"Basing For 15mm Boer War" Topic

The time has come for me to do some modern basing for my 15mm Boer War figures. My plan is to create units of 24 infantry and 12 cavalry. I want to base the infantry in one rank, 3 to a base of 30mm wide x 15mm deep . The cavalry will be 2 to a base 30mm wide x 30mm deep. I was thinking of basing 3 cavalry figures together like some Napoleonic cavalry but the 30mm square seems a better idea, so 2 it is.
I'm wondering if my base depths, 15mm for one rank of infantry and 30mm for cavalry seems reasonable. What do you think?

I plan to base on hard plastic sheet with magnetic strip glued to the bottom. I will make movement trays of thin sheet steel for infantry and cavalry. I might put a thin spray coat of paint on the steel but I'm worried that it might diminish the magnetic attraction. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Finally there's the artillery. I could magnetically base the crew figures separately or just glue them to the base of the artillery. I'm thinking the second option is easier and more typical.

I've not done magnetic basing before and I hope it's worth the trouble. Anyone have experience with this, or an opinion one way or the other?

Cheers!

Gallo

Unless you plan to have them manoeuvering in SYW formations then I do not think the base depth is too important. What rules are you using as they might dictate the base sizes?

Hi, Wargamorium. Well that's just the thing, I've had to create my own rules but I'm mostly basing them on The Sword and the Flame (Revision 1), although each individual figure will not be moving separately. I was wanting my bases deep enough so figures won't be bumping into each other on the movement trays.

Cheers!

Gallo

I base all my armies on steel, and make movement trays from sheet magnet. I paint my sheet magnet and the hold is fine. Should be the same even when done the other way round.

As for base depth, unless you use base depth as a measurement in your game it almost never matters. Use what looks good to you. Don't overthink it.

I'd always thought TSATF basing was individually on steel washers. You can then use sheet magnets, cut to whatever shape you like, for movement stands. This creates a meaningful use for all those useless fridge magnet advertisements from plumbers and realtors.

Be sure to avoid stainless steel washers. They don't stick so well

Hello Gallocelt,

Like you I have painted up some Boer War figures but have not yet found a suitable rule set. There are a few sets about but they are quite complex for what I think should be a reasonsbly simple game to play. I will probably have to write my own rules.

My infantry are Old Glory 15mm and are on 30mm x 20mm bases (3 figures) while the cavalry are 30mm x 30mm (2 figures) and artillery are 40mm x 50mm (1 gun plus 4 crew). The Boers are the same.

Extra Crispy, I thought about using steel bases but I don't want to cut that much steel into small pieces. Plus I have an abundance of hard plastic sheet sitting in the basement collecting dust. Some years ago I purchased 30mm x 15mm magnetic strips from Litco and that's what I will glue to the bottom of the plastic base. I will then prime and paint the steel movement trays. I'm thinking I should leave a few extra millimeters wiggle room for the figure stands inside the tray and I'm counting on my basing static grass, etc. to hide any small gaps. I plan to sabot (?) the trays with plastic sheet so the figures will nest neatly inside.

HMS Exeter, you are correct about TSATF, the figures should be based individuality. I'll need to modify the rules. I plan on less of a skirmish and more battles and campaigns, so I have to change the movement rules making things a bit more Featherstonian. On the other hand, I do have a bunch of small steel fender washers but I plan to use them mainly for civilians.

Thanks both for your ideas.

Cheers!

Gallo

Wargamorium, it sounds like we're in a similar situation with the rules for Boer War. I have very little recent experience with war games using miniatures. I think the main modifications to TSATF, will be special considerations regarding concealment, since smokeless powder gave hidden troops quite an advantage. I have been referencing the rules "Imperial Wars – Colonial Warfare Rules 1860-1900) for some of the changes. Thanks for telling me your base sizes. I was glad to hear about the 30mm depth for cavalry.

Cheers!

Gallo

Some folks are using TMWBK with Boer adjustments. Have given some thought to it.

Hi Gallo,

My mounted Boers are based on 40mm x 30mm bases, dis-mounted Boers are based on 40mm x 20mm bases with my Boer artillery mounted on 40mm x 40mm bases. I have chosen to mount the artillerymen to the based. Additionally I have some of my Boers and a rider-less horse mounted on 40mm x 40mm bases to represent Mounted Infantry.

These are based to use with Hordes of the Empire (HotT Variant), and Death in the Dark Continent rule set.

I also base individual model on metal washers and create sabot bases for them. These are generally character miniatures or for games using individual miniatures such as TSATF and TMHWBK.

takeda333, I checked out "The Men Who Would Be Kings" game play on Youtube. I'd be especially interested in the Boer adjustments. Thanks for the tip.

Barry S, I think artillery men mounted with the guns seems the best solution. Individual figures for civilians and special characters, generals etc. All good, thanks!

Cheers!

Gallo