I'm sure this comes up quite a bit, but I'm intending to play E40k, NetEpic and FWC with my epic stuff - perhaps even a dabble of EA, and I'm wondering what sort of bases people like and why?

I see the attraction of round bases for armies like Ork and 'Nid infantry, and strip bases for Marines and Guard, but what about vehicles? Round, square or rectangular? Perhaps you mix round and cornered bases in your army? Are there different sizes or shapes that you assign to particular unit classes to help identify them?

Also, I've recently seen a number of bike stands that have a narrow front and are quite long - with bike figs arranged in a column along them... Any reason to this besides looking cool?

So please, post up what bases and sizes you use for each army, and tell me why . Also what (if) you'd change anything about your base choices!

I'm about to embark on a "Tale of Epic Gamers" project here at Tac Comms, and I'm intending to make a Squat army. To that end, I need to model a fair number of bases, and I'd like some advice and some ideas before I get started please.

Getting bikes on square bases into close combat is not as easy as with them on strip bases (due to narrow front). It may appear 'gamey' yet in epic, you have to expect all or nothing. That is why it is EPIC.

And they look cool like that

Cheers.....

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But isn't there a minimum frontage / base edge size in EA (I assume it's EA folks model these for)?

The size of a stand and the number of
models glued to it are left pretty much up to the player to
decide within the following limitations:

• A stand may be no more than 40mm and no less than
5mm across in any direction.
• A stand must be at least 20mm across in one direction
(ie, a 5mm by 5mm stand is not allowed, but a 5mm by
20mm stand would be okay).
• Stands representing infantry units must have at least
three infantry models and may not have more than
seven. Infantry mounted on bikes or horses must have
between two and four models mounted on each base.

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Ah, I see.

And what about your preferences then frogbear? I rather wanted to know what and why folks like what they do!

I like 40x20 bases in general because it allows for more terrain/flocking on the base. I also tend to skimp on the number of figures for the same reason.

I've started using a paper cutter to cut 1/16" cork sheets into base sizes, the using a paper punch to punch 1/4" holes in the cork, then gluing this cork layer onto a 40x20 (actually a 1.5"x3/4") wooden base. This allows me to counter-sink the miniatures so they flock more nicely. There is also a 1" diameter round paper punch that works well with this system.

Ever since playing against our International friends on these lists, I have come to respect every cm of movement, and any advantage possible.

I have a preference of 2 bikes on the long strip not oinly for the look (I honestly believe they look best like that), but also for the CC potential. Already INF bases get placed side on in an assault to fit more combatants into base to base. Placing bikes on the shirt edge is no real different IMO. It sticks to the rules, looks good, and is effective in the game.

Once you get passed it being considered 'gamey' by some, you understand that Epic is unrelenting and any advantage close combat troops can get is definitely needed. There is not much worse than basing your minitures on bases too big - for looks, only to find an opponent that states that the unit cannot 'fit' in that gap due to it's 'square' base size. So I just go with the strip and there rarely is a discussion on whether something makes it into CC or not.

Have I said that it looks great also? Gives them a 'streaking' feel rather than being so 'static'.

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