Rebasing and a Parade

In a few recent posts, I have dropped a hint or two that I planned to rebase my growing Wars of the Roses collection. True, and the work is completed.

Why consider rebasing a relatively new collection in the first place?  That is a good question.  When I first dived into the project, my mind and sensibilities were set on building armies for a set of rules that were in playtests a few years ago.  I figured that I would follow that lead.  Each archer and melee line was based on three bases.  Since I primarily play on a hex grid for remote games, each three-base unit spanned two, four-inch hexes.  Now, this was fine, but I prefer moving fewer stands to more.  Perhaps my initial sensibilities were not so sensible?  I also thought that having one stand in each hex might simplify a few features of the rules that I am developing myself.  The "before" basing is illustrated in the photo below.  

Old basing scheme

This basing scheme did the job, but I wanted something different.  As mentioned, above, I wanted fewer bases and a single stand fitting into a four-inch hex.  Since these are all Perry plastics, I wanted the bases to have a little more heft and certainty when picking stands up and moving them around the gaming table.

That brings me to the current iteration of my basing scheme. 

Now each BMU consists of two stands, each element of which fits into the four-inch hex.  A supported unit is still identified by having two units in the same two hexes.  Having two stands fitting in two hexes opens up some possibilities for play and facing that were not so easily accomplished with three bases spanning those same two hexes.  The photos below show the new basing scheme. 

New basing scheme with each BMU in its own hex pair.

New basing scheme with two BMUs in support.

How was the weight issue addressed?  Adding some weight and heft to each base was accomplished by affixing a heavy-duty magnetic piece onto the bottom of each base.  Magnetic base bottoms are from Litko Aerosystems.

Magnetic bases stuck to the bottom of each base.

Both of these changes make a big difference in both the heft of each stand and the ease of movement.  For me, moving two, heavier stands per BMU is much easier (and more satisfying) than moving three smaller, lighter weight stands.

So, where does the WotR collection stand today?  Well, a brief parade will help assess my progress.  By the way, one more Battle is in work and soon to join the armies, here, on display.

As a reminder, the Great Wargaming Survey, 2026 Edition closes on 31 August.  If you have yet to complete this year's survey, please consider doing so.  Details can be found at Palouse Wargaming Journal: If it is August...

Next time, more painted figures marching out from the painting desk.