The 3x3 base

[martin goddard]

RFCM rules uses the 3x3 cm foot base for several reasons.
Started in 1983.

1. It can turn through 90 or 180 degrees and still occupy the same  zone/area.
2. A single row of bases still give a god impression of a formation with depth.
3. A nice size to physically handle.
4. Using the same size across rule sets allows players to use figures as "stand ins" whilst trying other RFCM rule sets.
5. Allows figure protrusions (spears , bayonets) not to clash into other adjacent bases.

Now here is the discussion point.
What are players doing to "flex" this system.
I cut off the corners in order to break the regularity a little.
What about using 3x3 with a slightly irregular outline for less formalised formations.
Adding curvature and variance?

martin

[Mike6t3]

I use this basing size wherever possible for the above reasons and adapt rule sets if necessary to suit.
It is also stable so stands don't topple over on hills etc.
I use rounded corners on bases which are to be used individually (e.g PBI) but not for those which form part of a rank and file unit, these keep the regular appearance.

Mike

[Nick]

I like the 3cm square basing as it is.
It has become my standard basing for the (few) non RFCM rulesets I occasionally use too.

Nick

[Big Mike]

I also prefer the 3x3 basing system for my armies. Command teams, mounted and artillery have larger bases and I use coins for most casualty and other markers.
To Martin's good reasons to use 3x3 I would add that storing them in "Really Useful" plastic hobby boxes is easy especially as I use the 15 section trays that take 4 bases per section allowing 60 bases per level per box!

[Sean Clark]

I go through phases of cutting the corners off, using mdf bases with rounded edges or just leaving them square.

I think for the sabots we use for ECW for instance, an irregular edge is a good idea. The chap who does To the Strongest makes bases like this. I wonder if Warbases could do something similar?

[pbeccas (Paul)]

I haven't done it yet, but I'm strongly considering rebasing WWII and onwards figures on 30mm round bases.  Squares are great for formation armies, and even WWI.  But they don't really suit modern combat.  Just my thoughts.

[Antioch (Bob)]

Being newer to the PP systems i went with straight cut side 30x30's. I may for other periods, change the sides. I use 3 mm mdf (can't get 2 mm over here in N America easily)

I have access to a commercial laser or two....while this pandemic thing was starting i grabbed all the scrap wood i could find & cut all the bases I could...and have now run out...so will have to scrounge some more.

Sean.... bases can be cut almost any way you want...only question is does someone have time to redo there master setup files.Same goes movement trays.

Bob

[Colonel Kilgore]

I like the look of Martin's clipped corners, as well as the bases of those folk who have gone for rounded corners. But I am ctually quite happy with square bases. Or 2p pieces for Vietnam, Western and Pirates.

I do find 3x3 cm is an appropriate "element" size. We played a 15mm skirmish game with individually mounted figures late at night at last November's Weymouth weekend - it all felt really fiddly after getting used to the RFCM standard.

Simon

[Leman (Andy)]

I have taken to rounding the corners with sand paper. Doesn't take long, gives an attractive finish and makes them much pleasanter to pick up without the sharp corners. I think basing is as important as a well painted figure.

[Colonel Kilgore]

That is a good idea, Andy. And a nice look.

Simon

[EssexWargamer]

I do like the look and feel of the 3x3 bases in the Bloody Barons rulebook, when you see whole units massed in wards.
As a new comer to the rules, and having already committed with several associates to use a 4x4 or 8x4 standard (with 6 / 12 figures respectively), I cant see myself going back and re-basing them.
However, having read the BB rules cover to cover twice this past week, I will certainly be trying them out with my slightly enlarged scale in the near future.

Simon

[martin goddard]

They look jolly smart. Until the blood starts flowing.


martin

[usagitsuki]

A cautionary tale

A few years ago I started a pair of samurai armies in 15mm for 'Battles in the Age of War.' I didn't like the 3 figures per 30mm base, so instead I went for 5 figures on a 40mm base. After painting a few hundred figures, the project was still nowhere near completion. I ended up selling them and redoing the whole thing in 6mm.

[Sean Clark]

Leman,

Really like that unit. Having restarted my own WotR collection, I was wondering whether to mix bow and bill bases, or keep them separate. I think for the overall look the mixed base really works. And to be honest, I'm unlikely to use them for any other rules. 4 figures to a base is a great way to go.

Regards
Sean

[Leslie BT]

3 x 3 is just a fine size.  It allows 2, 3, 4 figures on a base.

And the half size base fits Martins prone casualty figure very nicely.

The scenic base for AR looks good as well, for spacing out the skirmishers, shame it not has been used since in some other rule-sets.