The base is where it’s at

I’ve written about model bases a few times. In an early post, I discussed the various kinds of bases to place under airplane models. Later on, I had a thing for round bases and shared an experiment with a simple scenic base on a dollar store clock. 

I’ve been to many model shows and contests. I’ve seen many displays, social media posts, and videos. And do you know what? I still believe models, including model airplanes, look better when displayed on some sort of base. 

It is a delicate balance though. The base needs to complement but not overshadow the model. I like to think of them like a frame around a picture. The frame needs to do nothing more than “feature” or draw the eye to the art. But it definitely should not steal the show or distract from the picture. 

Of course, all of this goes out the window when we are talking about dioramas where the ‘base’ IS the model. We are just talking about model display bases. When it comes to aircraft models, I think there are six broad categories of model base: 

• The airfield
• The ‘flag’
• The informative base 
• The scenic base
• The mirror
• The plain jane

Of course, there are some bases that blur or combine two or more of these types. Personally, I have always been more drawn to a subtle scenic base where the model is weathered. There is something about a plane in its natural element that I like. But I am starting to appreciate a good ‘informative’ base. Maybe it is the history buff in me or maybe it is a side effect of going to many museums over the years. I like seeing the model displayed with some key information about the aircraft being modeled and/or the pilot. 

I’ve tried the mirror and I get the strategy behind using them, especially when the builder has spent a considerable amount of time on getting the gear bays all pretty or hanging perfectly made ordnance. But I find them distracting. I think they take away from the model. Same with the plain jane. Those two are just not for me.

I also think combining some scenery with some key information relating to the model could work very well. I’m certainly going to try my hand at it. Recently, I was approached by Longer and asked if I would try out their 5W laser engraver. I’ve never played with anything remotely like this tool but, for whatever reason, I immediately thought this might be an interesting way to create an informative base. So I tried it out:

Yes, this is verging on the ‘too simple’ but I wanted to see where the possibilities are. My intent is to seal the wood, paint the edges, and place some 3d printed (and painted) steel matting on the base to compliment an Okinawa-based Corsair. 

Last Thing

What do you all think of model bases? Do you prefer a certain type of base or do you prefer free-range airplanes resting on nothing but the table? What about overall shape? Round vs Square vs free flow? As usual, let me know in the comments.