Bases and Best Practices

[Ong]

I have a collection of thin resin wargaming bases, plastic discs, wood bases, hardwood blocks, foam blocks, and resin diorama "scenic groundwork" bases of rocks and cliffs.

Some modelers say that using the thin resin bases makes the figure look like a wargaming miniature, and that such resin bases are "too cheap" for figures to do them justice---those bases degrade the figure. I understand that glossy hardwood bases are the best, but the prices of hardwood bases could really add up.

Is there a "psychology" to using bases for built kits and figures? Meaning, is the best practice to have the figure resting on a base that is several inches off the shelf, basically a block? Would flat wargaming resin bases be fine for 1/35 figures but not 1/16 figures?

Or am I being too serious and nitpicky ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ferris]

Well, as this is Your hobby, you can do as you like without rules.
Personally I think it pays off to base a figure on a well-proportioned 'block' base. It emphasises your work and, a practical point, a block base allows you to handle the figure without touching it or the groundwork.

There are some cheaper ways than hardwood: MDF bases painted black for example can look nice.

Hope this is of use.

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Ray Stout]

Figures are n't cheap these days, so when you've spent a lot of money on it, and invested all the time and effort in painting it, it deserves a base of the best quality you can afford to finish off the effect. Then you avoid those "toy soldier" remarks. Ray

 

[Nap]

Hi guys,

Personally I like to see my busts on a quality base and nameplate ..but I know folk that go and collect wood from fallen trees and produce some amazing bases.....

Like Ferris says "it's your hobby do as you like"

Nap

 

[zane666]

not sure what part of the world your from, but GB make some real nice bases and cheap as, around the 2-4 pound mark. Other than that a nicely sanded and polished squre wooden block, nothing to fancy.

regards Zane

 

[IIICorps]

...Is there a "psychology" to using bases for built kits and figures?...

Yes. Use what you like.

 

[balder]

Use what you like. If it looks good to you that is what matters.
Gerald

 

[garyhiggins]

Personally, I work on the premise "always use a good base because if the model's crap, at least you can enjoy looking at the base". But seriously, Ferris gives the most practical answer, a thicker base is easier and more stable to hold, and that counts when you're judging a piece. Anyway, it's relaxing finishing and varnishing a nice piece of wood.
Best wishes, Gary.

 

[Ong]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I agree with Ferris that some bases are better than others. I placed a 1/35 car on a flat resin wargaming base and while it worked, it also almost slipped out of my hand because the base was so thin...and yes, I had to touch the groundwork.