Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Genre/Period Discussion => 20th Century => Topic started by: Sean Clark on 06 February 2019, 10:02:41 AM

Title: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Sean Clark on 06 February 2019, 10:02:41 AM
Apologies if this has come up before but Im about to work out an order for bases having ran out for my infantry.

I am playing early war, 1939/1940 so will in the main be using smaller tanks such as Pz 1,2,3 and StuG's. I don't have any as yet to measure as I only have a few A/C's for my first couple of games.

What size MDF are people using for theirs?
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: petercooman on 06 February 2019, 10:24:10 AM
I use 50 x 30 for bkcII

Example pictures can be found here:

http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,7834.0.html

The smaller thinghs (like the armored car in the pictures) look a bit small on the bases so can easily go on a 50 x 25, or just add two to a base!

Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 06 February 2019, 11:03:37 AM
If you use 30x30 then they can be used for BKC and Spearhead. For lower level rules I dont  base.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Orcs on 06 February 2019, 11:20:07 AM
We use 30mm frontage for all vehicles, with whatever depth is needed for that vehicle.

As Ian says you do not need to base, but we do as it keeps them apart in the box.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Steve J on 06 February 2019, 11:20:59 AM
I don't base my vehicles, other than motorcycles, which go on a 25mm square base.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Ithoriel on 06 February 2019, 11:31:44 AM
To me based infantry and unbased vehicles looks odd so I base everything.

I use 40x20mm bases for infantry and heavy weapons.

For tanks and guns I use 20x40mm bases wherever possible but bigger items just go on a base a few mills bigger than the model.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: fsn on 06 February 2019, 12:26:11 PM
Quote from: Orcs on 06 February 2019, 11:20:07 AM
We use 30mm frontage for all vehicles, with whatever depth is needed for that vehicle.

As Ian says you do not need to base, but we do as it keeps them apart in the box.
What he said. I tend to base infantry on a 30x30, so it keeps everything consistent.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Dr Dave on 06 February 2019, 04:17:33 PM
I base every unit on a 30mm frontage for bkc in 10mm. That way you tend to have the same number of units across a given frontage regardless of type or nationality. Depth is to fit as required.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Sunray on 06 February 2019, 04:33:05 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 06 February 2019, 11:20:59 AM
I don't base my vehicles, other than motorcycles, which go on a 25mm square base.

Ditto.  I have returned to 'unbased' vehicles.  I base figures on plastic card so to keep the heights with AFVs looking right.

Its a matter of personal preference.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Raider4 on 06 February 2019, 04:58:44 PM
I have some early war vehicles - Matilda I, T-26, Morris armoured car - and they all fit nicely on a 40x20 mm base.

Like others, I'm going off bases for vehicles - don't think I'll use them for my (much larger) cold war tanks.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: fsn on 06 February 2019, 06:58:25 PM
I'm a convert to the base.

No a fully fledged paid up acolyte who puts logs and walls and lamposts and "Charles II hiding in the Oak Tree" on a base, but I have come to appreciate the benefits of a good bottom.

Firstly, the base (and I use some big ones for modern tanks) protects the model when in storage. I try and make sure the gun barrel will be safe, either with turret forward or reversed.

Secondly, I do try (and it's not always possible) to pick up the base rather than the model.  Less sweat, oil and strawberry jam on the hull of your favourite tank.

Thirdly, basing the vehciles the same was as the PBI and the gunners and the Ruperts does give a homogeneous appearance.

There. Didin't mention the Centurion once!

Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Norm on 06 February 2019, 09:18:14 PM
I base with heavy artist card and just use a couple of basic sizes, but basically I am looking to add around 5mm to either side of the tank and lengthwise, i have the tank kissing the front edge of the base, with 5mm to the rear, so that I can show the ground churned up by the tracks.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Sean Clark on 06 February 2019, 10:51:35 PM
Thanks chaps. I agree that there is a discussion to be had about whether to base or not. I am on the side of basing my vehicles for all the reasons described. My rules of choice are I Aint Been Shot Mum but the new BKC command will certainly be of interest when it is released.
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 06 February 2019, 11:50:17 PM
60 x 30 usually fits most, smaller go on 50 x 25mm
Title: Re: Base sizes for tanks
Post by: John Cook on 07 February 2019, 02:11:11 AM
25mm x 40mm for a single vehicle.