Friday 13 September 2019

Basing: your opinion sought.

My shiny toy soldiers in 54mm have been based in two different ways. The mountain troops have stones and foliage on their bases whilst the infantry have plain painted bases. Here is a photo of them-
The rationale was that the mountain troops basing was to reflect the steep terrain in which they fought. However l am wondering about adding some, although less, scenic material to the plain infantry bases. What do you think?

20 comments:

  1. I hate seeing troops carting rocks and other scenic items around with them.

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  2. I like the effect of the bits of rock and lichen, makes them look a bit at home. A few little bushes wouldn't hurt the infantry at all.

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  3. I'm with Ross. I think a little greenery on the infantry bases would tie them together visually. Also, I like the use of the larger rocks to convey the mountainous region - I may have to borrow that idea when I finally get around to doing something for WWI Italian Front.

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    1. I look forward to seeing ww1 Italian front, what scale?

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    2. I have yet to decide on a scale, either figure or game. I purchased several boxes of 1/72 for both sides a few years ago, but the idea of fielding a division in 10mm or thereabouts is intriguing for playing some more dramatic large scale battles, as is fielding a single squad or platoon in 28mm or 1/32 for trench raiding.

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    3. Decisions to be made but enjoyable planning along the way too. Whatever way you go with it l am sure it will be a great project.

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  4. Normally I'm with Mike and I prefer plain bases, but I rather like the rocks gravel and bright flowers here. Looks like a toy garden, and reminded me of the plastic Britain's garden set.

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    1. Britain’s gardens, now there’s a subject. I still have the odd bit and bob of it lying around which l use as scenery in games.

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  5. In my dotage I've gone back to plain bases, however I was admiring your rock strewn ones in the previous post. Perhaps the normal infantry should just get foliage..?

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  6. I can’t do plain bases, so I’d at least go with some flock.

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  7. The mountain troops rocks work really well. I am never sure about flock in traditional toy soldier bases but on mixed groups or bases like yours this does work. I sometimes worry that basing can become too habitat specific and so restrict the areas they can fight. Too urban, too desert, too lush grassland, too lawn etc. Why not a mix - Non specific grassy scrub?
    Lovely troops - who made these?

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    1. Not sure who made the figures, second hand purchased. I would never flock individuals either but based groups work for me.

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  8. The mountain troops look great and it fits their M.O. to have the rocks. As stated above on a stand of troops some small bits of foliage adds interest and can look good, it can also tie a force together nicely. I lean towards a few bits and bobs as long as it doesn't take away from the minis themselves. Also it let's you use bigger pieces as unit fillers if you are short a mini or two!.

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  9. Always add something to the bases, even if as simple toa few rocks or tufts.

    You can also sue the colour of the rocks or grass as an identifier for troop type or something similar.

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