"Help on Basing WWII Ships" Topic

I admit it, I am new to World War II Naval gaming. I acquired some Axis and Allies, War at sea ships and now I am trying to figure out if I want to base them.

I am leaning towards basing them on clear, oval, acrylic stands. I would appreciate thoughts of that choice and sources for purchasing stands.

Also I have seen bases with the ships names and even some information on the capabilities of the ship printed on them. What is the best way to do this???

Thanks in Advance.

I think you can also get acrylic stands with wakes printed on them.

Rectangular bases are possibly better than oval bases in case you end up using rules which need them for turning. Names are useful – I hand paint them, you could try printing them (white on blue looks good, but it takes some of the point out of clear bases), I wouldn't put ship capabilities on the bases which were rule specific so that you can use different sets of rules.

John's right about stand shape, though you can get bases with rounded corners which you might find more aesthetically pleasing.

And welcome to naval wargaming!

I think all ships should be based, both for better protection of the model, and because it gives an easier standard point for measuring. Clear bases are fine, but far more costly than wood or heavy card--and much harder to cut, if you do it yourself. Any other matters, such as wakes, ship I.D., or other information are a matter of your preference. Personally, I think gamers these days tend to be entirely carried away with trying to make games look like dioramas for display. I am quite satisfied with a blue table cloth, and bases that are painted blue.

I use clear bases with wakes from Old Dominion Game Works. I recommend them.

Yup, the ODGW clear ones with wakes really look great.