Modeling Rock Bases
Nowadays wargame miniatures are mounted on more and more elaborate bases. And one of the more popular types are the dynamic rock bases, where a commanding figure can look even more impressive mounted on top of a rocky boulder. Today, I’ll show you how this is done.
Here’s what you’ll need: The miniature to be based (of course), craft size wire snips, copper wire (thin) - or a paper clip will do in a pinch, super glue, razor, pin vice, and craft corks.
STEP ONE: Keep the base you’re going to use close at hand and start tearing the cork down to size using needle nose pliers or just your finger nails. Keep in the mind the basic shape you’re shooting for, and keep the miniature at hand to make sure it’ll stand on the base correctly. You’re basically wanting a nice and rocky edge with a flat top and bottom. After you get the rock base shaped the way you want it, cut it from the rest of the cork.
STEP TWO: Mount the rock you just cut onto the base using a generous amount of super glue, and set it aside to dry. Next, take your snips, and cut off the slotta-tab of the miniature. File it down flat if you wish.
STEP THREE: Using your pin vice, drill into one of the legs (or any part that contacts the base) from underneath. This will be where a wire will be mounted that will connect the miniature to the rock and base.
STEP FOUR: Cut the wire so that once placed, the wire will extend clear down though the rock and break the surface of the plastic base.
STEP FIVE: Find out where the wire will go into the rock, and using the pin vice, drill through the rock and plastic base.
STEP SIX: Coat the wire with super glue and any surface of the miniature that will contact the rock. Insert this into the hole you just drilled.
STEP SEVEN: Secure the miniature to the base with a rubber band and let it sit for a few hours while the glue cures. Once dry, the combination of super glue and wire rod will make for a sturdy miniature, even on a flexible cork.
FINAL WORD: There you have it! A dynamic base for a dynamic miniature. To strengthen the base even more, use green stuff to surround the area where the wire breaks the surface of the plastic base from underneath. If the rock isn’t completely flush with the surface of the plastic base, use green stuff to fill in the gaps. You can also use green stuff around the areas on the miniature that connect to the rock to strengthen the joint. When you’re ready, just paint the cork rock like you would any other base, and you’re all set!
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DEACON
