Model Forum / General / Models / May 2006

What I find works well for me are nice but inexpensive picture frames.  They
come in a large variety of sizes, materials, and colors.  I find one that is
appropriately sized for the model and of a color and material that will
complement the setting I will put in it.  Then I discard the glass.  I used
to cut a piece of plywood or a craft store wooden plaque to fit but the
bases were unnecessarily heavy.

Lately I've taken to using a base of foam board (about 1/4" of white foam
sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper) instead.  Cut the foam board
to fit inside the edges of the frame, just like a picture would (if the
model is particularly large or heavy, a double layer of foam board might be
called for and you can laminate the two pieces together with white glue).  I
then add whatever groundwork is appropriate for the model.

When dry, I mount the foam board in the frame and affix it with a couple
heavy coats of white glue (be careful the glue doesn't seep around to the
front of the board (the scenery side).  When it's all good and dry, I mount
the model.

I keep an eye out for bases everywhere I go.

Found a tatami mat (woven straw in a gloss black wood frame) just the
right size for a Japanese fighter. They come in many sizes and shapes
and are sometimes found in import stores.

Trophy shops and used trophies at yard sales were mentioned. Aside from
wood many have marble bases.

Coasters may also work. I picked up a set of twelve at a garage sale
(including a base to hold all of them) for a buck. As it turned out
they are sterling silver, so I got quite a bargain. Each one is round
with a rubber pad. The pad's surface duplicates perfectly a brick
roadway in 1/72, just paint appropriately.

Cross-kitting is another way to do good bases. I have almost every
1/76-1/72 Matchbox vehicle kit. They all have diorama bases that can be
used for just about any vehicle base.

Good hunting,

Tom

I keep an eye out for bases everywhere I go.

Found a tatami mat (woven straw in a gloss black wood frame) just the
right size for a Japanese fighter. They come in many sizes and shapes
and are sometimes found in import stores.

Trophy shops and used trophies at yard sales were mentioned. Aside from
wood many have marble bases.

Coasters may also work. I picked up a set of twelve at a garage sale
(including a base to hold all of them) for a buck. As it turned out
they are sterling silver, so I got quite a bargain. Each one is round
with a rubber pad. The pad's surface duplicates perfectly a brick
roadway in 1/72, just paint appropriately.

Cross-kitting is another way to do good bases. I have almost every
1/76-1/72 Matchbox vehicle kit. They all have diorama bases that can be
used for just about any vehicle base.

Good hunting,

Tom