A few questions from a newbie attempting a cobblestone base:

1) Do the cobblestone bases from Verlinden, MiniArt, et al. come finished or do you have to do that yourself? Not a big deal either way, just want to plan accordingly.
2) How do you use to attach the cobblestone section to the wooden base (e.g. CA, wood glue, etc.)?
3) How do you then attach the model to the base? Can I screw it in or does that method only work when you're attaching directly to a wood base?

Thanks for any help!

You have to paint them. They only come as castings.




Resin - CA, Plaster, Wood Glue.




In the case of figures, try using cut-down pins attached to their heels. Vehicles can be glued (carefully) to the base.

See Jim's post - it covers it pretty well.
I only use white glue on plaster road level sets.
A one part epoxy is usually what I use.

What type of glue do you recommend for securing the tank to the base ... CA or regular old white glue? I'm not planning to throw the thing around once it's done, but I want it to be secure (which is why I was hoping to use a screw).

Hi, Bill.

I'm surprised more folks haven't spoken up on this. I would definitely screw or at least pin a vehicle through to the base if there's any way to do that. A vehicle will make the scene top-heavy, and I've found both white glue and CA to have their disadvantages (over time, subject to humidity and cold depending on the materials being glued together). Whatever you do, don't rely on simply gluing your figures or vehicles or anything with any weight to the surface of your finished base, since it'll only be glued to the top layer of mud, sand, grass, ballast, paint, or whatever.

I think I over-construct a little, but I don't like to take chances either. If I were mounting a vehicle on a cobblestone base (plastic or resin) and attaching that to a wooden plaque, I'd probably drill through the cobblestone and into or through the plaque at two points and secure the vehicle that way. (Drill carefully, as resin is quite brittle.) This plan also prevents any chance of the base separating from the plaque and taking everything with it.

I hope that helps, and good luck with your project!

John A.