Bases for your models?

Great question!

I generally do not mount my models on bases of any kind when they are only going on my shelf. However, when I enter the models in shows or take them to be displayed elsewhere (even for only a day or two), I'll normally mount them on a simple wood base with a brass plaque describing the subject.

I plan to gradually increase the complexity of my displays to include some groundwork or figures and want to eventually be able to produce full-blown dioramas. That's still a couple of years down the road though.

Enjoy your modeling...

I don't put my models on bases, as there are just too many models, and not nearly enough time to build display bases for them. I'm not really interested in simple display stands, so if I were to build bases, they'd be full blown dios, of which I have only a few. I would not have the time to do the same to every one of my childr...uh...models.

I am new to the hobby so I dont have too many models, so I like to make little bases, like roads, dirt, grass areas Etc. It also good practice for dios.

john

The only time I use a base is for a diorama. My other aircraft are displayed in a commercial display case where a base would depleat the total space for models.

Richard

i have only a few built but none are on bases. soon though i will have a dio. i hope.

joe

I picked the middle choice. Depending on the subject and what idea I can come up with determines how much I put into a base and of coarse how well I think the build turned out. I do put them on plain bases though for shows, I just feel safer with someone handleing a chunk of wodd than getting thier fingers all over the model to move it.

Presentation is everything. If you've spent alot of time working on something it should be framed. The base itself doesn't have to be expansive. Even if it's only 1/4" wider all around it will frame the piece and give it its own space.

If its on a base, you can move the base around without having to handle the model.

If you are going to a show, watch the way models with bases get handled as opposed to those without. Its really opposite what you might think. The ones with bases get slid aside, picked up and moved, bumped etc. The models with bases are treated almost as though they are taboo to touch. If they are handled then there is less likelyhood of it being damaged or marred.
Judges will tend to "judge" the pieces on bases over those that aren't. Maybe it's a carry over of -if you didn't care enough about your model to "frame it" why should I...?

If its on a base, you can determine what best off sets the color of your vehicle or how it is seen. If you put it on a base or ground material that enhances your model then it is not as harsh a picture as on a white table cover or cloth. (I'm not sure if you guys catch me on this one, but its like putting a red square on a white background as opposed to a black one. Same color red, but you will perceive it as a different color becuase of your eye's ability to see contrast and compliment. Kind of like when they would put red meat on green trays in the grocery store. It just looked like a better piece of meat because of it. Which btw they can't do anymore)

Even if its a plain base its still better than none. It allows you to control to a certain extent the way your model is perceived.

I always use bases. It's safer for one, and besides I like showing my model in a diorama or perfroming some kind of action, making it stand out to people at shows or on my shelves, and appear more interesting than it really might be.

yeah i do.......i'm somewhere in between minimal and maxim(al) presentation......
while i was able and of a mind to.....i had built some 1/2" plywood bases with with trim molding of varying sizes and learning of a plastics firm, i'd ordered plexiglass tops of corresponding sizes to match each of the bases........
some of the cases had a tarmac.......some concrete.......one or two others were destined for diorama land........
completed work was both presented as befitting each aircraft and protected from adventurous onlookers and dust..........
works well and lasts a long time............

I usually try to come up with a base of some sort, even if it's a pre-finished shelf. Esp if I'm putting 2 or models together.

I feel a base helps to make the model appear as if it were it's own entity.

Sounds weird I know, but when you see something and can't touch it, don't you look just that little bit harder?

You can't tell me that looking at a Ferrari through a window doesn't make you press your nose against the glass!

Same with my models.
Simple bases, minimal detail as it is the model I'm drawing attention to, not the ground work, and a nice strong perspex lid to keep it safe and dust free.

I've built a couple of bases, one about a foot square for my Ar555, just concrete and some grass, but I'm looking a buying a proper turned wooden base for my 1/72 Fw190 with Hagelkorn and a bit of resin & PE.

Karl

QUOTE: Originally posted by J-Hulk ......................Also, I think the models look nicer interacting with the ground a bit.............

Do you bolt it down to give the impression of "weight" on the suspension ?

I know with some kits with rubberband treads - the outside wheels tend to pull with the pressure

Yup, for armor, I just put a bolt right up through the base and hold it with a wingnut. SImple, and works like a charm. I also paint the bolt black, so it all but disappears.

You probably should have had an "occasionaly" catagory in your poll. About the only thing I put on a base are figures that are not going into a diorama (although I haven't painted any in a couple of years - I'm on an aircraft kick right now) and the occassional piece of armor.

I usually use mount my models on bases, and as its been said before it helps with the safe handling of the model.