Simple Bases

How to add a simple base

I often bang-on about bases. I am of the firm belief that a base can really enhance the appearance of a model, if it is done properly. Understandably though many modellers aren’t keen to spend their modelling hours on building bases. So what to do?

Well, bases don’t need to be complicated they just need to be effective. They can also be done on the cheap. Read on…….

What a corker!

A really simple way to create a base is to use cork board. Easy to find in stores (I mostly buy mine from Ikea) and cheap-as-chips to boot.

The most straightforward way to use cork is to add just a little “terrain” on top. This can be achieved by using products such as AK’s “Terrains” as the bottom layer, and then adding in a bit of sand, gravel, talus etc, and some low shrubs or grasses such as those from Model-Scene, Mini-Natur etc. Or it can be as simple as using AK’s/Mig’s/Vallejo’s Concrete or Asphalt. Spread it out, make sure it is level and let it dry. Pretty simple.

A slightly more complicated but super effective method is to roughen up the edges of the cork board. Cut to an irregular shape and then pull chunks of it off. It looks very much like natural terrain. Again, throw some “Terrains” on top, add some scenery products and you are done.

You can leave the side of the cork base in natural cork, or colour it with brush, airbrush or markers. Very easy.

XPS

XPS is short for Extruded Polystyrene Sheet. It is used in various construction applications, such as for insulation, but is excellent for making bases. Generally you can find it at craft or hardware stores. It comes in many shapes, sizes and densities – from small A5 sized pieces that are 3mm thick up to 1.5×2.0metere slabs that are 10cm thick. AK sell the smaller variety but they are heinously expensive. If you can find some in a craft store you will same heaps of money.

Depending on the thickness it can be cut with a kitchen knife or just ye olde #10 modelling blade. You can also buy “wire cutters” that can be used to cut and shape it. Easy to shape with a knife or sanding blocks it can also be laminated using PVA glue. It can be painted with acrylics.

Same as for the cork, once you have a basic shape you can add “Terrains” and scenic material on top.

Wood I?

For super simple, try your hardware or craft store for “Plaque Bases”. They are available in various shapes (oval, square, round, rectangular etc) and are mostly made from basswood, pine or composite.  You can paint the edges or leave them natural. Same as for the others, spread on some “Terrains” and add some scenic materials to your hearts’ content.

So this is all about simple bases. Ones that should take less than an hour of work to throw together. You can of course use these materials to get more elaborate, but be mindful that it is a base for your model, you don’t want to overpower the subject.

If you are keen to give it a go here is what You will need:-

BASE MATERIAL

TERRAIN MATERIAL

SCENIC MATERIAL

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