SwampYankee | 26 Oct 2017 11:40 a.m. PST |
You all have probably been asked questions about basing miniatures many times before; but I was wondering if base thickness has any effect on Napoleonic Wargaming? I purchased some 40x40mm and 20x20mm from a company called Proxie Models for use on some Perry British but didn't think about how thick the bases are. I'm located in South Eastern CT, and it seems most of the Napoleonic Wargaming items are UK based. Anyway does base thickness come into effect for the Black Powder ruleset? Ive read the rules about base size but it says nothing about thickness. Any help is appreciated; thank you. |
robert piepenbrink | 26 Oct 2017 12:11 p.m. PST |
Welcome to Napoleonics, SwampYankee! I have seen groups fuss over base thickness, but never rules which did. I would advise staying somewhere around 1/8"/3mm for ease of handling, but many disagree with me. |
MajorB | 26 Oct 2017 1:26 p.m. PST |
Usually the thinner the better. |
The Beast Rampant | 26 Oct 2017 1:32 p.m. PST |
I think 3mm is a good compromise between being tactility and unobtrusiveness. How in the world would base thickness that affect anything else? |
advocate | 26 Oct 2017 1:36 p.m. PST |
I think the IP might be referring to base depth. And within reason, it shouldn't matter. |
robert piepenbrink | 26 Oct 2017 6:08 p.m. PST |
Ah! Swampyankee, if you mean base depth--how far from the front edge of the stand to the back edge--it only gets to be a problem when a unit is so deep you can't place the supports where they need to be. My experience with Black Powder is limited, but I can't see a 40mm base depth for 28mm figures causing any trouble. |
YogiBearMinis | 27 Oct 2017 4:54 a.m. PST |
Base thickness does not matter for any rules of almost any genre I have read. However, gamers differ greatly on the aesthetics of thick versus thin bases. Thin base proponents believe thick bases detract from the visual appeal of the miniatures themselves, and increase the artificiality of the look; thin base proponents also believe that everyone picks up miniatures by the figure anyway, so there are no benefits to thick bases, Thick base proponents like being able to pick figures up by the base rather than the figures, and many also like rather than dislike the look of the thick bases as it gives a "showpiece" quality. |
davbenbak | 27 Oct 2017 6:31 a.m. PST |
As defined by Yogi, I fall into the "thick base" group. You didn't mention whether or not your Perry's were plastic. Thicker bases also have the benefit of adding some weight to plastic figures. I use 1/4 inch thick bass wood from the local craft store cut to size or 2"x2" ceramic tile that come in sheets at home depot. I've also seen posted that even if your figures were mounted to a brick someone would still pick them up by the figure. |
robert piepenbrink | 27 Oct 2017 7:15 a.m. PST |
I've read and heard the "thin base" argument, but they're wrong: many of us can and do handle castings by the base--sparing the castings shiny elbows. I'll also confess to putting a strip of color on the back edge of a base in cases in which uniforms and flags provide an inadequate clues. What I try to avoid is the situation in which a unit has to drag around behind it a sheet of paper with unit ID, subordination, equipment, training, morale and break point. Apart from aesthetics, it's a cruel burden for the smaller tin soldiers. |
Tyler326 | 28 Oct 2017 6:34 a.m. PST |
I buy my own basswood in 3/32 thickness. It is sturdy enough w/o looking overly thick for 28MM figures. By the way I am located in Western MA. if you ever want to get together over coffees/ beer and discuss Napoleonics. |
SwampYankee | 31 Oct 2017 9:11 p.m. PST |
Thanks for all the responses! The bases came in and are a little over 2mm thick; so I should be good. I would like that Tyler. When you get a chance PM your email if you want to. |