Basing

[Fabien G]

It seems that bases are important in wargaming, their size must be taken into account. I was surprised. I can't make it as large as I want? I can't make it square? Is there one size "once and for all"?

[musketier]

The bases for wargames are important because they represent the scale area that the unit occupies. Most rules have some flexibility as to the number of figures that go on those bases and most rules sets say that the bases are a suggested size as long as they are the same for both sides its o.k.

[Wheeling Turn]

depends on the rules you use... some are very strict with base sizes other not..

[Fabien G]

I'd say RapidFire (this is the most common for WWII, isn't it?)
But when I look at
http://www.rapid-fire.uk.com/rf_for_rookies.pdf
(I'm a rookie...), it doesn't say.

[Cameronian]

As has been said already, depends on the rules. Majority of rule sets define a base width, to do with ground scale and the frontages of units to the chosen scale. More important in eras of linear tactics, like say, Napoleonic when a batallion of infantry drawn up in line occupied a given area of ground. For example, all the DBA rules (DBA, DBMM, DBR, HOTT) specify 40mm width for 15mm or less figures and 60mm width 25/28/20mm, depth is less important but it features in the rules as units recoil from combat by their base depth.

'Irregular Wars' rules only uses one base size for each figure size range, i.e. 40mm square for the 15mm and less and 60mm square for 20mm and above.

It very much depends I think, on how you want your armies to look. Either dense pack on large bases or smaller formations on smaller bases. Base size is really out of your control if you play against others using a given set of rules.

If you are a solo gamer then do what you like.

[Fabien G]

DBA, DBMM, DBR, HOTT??? I'm not familiar with these terms yet.

Maybe with 1/72 there is always the same base? Oh, no, probably not.

Using RapidFire rules (which is the most common for WWII, isn't it?), don't they have always the smae base size defined in the rules? Which is it?

[Wheeling Turn]

Rapid fire did not use base sizes you can model them as you want. I prefer basing the "Specialist" figures like bazookas,officers etc as single models, others in groups of two or three, weapons teams always together with the guns. Cars/tanks,etc as fits but always as singles.

[Cameronian]

DBA, DBMM, DBR, HOTT??? I'm not familiar with these terms yet.

Maybe with 1/72 there is always the same base? Oh, no, probably not.

Using RapidFire rules (which is the most common for WWII, isn't it?), don't they have always the smae base size defined in the rules? Which is it?

DBA etc are all sets of rules published by same people, DBA and DBMM ancient to medieval, DBR renaissance and HOTT fantasy. In these rules 1/72 is classed as 28mm so use the larger 60mm frontage bases. These are what I use myself for 1/72.

Can't comment on rapid fire as not a WWII player.

[Fabien G]

Ok, thanks for your answers.
I think I'll do like Wheeling Turn says then, it seems quite appropriate.

[Dad's Army]

Rapid fire did not use base sizes you can model them as you want. I prefer basing the "Specialist" figures like bazookas,officers etc as single models, others in groups of two or three, weapons teams always together with the guns. Cars/tanks,etc as fits but always as singles.

Isn't it handy to use bases with size A, than double of A, than tripple and so on?
And where do you guys make your base from?

[Maurice]

Rapid fire did not use base sizes you can model them as you want. I prefer basing the "Specialist" figures like bazookas,officers etc as single models, others in groups of two or three, weapons teams always together with the guns. Cars/tanks,etc as fits but always as singles.

Any particular reason why you group the infantry in 2s and 3s? I've been looking into Rapid Fire - The Rookie Version - lately, and I've seen several people do that but I cannot find any info on basing on the site.

[Tantallon2]

Slightly different threads going on here but I'll see if I can help:

Base size is unimportant in Rapid Fire - ranges are model to model. I tend to have individual soldiers on small coins (1p for the Brits) and larger coins for MG teams. Guns can be on any size of base and there is a nice opportunity to have a little diorama with artillery pieces. I don't bother with bases for AFV's but this is just personal taste. Have a look at some of the posts from Big P from GMG for good examples of basing modern troops (20th/21st century) for wargaming.

For pre 20th century base size tends to be more important - except for skirmish games or pseudo skirmish games like Black Powder. This is because formation becomes very important. Base size is dictated by the different rule systems (of which there are a lot!). Wise to have a think of what rule system you intend to use before basing your troops. There are ways round this - for instance you can have troops on individual bases that fit together on a movement tray. This makes your troops more flexible as you can slot your individual figures into all sorts of different unit base sizes. WAB tend to use this system.

There was a question about bases and how to make them. I use coins for individual round bases (cheapest way to do this unless you use £1 or €1 coins!). For rectangular bases I buy mine from Warbases - these are made of MDF paint up well and are very tough. You can buy plastic bases but these tend to be more expensive (and are environmentally unfriendly!). You can also make your own bases - beer mats used to be a favourite source of bases, cork tiles etc.

Happy Gaming!

[Wheeling Turn]

I use groups simply to speed up moving the models around the miniature landscape....
Try moving 100 Soldiers and tanks.....

[Fabien G]

Yes, and I think it avoids some risk of damaging the paint.