Need your opinions here. What do you say about these:

1. A perfectly square base or a rectangular base or a round base
2. A base with elevation or flat
3. A base with borders or without


Any input will be highly appreciated. Thanks!

I think each one has it's place and or setting, it's all kind of dependent on the Scene to me.

Ralph,
all are fine depending on the scene/vehicle.
Charging infantry vignette, round base
single vehicle rectangular
ac/helo square, but model positioned diagonally

Elevation if groundwors scenes, esp city/rubble

Dios work right up to the edge of the base, single vehicles leave a large margin of finished wood.

But no matter what type of base, finished edges are a MUST. I've wrecked the presentation of too many models with cruddy unfinished edges.

Single vehicle bases for presentation are really enhanced by a vehicle nameplate.

check out the difference in these two pics, same vehicle, but look at the difference the longer base with the egding and a name plate makes in presentation.
vs this



My US$0.02, your miliage may vary

Ola Ralph

There is absolutely no rule as to what shape or size your base should be.
I have the custom made for me. I think up the scene... Decide how much space I need for it. And I give the dimensions to the guy who is making my groundplates. And I give some general directions as to how high it needs to be and what color I want it to be laquered. For all the rest he is absolutely free to do whatever he likes. And he sends it to me. Dead easy.
Here is an example of a dio I'm working on now with a custom made base.


Further basically the rule I follow is that I don't take more space then needed and that I let my basemaker take care of the rest.

With friendly greetz


Robert Blokker

Each base can be as unique as it's project.
I have recently done a square base - low level for a tall offset subject.
I have done a kidney shaped diorama with a bit more elevevation for a flat desert scene
I have done a rectangle for others.

To me a base gets as much consideration as a figures uniform or an AFV's stowage.

Bases have been a dilemma for me as well. I would love to find a person who can custom build a base for me. I am not a woodworker. I have degraded good dioramas with a shoddy base. I have tried using picture frames, but this doesn't always work because the size is pre-dictated. Any thoughts on how to construct good bases.

irish

A simple base for me start off as a piece of sealed MDF (particle board). It will be exactally the size I need and elevated based on the trim I use later. I may have to add some thickness with foam board or more MDF.
I build the diorama and the last step or two is the decorative base. I get molding from the DIY store. It can be simple 1/4 round or fancy stuff. I just use my razor saw and cut a 45degree angle at one end then work my way around. Custom making a simple base at a custom size. I use wood glue or even white glue to glue it on.
Use some wood putty if your joints are perfect. I will even paint the trim if I need to 'hide' some joints.

I think it's all a matter of preference as far as type of base.
I prefer working on a round base. The reason is simple...you have no boundaries. The diorama can be viewed from all vantage points.
I think this is a challenge to the builder as your point of focus is not limited like on a dio that has a front, sides and back.
I highly recommend trying a round based diorama.

As far as elevation, rocks etc. well, that really depends on the subject of your diorama.

Cheers,
Charles

Well I must say, that I am not a fan the look of finished and polished wood, especially because the edge becomes distracting to the dio. my favorite is simple, dark colored bases with no detail, it makes the tank look cooler, and is not distracting. That is just my pet peeve of modeling. Rant Over

I cut a four corner piece of chip-board,then sometimes build up a road or embankment with polystyrene chips,cover it with plaster impregnated gauze,add the rocksnbushes as necessary then go around all the vertical edges with plaster to flatten & square it off. When it´s all mounted up, painted & finished that´s when I paint the vertical exterior surface matt black ; it doesn´t distract from the diorama,it´s cheap, quick & really quite simple once one is accustomed to working with plaster.

Id agree with what Matt says .. every one has its place. If your idea "feels" right, go with your gut feeling. It can also depend on elaborate you want to be .... simple bases can look really good, but sometimes going head over heels can drown out the base model and the scene draws the attention instead. As always, some pre-planning is advisable!