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Hello all,

So I'm trying to weight my bases down, and really don't want a lot of hassle, but I understand that basicalyl no pain, no gain.
I did a lot of research, tried a bunch of things, and eventually decided upon places rather heavy (7 grams) washers on the bottom of the bases (this is for 40k.)

This works perfectly, gives the units a nice 'feel' to them, makes them feel almost more expensive and classy (just my opinion) however it does raise the unit height by about 3mm. These washers are not under, as in 'inside' the unit bases, but the bases are literally supergued to the washers and there is only about 0.5mm 'edge' to them protruding from the plastic base which is really not noticeable at all unless looking hard.

First Question: Are these bases legal?
My question after explaining all that, is would these bases (if I chose to weight the rest of my army) be either local hobby store, GW store or Tournament legal? I mean I mostly collect for the modelling, painting etc, and play very casually but who knows what I may wish to do in the future and it is one hell of an investment of both time, effort and money if I have to go through my army debasing and rebases all the models just to play in tournies or GW shops. It is VERY hard to remove the washers once one, so basically if it was illegal I'd ruin my army for any potential competitive use, if legit then obviously that would be great.

I'm aware that they add more height to the models, but it only a few mm, and at the end of the day the advantage is to my opponent as the models would be ever so mildly visible (i'm also not the type to argue or care about whether something can JUST see my units or not, i'm not really that er, dedicated, and I'm not wielding a gold plated laser pointer ) I'm also aware that added special rocks etc on top of bases to make them more dynamic often raises them even more than 3mm or so, so I don't think the height would be the problem. My biggest concern is if somehow violate the 'original bases supplied with model' policy that is loosely enforced apparently. They will be under their base, but something else will be below the base itself.

Second Question: Do all bases now have stuff under them?
And the second and last question, why is it EVERY base I possess has that strange slit/line running under it, even when there is no gap above? I originally thought that when I used to play it only some metal models and those that came specifically with line joiners from the feet required slits - now it seems every model, from Space Marines i've seen to Tyranids to Orks and Daemons all have the slit underneath even if the base on top is solid. Hopefully this is not confusing. The point is that some guides I've read (and no idea when they were posted) talked about putting washers INSIDE the bases, but I can't as there is something in the way and i'm not clipping and cutting and trying to file down that many bases to make room for a washer.

So can anyone help? I know it was a long post, like to get all the info out there to avoid too many back and forth questions.
Thanks in advance,
Slaa

I would worry about it. Honestly if you just don't say anything at games your opponent is not likely to notice anything. If the difference is that small there shouldn't be a problem. I mean technically it could be considered modeling for advantage but...like I said I wouldn't worry about it.

The slit is for the metal models (well resin now) to be inserted into. Basically instead of making these slot ones and the ones that sort of came on a sprue they just make the slot ones and skip the cutting step sometimes. By giving them without the slit cut out it just gives you the option over whether to put a metal/resin or plastic model on it.

Also for if they're legal, yep as long as it doesn't really add any height to the base it isn't against any rules. With a little work you can put the weight inside the bases and add no height, but adding as little as possible to the height is the way to go.

Wow, thanks for the speedy replies.

DODCrazy- I'm assuming you meant 'don't worry about it' instead of 'do worry about it' or at least I hope so.

n0t_u- I would say the height is minimal, but it is there, and as I mentioned (and am confused about) people add heigh between the base and model all the time, usually a lot more than a washers difference - certainly on special characters, but this is all my units, I just like the weight, and my daemons are always falling over! Rather annoying.

Maybe I should just post a pic of a finished one (the metal washer painted black and sealed to blend with the base) and see if people can tell that much or say if it is a problem.

As a side note on that, I never really see the sides of bases painted, is there a reason? I knew a friend who painted his sandy colour to match the top and it looked better than black sides, is this also some strange rule or just preference? As I said, i'm unlikely to give a toss or play tournies or whatever but I like to look before I lea- attach about 100+ metal washers permanently to bases...

DODcrazy wrote:Honestly if you just don't say anything at games your opponent is not likely to notice anything. If the difference is that small there shouldn't be a problem. I mean technically it could be considered modeling for advantage but...like I said I wouldn't worry about it.

I'd have to disagree with you there. It smacks of duplicity.

If in doubt, bring it up. If it's not an issue to your opponent then no worries. If it is, then you've done the right thing.

No-one will notice and no-one will care

Have you seen the size of the giant rocks and barrels and all sorts of random gubbinz that people glue to their bases to make their models look more exciting? A small washer won't even make the needle move. Even in the purely technical sense its not modelling for advantage. The models might be slightly higher, but that makes it harder to use cover.

A lot of bases do have stuff underneath providing mounting points for models, however most of the newer plastic kits have plain undersides to their bases.

I paint the sides of my bases to tie them in with the basing/table I use.

And if you are looking to add weights, fishing weights are quite good as they are small, heavy and easy to place.

They look like lead shot that has been split in half - just open them out to look like a butterfly and glue them on

Flinty wrote:A lot of bases do have stuff underneath providing mounting points for models, however most of the newer plastic kits have plain undersides to their bases.

US 25mm's are slotta only, apparently. Some of the US dakkanaughts were telling that they've never seen a non-slotta base.

Generally to weight a base i use a coil of solder (hope its lead free) then seal it by smothering the underside of the base in squadron green putty.

Lead shot ballast is very similar to fishing weights and a lot cheaper.

http://www.leadshotballast.co.uk/

I use it for all my bases except the ones I cast in resin.

I paint the sides of my bases.

I shave 0.1mm from the bottom of the base. I've calculated that over 100,000 shots, that should save me one wound by the advantage of better cover. None of my opponents have ever noticed, so I've got away with it so far.

Good advice everyone! I'm not a fan of using led or fishing weights but might have a look. Seems I might just go for washers we will see but thanks again for the help.

Oh and I'm British but living in US so that explains why I saw hollow bases when I played the game when I was younger and haven't found none slot bases since I've been here. Oh well wonder why that is?