Ogre Warband Part 3 The case for bases

 Now to the question of bases

One of the decisions that arises when starting or planning a new miniature project is that of bases.

Size, shape material…the rules which you play will often guide (if not control) your choice in this. Unfortunately I am far too fickle to cleave to a single rule set so the problem of bases always is one of prolonged and changeable personal choice for me.

Three of the ogres unearthed have been completed to an acceptable tabletop standard (all I can muster I’m afraid) and placed on 40mm circular mdf bases. At this time I was obviously of the opinion that larger figures would be better served with such and circular bases do appeal to me ascetically, nice organic skirmishy shapes tabletop wise. 

However, straight lines and precise cornerage are just as often required (if not demanded) by the shadowy needs of my unconscious ocd concerning the incredibly important matter of where and how little painted men should be standing. (Dress that line soldier!)

Coupled with the fact that other material pressures will curtail the finance package of this summer project and that I simply refuse to cut that many circles for the proposed movement trays after the last debacle with the circle cutter…means 20 square bases, 40mm a side of a 2mm thickness reasonably purchased for less than a fiver from a well trusted eBay seller (wargame-model-mods) should get us moving along the correct vector.

Movement trays of different sizes are also available but having the remnants of an A1 sheet of grey board (heavy grey cardboard used in book binding amongst others) I choose to scratch build the lot 👍🏼

This decision also allows a certain freedom of unit size as will be seen with the first unit completed and the wolves for that matter.

A piece of grey board was cut to size (130mm x 90mm) and 5mm strips of the same glued to the edges. The six bases were then tested fitted and the whole thing binned in a fit of childish temper 😳.

Due to the tolerances allowed for advancing age and decreasing eyesight the bases were just too tight and once gravelled and painted would be unworkably so. Slightly narrower 3-4mm strips were cut and test fitted and everyone was able to calm down. 👍🏼

I wanted to get some kind of ruined feel in the bases along with a blasted heathish feel (listening to Horrorbabble again)  so a thick cork heat pad (darling? Have you seen my mother’s heat pad anywhere…?) was donated torn to pieces and arranged as ruined blocks or rocks depending on choice.

Standard sand removed from a bulk bag on site was glued to the remaining parts of the bases and the edges of the tray were covered with a finely sieved version of the same. Diluted Revell black was applied to all.

Now…the ogre skin is probably going to be the lightest area (pastey northern types) so wanted the armour and bases to contrast this. Dark green was dry brushed onto the earth, then nato olive and finally a touch of dead flesh to highlight. The rocks I wanted to have a slightly eerie fantasy feel so a good solid dry brush with Revell blue grey then adding light blue and finally pure light blue to the edges. Wanted to avoid added white as much as possible to preserve the coolness of the blue.

2mm Winter static grass was then applied in random clumps (war world scenics) with only one electronic belt from the flocking flocker this time, then the dried and pressed leaves of a catkin were added for an autumnal wind blown leaf affect and to give a warm ish contrast to the cool of the blue rocks.

Sealed with a pass of Matt varnish and we can call that done👍🏼

The wolf bases were handled the same but were made of a 40x40 base edge glued and extended with two 20x20 bases to give two 40x60 bases (2 wolves to a base) with exactly the same movement tray size as the other units. Ocd satisfied….

Cheers all