver Station this year over the IFI Operator Interface. On the same note, keep the clearance you have on the underside of the cover. There are buttons that look cool, but barely fit, if at all.
Hope this helps,
Jon