David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Saturday 18 March 2023

Rebasing, Don'tyajustluvit?

I have been rebasing figures, again, for my '1066 & All That' collection lately, starting with the Anglo-Saxons. This is the fourth time they've been rebased if memory serves me correctly. They started life as a Saga force but we never got past the brain fart of trying to make sense of the rules. The plan now is to adapt and extend what I have to enable small Hail Caesar 2 games  to be played with either three divisions of four or four of three plus a few skirmisher bases. Each 120 x 60mm base will represent a unit, with varying numbers of figures depending on pose and type. I'll expand on this when I've done the Anglo-Saxons and can show examples of a range of finished bases.

The Saxon part of the project is well underway, so the Normans will be next. They will certainly need expanding beyond what I already have and have ordered, so later in the year now before they are back in action. I'm very dependent on Phil in this respect as he paints the Normans for me (at OAP rates!) In the meantime here are the new Anglo-Saxon additions to the project in the shape of warriors in mail armour with spears ~

I'm currently working on a base of Thegns but need the ordered figures to complete the look of the unit so it'll be a week or so until they can be completed.

20 comments:

  1. A necessary move I think and one worth the effort.

    I am going with 80mm bases with the same idea. It is not a common match-up, with 28’s on what amounts to a 15’s style base … but needs must etc and I am okay with the compromise, it seems to work with my WotR - which were initially based for Sword & Spear.

    I look forward to whatever falls out of this. I played a hastings boardgame a coupe of days ago, so have some re-enthusing for the period and will follow events keenly.

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  2. Looking good Mr. B. The lighter bases certainly lift the figures and show them well.

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    1. Yes, the Country Maple bases are much better I agree.

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  3. 120mm x 60mm, single element basing is a wise choice. This will work for Impetvs and To the Strongest! as well.

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    1. I've found it also reduces spear loss and enables safe storage too.

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    2. Both are good points with Impetus my go to ancients rules and it does help prevent damage to figures.

      Christopher

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  4. My standard comment is "Rebasing is the Devil's work", but they do look good! :-)

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    1. The Saxons are now all glued to their new bases ready to be textured as and when...

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  5. Looks like you're doing an excellent job there sir! It's no fun rebasing....just had a stint of it myself after coming down to 40mm depth from 60mm for the ancient heavys. Tedious work and cut fingers....much rather be painting!😉

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    1. Not the most enthralling aspect of the hobby I grant you, but on the plus side strangely pleasing too.

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  6. Nicely done David rebasing easier than painting of course. I have tended, especially with the dark age figures, to find ways to mix figures with different bases preferring to give myself the option of skirmish or massed battles. Not everyone’s choice but it means y forces are more likely to get battle time if they can flex to different rules.

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    1. Each to their own of course in our wonderful hobby. No call for much skirmish gaming in GHQ. Some smaller games like Bolt Action Burma and VBCW, probably only Pulp 1920 would qualify.

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  7. I hate re-basing, but I hate figures not based the way I want even more so sometimes one just needs to bite the bullet and get on with it. They look great btw David!

    Christopher

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  8. Nicely done David…
    I am currently doing a bit of rebasing myself normally I would find this a pain…but as I have the latest cold/cough that’s doing the rounds it’s all I’m up to…🤧

    All the best. Aly

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    1. That you are Rebasing does not somehow surprise me. Hope the cold/cough is soon gone!

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  9. A good basing choice and something to consider for the future maybe for my forces. Nearly all of mine are on 1" square bases to allow them to be used across multiple rulesets, from say small skirmishes up to large scale battles.

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