Ideal base height to figure size ratio?

[NigelR]

In the past I have not given much thought to bases for my pieces. I've tended to be lazy and either use a picture frame or random bases that I picked up at shows. However, thanks to feedback from better modellers than me I realise now it's much better to create a custom base for each piece. You fit the base to the piece rather the other way round. So now I am creating custom bases for vignettes and dioramas. Another thing that hit me when looking at the excellent figure work at Bugle Call is that piece needs to be elevated on a plinth type base rather than just being flat on a picture frame type base to allow you to focus on the figure(s) and groundwork.

So my question is this - what sort of height plinth do you think works best in relation to the figure size for figures and small vignettes? Should it be about the same size as the figure, or bigger or smaller?

So for example, for my current 2 figure vignette of 1/35 figures, would about 50mm be the optimal height? Or would something smaller than the figures (say 30mm) be better? Or should I go bigger to say 70mm to really elevate the piece?

 

[Viking Bob]

I have always gone with a 54mm figure, 50mm for a plinth. A 75mm figure, then a 70mm plinth

 

[NigelR]

I have always gone with a 54mm figure, 50mm for a plinth. A 75mm figure, then a 70mm plinth

Thanks Bob, that makes sense. I've been looking at a lot of pics of SMC and other figure shows and that ratio seems to be popular.

 

[Viking Bob]

Thanks Bob, that makes sense. I've been looking at a lot of pics of SMC and other figure shows and that ratio seems to be popular.

I would go 50mm with the 1/35th figures

 

[DaddyO]

My 54 mm ones tend to be about 60 mm high Nigel simply because I started using the stock ones sold by Historex Agents many moons ago.
I might use a slightly taller one for 70 -75 mm figures. For all my full figures I use square bases with a plinth at bottom. I use similar ones for busts, but round. Using a common type of base means they look nice as a group in the display case.

Most of mine come from Richard (Oakwood) who delivers quickly, as you know, and will make something bespoke for a great price. (The DR1 group base is one of his that he made up in oak especially for that group - took about a week for it to turn up after the email which is top service for something like that IMO)

Toodlepip
Paul

 

[Briggsy]

Nothing constructive to add here, I just stick mine on cheap short resin bases from Sovereign 2000. As I don't enter competitions I don't see the need, like you I used to put dioramas in picture frames which I think is right otherwise it ends up weighing too much.

That said to stop the figure being lost on the display it does need to be at the same height as all the others. So what the gentlemen above have all said sounds about right, go for it.

Cheers Simon

 

[NigelR]

Thanks all, you've confirmed what I was thinking. I've found a nice 60mm square base that I bought from Nick Smith that is about 60mm high and it suits the vignette well.

I definitely need to get consistent bases for my work in future. I think planning ahead and getting custom bases from Oakwood (especially for my larger pieces) is the way to go.

 

[Blind Pew]

Trust me, Nigel, you're not alone in this conundrum. For donkey's years I finished a figure on a temporary base, then ended up thinking, "****, I've finished a figure - I better find a bit of timber to glue him on." It was a real afterthought. So, fast-forward a bit and for a while now I've not started a figure until I've a good base for him. It's got to the point where I do make my own bases at home. They're not as good as say, Oakwood, but not bad either.

As to ratio of figure:base, to some degree it's quite an individual thing. I think you instinctively know what just looks good. I tend to find a 75mm figure looks best on a 50-55mm square base, about 70mm in height. Similar ratios for other scales. This is for a 'straight up & down' figure. It varies with different poses. You've also got the thorny issue of weapons extending off the base - asking for trouble!

Also the extent of any ground work you want to do makes a difference...

 

[David Spencer]

As small as possible, so I can fit them into the cabinet.