"Basing 28mm ACW" Topic

I've made my first foray into ACW with 28mm figures (Perry Plastics, supplemented with Perry Metals), and I'm looking for some basing advice.

I was originally planning to mount the figures on individual 20mm square magnetic bases (GF9). This would allow me to have individual figures for playing skirmish games (Brother Against Brother for example). Then I would have 40mm square metal plates onto which I could set 4 figures, for playing other rules (Guns at Gettysburg for example) which like having multiple figures on a single base.

The magnet approach would also let me "rebase" easily if a rule set anted 6 figures to a base, or only two (for skirmish line perhaps). All I need is a metal plate the right size, and I'm good to go.

And then I got the boxes, and found they came with a single sheet of plastic bases inside (which I was unaware of). Not quite the sizes I wanted. And not enough of the shapes that I want either (only four bases are 40mm x 45mm).

So two questions really.

#1 – is my single 20mm base approach worth the effort and extra expense? Should I just base 4 figures on a 40mm square base and be done with it? That would save me money (no need for magnetic bases). Also, while playing BAB with these figs sounded like a good idea, most of the plastics are marching poses. I am now thinking I would want more dynamic skirmish poses to play BAB. So I could get metal skirmishing poses, base those individually, and use those for BAB.

#2 – What do people do with the plastic base sprue that comes with Perry plastic ACW? They seem to be an odd size. If they were 20mm x 40mm or 40mm square that would be one thing. But 45mm long?

Just curious, as I will now have half a dozen of these, and no idea what to do with them.

Thanks.

I'm right with you, and ended up going with the 20mm squares with magnetic bases.

The Perry bases are designed for 15mm frontage and 20mm depth. So the 45x40 is for a six-figure stand, three wide and two deep.

Great figures though! If you are interested, you can watch our Perry ACW project develop at huzzahm10.blogspot.com

Ed

I have also opted for the 20mm square Gale Force 9 magnetic bases. I'm making movement trays to fir them into for use both on the table and in transporting them securely. I like having the individual mounts to remove casualties better, and increase or diminish my units for different scenarios.

Respects,

Seattle Gamer,

I find that 20 mm frontage looks too spread out. I like the 15mm frontage for a close order look so all mine are mounted six figures on 45 wide by 40 deep bases. Of course you have to go with what looks good to you.

Bill who actually lives in Seattle.

I'm going with 20 x 20 metal bases and magnetic movement trays. The bad thing about the mags on the models is if they lose their magnetic properties you now need to re-base them. It is easier just to replace the mag movement trays then all those models.

I went to a metal shop nearby. They do sheet metal cutting. I gave the guy a sample of what I wanted (I bought these from a gamer vendor). He did over 5000 for about $60 USD in a few days. Since I do all my WAB armies this way as well it is a perfect solution for me.

Wow. Looks like several others are doing exactly what I had planned. Guess it wasn't such a silly idea after all.

William … I had read in a much older post (15+ months back now) that after basing the Perry figures on a 40mm square, they looked a little too spread out, so the guy rebased to 35mm squares and liked it much better.

Problem is, there is no smaller base for individual figs than 20mm. So I either opt for "whatever" size I want for multiple figures, and forget about individual basing, or I need to go with a standard base size.

The slightly more spread out 40mm square will take up a little bit more room, but allow for much more flexible group basing. 40mm square for the standard grouping, with 40mm x 60mm for 6 figs, and 40mm x 20mm for two figs in a skirmish line formation.

If someone made 17.5mm square bases, I might consider it. I could probably have Litko make me some. But they wouldn't be magnetic.

Avid … yes, I had read that somewhere too (that the best configuration was metal bases and magnetic movement trays), but I'm far too lazy to try and track down some metal shop and have them make me square metal bases. And where do I get magnetic sheets for the main bases?

I tried to track down as much info as I could online, and I was very confused by some of the magnetic products out there. Then I found the GF9 bases, and that all made sense to me. Plastic bases, over a magnet, and it even comes with a base "liner" of flexible metal that can be cut to any size with a peel-off backing. Simple, easy, one stop shopping.

One final thought, the GF9 bases are a little on the hefty side (which is good). So light weight plastics mounted to them will have a bit more heft. Harder to knock over that the usual hollow plastic slotta-base.

So how are y'all basing the artillery? I was planning to mount the crew separate, and the canon on … what? I don't think it fits on a 40mm square. It doesn't need to be any sort of standard, it is already a stand-alone piece. But what size? 50mm square? 40mm x 60mm?

Steve

Steve,

I am basing my gun crews on 20mm square GF-9 magnetic bases, and the artillery will likely go on either a 60mm square base, or, more probably, on a 60mm round base. I have also considered using a 50X100mm chariot base. Mostly, I want to be able to make a small vignette with each gun, and since the rules I am using will have separate gunners and guns, the frontage isn't quite as critical as with some other systems.

respects,

Steve, Wargames Accessories makes magnetic movement trays. They can custom make them to the size you want, too.

wargameaccessories.com