Hey,


I'm about to nominate one of my models for a local contest and they require the model to stand on a simple base.

Now, I could just slap the model on a piece of wood and be done with it but I was wondering what are you guys and ladies using in such a context?

I have seen some printed bases featuring flags, printed tarmacs and the like but there might be more so... Please let me know your thoughts on this!

The model would be my recently finished Trumpeter Scud Launcher which is about 40cm / 16" long.

Many thanks in advance!
Cristian

Cristian, How about a Russian/Soviet Union flag glued to a wooden base ? A splash of color and lets the viewer know what country it comes from.
Good Luck on your contest !
Tom

Thanks, Tom! That might be an alternative, indeed. However, this one being finished in Iraqi army colors, it might get too colorful, distracting from the model itself.

Good morning,

A couple of thoughts: You are entering a contest. You want to display it looking its best. A poorly made base will take away from the overall look and appeal the model. I know the base isn't being judged but human nature being what it is, a poorly executed base will take away from an otherwise well done model.

I wouldn't color the base in bright colors, flags, etc.

Why not go to a local craft or hobby shop, buy a wood base, square or oval, (my choice) that the model will fit on. Stain it a complementary or slightly contrasting color, then seal the base with matte varnish?

Use your printer to make a small placard, using a unique font, maybe pale yellow or sand color on black, or???? identifying the model? You don't want the base to compete with the model, only complement it.

You took the time to build a complex model you are willing to display in competition, don't handicap yourself with a poorly executed base.

Tony

According to IPMS rules, a single vehicle entry should not have anything which might qualify it for a dio - no accessories or scenery. The model will be judged on it's own merits and not on any scenery. One CREW figure is permitted, if desired. A plain well-finished base is good, or one with minimal terrain features.

If you want a little texture to your base, as if it were standing in the desert, drywall compound is easy to buy, use and sculpt. Just saying...

Why did't I think of that? Great idea. I've got half of a five gallon bucket of the stuff aging in my shop.

or maybe ..... the rattle can spackling compound used for texturing area repairs to drywall.

Speaking of rattle cans, texture, & deserts,, Krylon makes a textured spray that looks like the coarse ends or sides of landscaping bricks, and even comes in a color that would resemble a desert/gravel road.

Cristian,

I saw your completed build in your previous post. You did an excellent job on the Trumpeter Scud kit.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/244823#2066215

Given the Iraqi sand colour I would suggest a simple base rather than something full of colour. Keep it simple with a satin black finished base in order to highlight the Iraqi sand colour. The satin finish will also allow the multiple flat black tires to stand out and not blend in to a flat black base.

Look for a rectangular wooden craft base or a rectangular photo frame that is longer and wider than your 16" Scud. If you look for a base between 18" and 20" long and about 6" to 8" wide that would give a good base for the Scud without making it look cramped or overshadowed by the base.

Good luck at the contest!

Use a really nice second hand picture frame as a base. Use styrofoam in the middle of it.

What about using a mirror? I've seen many aircraft displayed that way, and if the underside of the MAZ 543 TEL has got a lot of good detailing this would help show it off better.

A picture frame can also be made to the exact size you need, either through an art supply or DIY shop. An alternative is to create the frame using wood (or simulated wood) corner molding from a DIY shop, mitering the corners.

The base can be boxed in underneath with sheet styrene, ans the center can be built up using styrofoam covered with the ground cover material of your choice. A nice semigloss finish on the frame will complement the finished model.

Used it in the early stages of my "On the Beach many years later" dio posted here. I have also used it on another project... comes in a grey or sand base and looks good! Give it a try. It's in the paint section of your local home improvement store. Wish I could recall the name beyond Krylon...

Wow! I woke up this morning just to find this huge amount of comments! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Some really-really good ideas! I think, I will keep this as simple as possible (the contest is next weekend so time is an issue) so a no-buzz wooden base is what I tend to go for. Painting it flat black is a good idea as it might also support the tire weathering.

Still, the other idea will be put in my "modelling bag" as I'm sure I will get these out soon when time will allow for a more complex solution.

Once again, thank you all! Your advice and support are greatly appreciated!