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So I'm planning a new Necron army. I wanted to try something different for the bases. I was looking at the hirst arts molds for the floor tiles, like the egyptian floors.. the tiles are 1" squares with different cracked patterns. I'd glue a square on top of a regular base, and then glue the feets to the square. (yes, I'm aware you're not supposed to have square bases in 40k). the 1" squares are like 1mm or so bigger than the round base diameter, so I don't think it will be a big deal since I only play friendly games anyway...

Anyway, anyone used the hirst molds before? just wondering if they're easy to do or if it's a pain, or if it's really super messy since I don't really have room to make a big mess at my place (I just got a new kitchen and new rugs in a 1 br condo, don't want either ruined). Are you supposed to use regular plaster of paris or would I want that dental plaster stuff? I just worry about normal plaster chipping after I paint them and making little white spots I'm always having to touch up.

Plaster of Paris will work, but it is weak, and will not stand up well to the rigors of tabletop gaming. The dental plaster can kill you on shipping, but is well worth it. An alternate will be something like hydrocal, which is stronger than PoP, but not as strong as dental plaster.

Making the molds can get a bit messy, but I managed to do it in a small bathroom, and keep it clean. Definitely put down a trash bag or something if you don't want to ruin your counter.

Let me know if you have any questions. I've been using the Hirst Molds for a few years now (of and on, granted).

Also, consider some of the schematic floor molds. They have a look the necrons can really work.

I went ahead and ordered the large and small egyptian floor molds. they're 1" and 1.5" squares. I decided to go with resin, I ordered some from MicroMark. And got their spray mold release too. first time working with resin, hope I don't wreck my molds

I've never used resin, but I've used hydrostone, regular Plaster of Paris, and dental plaster.

The Hydrostone is the best as far as strength goes.

I've made a number of terrain pieces, including a dice tower. If you are just doing bases, it's fairly simple. Just cast when you need to. Make yourself 4 or 5 castings and your good for a bit. I can't help you with resin, though. Go to Hirst arts' forum and post questions there if you have any. I've found the people there very helpful.

Good luck.

You could always just use a pair of clippers and round off the floor tiles to the correct size.

Or glue them onto the regulation bases and have them overhanging (or clip them once they are on the bases) - this will make them a bit stronger perhaps.

Have to say that if I come into lots of money I will be purchasing a few Hirst moulds, as some of them are damn cool

With the resin, make sure you use the mold release, and expect the molds to deteriorate faster than with plaster (plaster is practically limitless, resin should get at least 100 casts, I believe). I 2nd going to the hirstarts forum. They've got some awesome guys. Also, Bruce is really good about helping if you message him.

I just didn't want to buy huge thing of plaster and making a huge mess in my condo. I don't have a basement or garage or anything like that. I figured I could spray the mold release out on my balcony and then bring the mold in when I'm done so it can set inside. I figured resin would just be easier and make less of a mess.

But, as far as the base size goes, the 1" square should be like 1mm bigger than the regular round bases. I will probably just keep them as squares, but I plan to glue them on top of regular round bases so they can still get in base contact for close combat. Guess my models will be a little taller than normal. I might try to snap off the corners though, we'll see. I'll experiment. I kinda like the idea of "ranking up" my necrons. Don't they kinda just march forward in ordered blocks of infantry like that anyway?

I thought I might also group up all the bases with like a design on the floor so that when they're all lined up next to each other you can see it.