Basing advice

[Emmersonforest4]

I’m getting commissioned my Anglo Zulu war British infantry soon as I’m painting my German ww1 army mainly from empress which are gorgeous models and I want to be able to play black powder and TMWBK rules. I was thinking what was the best way of going about it? I’m leaning towards 20mm x 20mm square bases that I can put in movement trays.

 I’m using a mixture of Perry’s, empress and warlord. I got them all out and hopefully it’s worked my attachment on the post and they all work well together you just mix and match them.

[Mike1879]

I put mine on 2 pence pieces which can then be placed on 2p slot movement trays available from Warbases. The movement trays come in various sizes eg 8 figures, 10 figures etc. Hope that helps

[Emmersonforest4]

Thank you for that piece of advice I’m quite new to all this just fun finding things out. Can’t wait to try out some rules and scenarios for it. Would love a scenario of maybe trying to break the siege at eshowe. I know they got relieved but some made up scenario like that would be smart.

[Ranthony]

Hi Emmerson,

Glad to see a fellow newbie following the same path as me.

I have always been very interested in the zulu war and took up painting miniatures after inheriting a collection from a friend.

I have started basing empress minis on 22mm circular mdf laser cut bases from pendraken miniatures.

Seems to fit perfectly, allows just enough room to work on decorating the base whilst keeping figures relatively close together.

Here's an example....



I've yet to play a wargame but am hoping this type of base works well for smaller engagements.

[Emmersonforest4]

Cheers and yeah I’m loving the whole hobby. My favourite film is Zulu and I love history. I’d love to in time wargame the more niche battles of the Zulu war. Thanks for the advice and it’s a lovely miniature you have painted. After I have finished my ww1 project I’m going to start NWF as my brother is doing Sudan. So I will share any pictures and updates.

[JBaumal]

@ Emmersonforest4, there are so many options for basing! Check out my blog for some pics of how I choose. For imperial troops I use 1” long x 3/4” wide or 3/4x3/4 wide magnetized bases. For the native forces I use 1” round or 3/4” round washers. I’ve tried different basing material options.
I’m currently using a pumice paste with ballast, sand, and small rocks mixed in. I mix in burnt umber paint then apply it to the bases. Once dry I dry brush different colors and sometimes add some foliage.

[JBaumal]

I base them singly for The Sword And The Flame, however they can be put on movement stands if needed.





Here’s a pic of some native Pathan troops.

[Emmersonforest4]

Cheers thank you very much and I will check out your blog. I think I’ve settled for basing mine on 20mm x 20mm squares so I can multiple rule sets and have movement trays if I need 4 or 6 to a base etc.....