Poll - Do figures need sculpted bases?

[Lovejoy]

Okay, as suggested, here's a poll on bases.
Many figures come with cast scenic bases. Do you use them? or would you prefer the models to be sold without them, and a bit cheaper?

 

[thegoodsgt]

I've never used a sculpted base, but I can see how some modelers might want one.

 

[megroot]

In the beginning i use them to fix the figure to the wooden base.
Lately i don't use them. If he base is for instance a part for a scenery like steps or something like that i use it.
So for me, cheaper and without base.

marc

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Well I would still say it depends. And I really think there should be more options in the poll. It kind of draws its own conclussion and looks partial.

Figures like these could be mounted anywhere as long as the base is flat. These are the types that least requires a base to go with the kit.

Next type is figures where the base has to be adopted to the figures pose. You can usually make your own rendition but I think the average mainstream figurepainter would prefer to have it included.

And last we have the cases when the base is actually a part of the figure. Not literally even if it sometimes happends. What would these figures be without their prominent bases? And would it be easy to make a suitable base for them?

So I think it depends much on what kind of poses you prefer and what kind of figure painter you are. And of course which kind of hobbyist youre marketing for.

Cheers

 

[Lovejoy]

All excellent points. You're absolutely right; a number of figures are designed around the base to make a scene, the climbing figure you showed is a great example.
For the poll, I'd be happy to see more options; but I've never done one before and felt a bit daunted, to be honest! If you can suggest a better format, maybe I could delete the poll and start again?
Regards,
Michael Lovejoy

 

[AJLaFleche]

I'm in the depends category. Sometimes I use the base to increase the stability on the display block, sometimes not. When I'm done adding the ground work, the original base may not even be visible. Sometimes, the pose really needs the original base. So if all figures were Verlinden-look-how-straight-I-can-stand poses, no we wpuldn't need them, but then we'd have a pretty boring bunch of stuff to see at shows.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I think good alternatives would be:

-Yes, I want scenic bases with my figures even if it cost a little extra up to 12% percent of the price.

-I want scenic bases only if it doesnt affect the price for the figure.

-No I do not want scenic bases want because I never/seldomly use the supplied scenic base and prefer a lower price.

Also have in mind that we here at the Planet only represent a small part of the market, even if I dont like to say so we might be considered an Elite if not at least picky.

Also the cost for the supplied base might not always be reflected on the price tag as it also could be uses as way to competive with other company with the same range.

Cheers

 

[vergilius]

Well it depends. Sometimes it's handy and I guess not everybody is an expert in making their own groundpiece.

 

[captnenglish]

I'm in the " it depends on the figure" camp. Heck, I have even taken a box of kit supplied bases off a firends hands, because they I saw that I could use them in some projects on the WB

 

[P GREEN]

bases included

Its sort of a weird thing for many years I have cast them aside but lately with some of the more dynamic posses i have been using them for filler to get the proper elevation and positioning of the feet or anything relevant to the figure. I will remove all features from the base with a dremel tool or even cut off the un needed real estate to make it fit properly within the confines of the base I have chosen to use. I will then sculpt any ground work over the stock base. My 1 major compliant is some of the stock bases are ridiculously large and weighing in at 1/3 of figure.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Bluesking]

I rarely use "kit" bases but it's nice to have the option I suppose. In some of the examples above I would certainly use them such as Batman and Hillary, whereas in most of the others I wouldn't. And lets face it prices aren't coming down base or no base.

 

[gorgosaurus]

Fancy bumping into you here, Mike.

Hope you´ve not completely given up on the Dinosaurs...
I´m still looking forward to working on a Gorgosaurus sculpted by an Englishman.

I very rarely use a supplied base with my Dino´s or other figures, but know quite a few modellers who do.

I ordered my last 2 models without bases!

Spike.

 

[Lovejoy]

Hey Spike!
Those Gorgo's are beautiful - Sean Cooper?

I'm hoping to do more dinosaurs. I've still got that 1/50th scale Gorgosaurus waiting to be moulded, and I keep starting a 1/10th version but running out of steam...

I'm planning to get a few historical sculpts under way first though - I've just finished my first 54mm sculpt this morning. Pics later, I hope!
Regards,
Michael Lovejoy

 

[gorgosaurus]

Good to know there´ll be some more dino´s, Mike.
Hope you can fire up more steam for the 1/10th G later.

Looking forward to seeing the figures you post here.

Spike.

PS) Yep, Coop´ll start work on a 3rd figure for me soon.