writes:
Because the bases are clear laminating plastic, you can write on them with non-permanent overhead projector pens. I chose to put the names of the aircraft types on, but kept that low near the sea, so as to not ruin the very effect I was trying to get. In addition, it's possible to write the height aircraft are at, and alter it if this changes. It might even be practical to simply make a mark on the base of large formations to indicate how many have been shot down, or damaged.
During the basing-up, some models have been mounted on bases that are little more than just above the surface. This is particularly important for torpedo bombing and for skip bombers. However, it is possible to indicate varying heights for the same models by mounting them on a low base, but providing some spare higher ones. As the bases are triangular, they will easily fit over a blank one, and sit tight enough to be moved without falling off.
Note that when mounting the aircraft, each of the legs have to be wide enough to provide stability side-to-side, and spread far enough apart to do the same fore and aft. If, after gluing, you find they are tilted to one side or the other, just snip some off the bottom of one leg to get them on the level again. I have actually ‘tilted' some dive-bombers quite deliberately, and the effect is quite good once they are over their target!
When photographed up close, the plastic bases are easy to see. But seen at a normal distance on a wargames table, the aircraft really seem to be flying over the USS Nashville...
I tried to take some long-distance shots to illustrate how the bases "disappear," but they didn't turn out. So instead, I "touched up" these photos to make the bases vanish...
I hope the ideas put forward here are of help to other gamers.