Got some book review(s) to do as I read a couple of crackers over the time away in Corfu, but first off some progress on the AWI re-basing project I mentioned earlier in the year
Much like the Sudan project the AWI re-basing is being driven purely by the age of the project. I must have first based these figures up over 25 years ago, and they've lasted really well but despite care and attention the bases were beginning to look a little sad and tired... see following, flock getting thin, bases also thin and beginning to warp slightly.. the little metal men deserve better 😀
The vast majority of the collection are based on beer mats (no laser cut MDF all that time ago!) cut to the standard size I use for this project (5 cm square) but I've had some thoughts over the years on how to improve the basing and the following shows the progress so far..
So first off get the figures off the old bases.. tortuous as I used Evostick, but in the end as they are on beer mats I just put them in a bath of water and just pop them off once the mats have soaked.. all I need to do then is just tidy up the bottom of the figures base with a scalpel to remove the worst of the glue..
New bases are a thicker (3mm) MDF offering I bought at Salute last year, I bought some green spray paint to make preparation easier (MDF is a bugger for soaking up water based/acrylic paint).
First enhancement I'd thought of was to track casualties using a miniature D6 so in addition to the bases I bought some "dice frames" [clicky] from the company in the link (who I believe are owned/managed/whatever by Pendraken).. which got me to the following:
You'll also notice I've lost the base numbers from the top of the base. They always struck me as being a bit too noticeable so I've gone with name of unit on the bottom instead, but I think I'll also add the old base number as well.
Glue dried and it's time to re-flock - job done..
...and from above showing the dice frame with content more clearly.. I'm going to use a different colour of dice to also show morale state (white for normal, yellow shaken, and red for routing).. so in this case the unit is "shaken" and on four SP (strength points) under the Will McNallly rules I use for this period...
...much better - better get on with the other 100 off bases then! 
Is the back of the base thick enough for you to carefully print the name of the unit? back in the day, I remember one fellow who actually typed out the unit ID, printed it on a very small font and glued the cut out info on the base. He was using thick bass would though....
ReplyDeleteCC, it is.. I paste a small label, colour coordinated for side, with name of unit on it..
Deletevery neat Steve.
ReplyDeleteTa Paul...
DeleteA dull job, I don't know how you stick it Steve.
ReplyDeleteCK, bit therapeutic really.. it's a simple and repetitive job... and once every 25 years I can cope with..
DeleteGreat rebasing job, look much better
ReplyDeleteTa Neil.. when I think of the number of times these little guys have fought across the table, assaulting bridges, hills, forts, and what have you, they kind of deserve it!
DeleteVery nicely re-based. It's a job I hate but I am contemplating it for my 28mm SYW stuff...
ReplyDeleteAndy, a good basing job can rescue a poor paint job, so I try to keep mine in good nick... :o)
DeleteIt can be a resl pleasure to see old friends buffed up and looking cared for. The new bases look both attractive and practical. Good for another quarter century.
ReplyDeleteRoss, I'm of an age when that's quite a sobering thought.. this may well be the last time they are re-based in my ownership.. :o)
DeleteThe joy of rebasing! Have fun Steve, they do look better for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks David.. :o)
DeleteSteve, they look much smarter on the new bases. What size dice frames are you using and do you have enough as I went mad and bought loads of them in different sizes before deciding not to use them. I'll be having a bit of a 'giveaway' on my blog this weekend, clearing out the MDF pile including the frames and a load of those circular 1 to 10 markers etc. Think I have frames for 10mm dice upwards! Glad to hear you caught some sun, it's been rotten here.
ReplyDeleteLee, I think they're 6mm, to fit the little mini dice (dii plural? :o) ) and like you I went mad and bought about 4 bags worth so I think I have enough, but very kind, thanks.. weather here bollox this summer, sailing has gone completely by the by, and the current Mrs Steve the Wargamer and I decided sunshine was the priority... Corfu delivers in spades...
DeleteRebasing - the dreaded word. I do as little rebasing as possible these days (in fact I'm going to have to do some this weekend), but it's one of these jobs which is pleasing once it's finished. At least if you are working with figures you based previously you know what to expect. I shall light a small candle for you.
ReplyDeleteRespect.
Hi Tony, once in 25 years is not too onerous, but the problem is that there are multiple projects that need/needed, doing! :o) Still, WW2 was done a few years ago, the Sudan project is 75% complete, and the ACW and WSS projects are OK.. almost done then... once I finish these 150 bases.... :o))
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ReplyDeleteI suggestion Steve. Why not put the unit id number within the dice frame and then pop the dice on top?
ReplyDeleteBTW I find I need an id number with the McNally rules especially since my AWI units are generic. I use a small stick down number from a pack of 8mm diameter number stickers I got from a stationery shop. The numbers are white on a green background so don't stand out too badly.
Whoever you are, that's a genius idea...! I have some number stickers on the way I'll see if they fit...
DeleteHi Steve. It's Tony from Oz. Not sure why I am "unknown".
DeleteAh!! I wondered if it was you...! :o) Can't answer the"unknown" thing, may be you just need to edit your profile in Blogger?? Or not, if you prefer an aura of secrecy.. :o)
DeleteI am a shadow.
Delete