"How do you base your ships? " Topic

It's probably pretty standard to base AoS ships, given that the sails and yards extend well beyond the hull (making finger access to the hull nigh impossible). And if you've spent any amount time on detailing them up with ratlines, rigging and such, the very last thing you want is somebody grabbing 'em by the mainmast/sails/rigging (in some groups I've been in, that would be a hanging offense!).

Personally, for my 1/2400s (Hallmark/Figurehead) ships, I generally use a 1/16" (1.5mm) base (and that is probably a bit too thin). For my 1/1200s (Langtons and GHQ) I've gone with a 1/8" (3mm) base. And the base extends at least out to the ends of the mainyard and bowspirit. All in an attempt to keep fingers off the model and on the base.

So…. What's your standards for basing AoS minis? Or are you the brave, devil-may-care sort that goes baseless?

While I recognize the aesthetic qualities of diorama bases, like those with carefully crafted and painted wave tops and wakes, I prefer bases that don't interfere with the aesthetics of the game overall. Unless your gaming surface looks like the fancy wave-and-wake base, it will only serve to distract the eye from the ships.

For larger ships with relatively heavy hulls, I prefer to go baseless, since they will stand upright and steady on their own. For smaller, more top-heavy models, I keep the bases as thin and unobtrusive as possible, matching the color to the surface on which the games will be played.

After many years of AoS gaming, I have found that gamers seldom handle the models by their bases, even when they are provided. It is, therefore, more effective to make sure that the ships are constructed well enough to withstand handling than to disrupt the look of the game by mounting the ships on gigantic pedestals.

Jeff

After much experimentation years ago I finally settled on big wooden bases for my Hallmark/Figurehead 1:2400 scale ships, primarily to protect the ships during handling and to make them easier to store.

Here are photos of my ships:
link

Not everybody likes my approach to basing, but since all my gaming these days is solitaire it doesn't matter.

I cut bases for my 1/2000 and 1/1200 scale ships from fluorescent light fixture covers, specifically the "cracked ice" pattern. I glue the hulls to the smooth side after painting the textured side a suitable blue grey. You could also leave them clear if you're playing on a blue surface.

My 1:2400 16th century ships are mounted on 40x20x3mm clear lexan with mildly rounded corners, from Litko. I plan on using the same deal with 50x25mm when I base my Tumbling Dice Napoleonic SotL's.

Add just a bit of white for a wake, and done. It's quick, it automatically matches any playing surface, and the thickness is handy while being less obtrusive than a opaque base half as thick.

With prettier minis and/ or a larger scale, I would likely feel more beholden to go the full modeling route; but IMO, this works great for my small scale at 'good Wargaming' grade.

I base my 1/2000 and 1/1200 ships on 1 1/2 by 3 inch bases. The back 1/2 inch has a magnetic strip so I can put metal based labels on them with names and info depending on the game.