[BFG] BFG: Base Sizes

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**Briancj**

Is there a resource for what ships sit on what size bases? I seem to remember Ork Kroozers sitting atop large bases. And then, of course, there's this 'tractor fields' thing I can't find the rules for.

Help a guy out?

**CyberShadow**

The general rule is that the sit on the base that they come with.... aside from the Chaos Grand cruiser. This means that Cruisers and larger use the bigger bases. The Tractor beam issue was a result of a packaging change, where it was at one time possible to get the Chaos Grand Cruiser with either a large or a small base, depending on exactly when you bought it, and who made up the pack. To rectify this, it was stated that all Grand Cruisers on a large base had tractor fields (since the larger base helps with boarding actions), and there was a small points increase (a bit like the Imperial Ram prow issue).

**Briancj**

All the cruisers in my BFG box set came with the smaller flight bases. Does this mean I have to go out and buy large flight bases for them?

**CyberShadow**

My apologies, I suffered a senior moment! Cruisers and smaller are on small bases. Battleships, Battlebarges, Dreadnoughts, Space Hulks, etc are on large bases.

**Briancj**

Phew! I was going to cry.

**Ruckdog**

There is also some guidance in the 2010 FAQ about this. As it turns out, "Tractor Fields" are accounted for by making it easier for a ship to get into a boarding action (which requries base to base contact). This is given for free, as it also makes the ship more vulnerable to torps and bombers. It also requires ships with 10 HP and/or 3 shields to take the larger base.

**Lordhat**

And I'm pretty sure Grand Cruisers get the choice? Maybe I haven't read the 2010 FAQ... got a link?

**Ruckdog**

Unfortunately, it looks like the draft has been taken down (likely in preparation for publishing by GW). Here is the exact wording from the copy I saved to my HD, though:

BASE SIZE: Any ship or defense with either 3 or more shields OR greater than 10HP must use a large size base. However, any capital ship can elect to use a large base and is considered to have Tractor Fields for free. Tractor fields have no effect except making it easier for the ship to ram and/or board due to its larger base size, in exchange for being a larger ordnance target.

The source of the confusion is the Repulsive GC. This model was originally shipped with a small base, instead of a large one. There was an entry in an older FAQ that gave the option for the Repulsive to take a large base and gain a sheild, but this was dropped from the 2007 FAQ. In this specific case, the new FAQ revives this option:

The Chaos Repulsive Grand Cruiser can be modelled on a large base. If so mounted, it may have a third shield for +15pts. It must be modelled on a large base to have this this refit available for the cost indicated. This is not a normal refit and can be used in one-off games or in addition to any other refits earned normally in the course of a campaign.

Note that this option applies to the Repulsive only. Otherwise the 3 shield/10 hp rule holds, meaning that all other GCs must use a large base.

**Briancj**

Sweet, I was able to do a text search on the copy I snagged. Here's to hoping that FAQ becomes official!