"Basing Multi-Rank 6mm - Flocking Inbetween?" Topic

Are there any good techniques for flocking inbetween the ranks, on a multi-rank base?

Don't bother you can't see it anyway.

I'd think covering the whole base with whatever glue use you use to glue the figures down, quickly put the figures on, and then douse the whole stand in flock before the glue dries, would work.

But I agree with Mr crispy, either leave it off completely and put the multi rank bases as close together as possible so it won't be so noticeable.

I use Baccus, base them still on the strips, and push the ranks together so there isn't any hole that needs flocking. Then the little gap that's left isn't noticeable.

As the others said. Pack your figures close together and you can't see the lack of flocking!

I just run dilute PVA between their feet using a fine brush.

It depends how close they are standing together and how many ranks of course!

French columns I just do the edges.

In the method used for the Baccus figures in the photo, a strip of wood is glued on the base to give the spacing between the front and rear ranks and to raise the base height to match the Baccus bases. The rear rank is attached, the center strip is flocked (graveled, actually) and then the front rank is attached. The rest of the base is flocked later.

Pack them touching. Undercoat in brown and leave that as shadow.

link

You can sometimes get away with flocking between the ranks if it's a marching pose. It's impossible with muskets leveled or firing. I put on the front rank, paint the space behind a dull dark green, then glue the second rank as close behind the first as I can. Seems to work OK.

I flock my bases after I paint them brown, but before the paint has a chance to dry. Any flock that falls off leaves a brown area.

I glue static grass and other detritus on the base afterwords using white (PVA) glue.

Brian

Another vote for painting them brown and leaving them unflocked. Also I use really short static grass now which hides he in between the ranks bit even more.

This is what I do:
link

ends up like this:

I have started experimenting with the DecoArt Ultrafine Writer tip. See this post on my blog. link Although the tip may not look very long, you can take the outer white cap off, revealing a 2" long tip that easily gets between the closest 6mm ranks. Rather than pushing paint, you can push thinned glue and flock to your heart's content. Whether it is worth it or not – as many of the respondents contend it is not – is for you to decide.

I am of the "bunch 'em up close and no one notices" school

Hello Bill!

Excellent question.

Having been basing 6mm for over 35 years I've tried a number of ways. About 15 years ago I changed for the final time (I think).

There are a couple of basics about 6mm that some people ignore which is fine as were all individuals with different tastes and ideas.

The first understanding is if it can't be seen from three feet away it's not important.

The second is don't bunch up your figures as from three feet away the "blob" factor appears. That's where colours start to blur and darken due to lack of light. If you space your figures apart they even start to seem larger. It's all about more light in, more colour out.

So my solution or method is very simple. Simply glue down your first row then a bead of white glue behind them. Flock that glue which should cover an area of about 1/2" deep. Slide in your second row of figures that gently penetrates into the flock covering the front edge of the bases. Now simply, flock, sand, etc. the rest of your base and your done.

I also recommend using the 60mm x 30mm base whenever possible as this generally leaves enough space around your figures to create a mini diorama which also creates a nice contrast to your figures. This just enhances the more light in more colour out concept.

Best regards,

Glenn