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Ill start of with some pics since they show more than words can.

Disclaimer: These pics are not of my own models.






So, heres the issue.
Im building up an old 2nd edition tyranid army since this was my 1st ever army, and i wanted to put a proper amount of time and effort into it, which included decent bases.

So, these bases are solid resin, 25mm round and between 5-10mm deep (depending on the base)

However, i would usually pin a model to them, but;

A: The hormagaunts are metal and have some weight to them, unlike more recent models (heavier metal?)
B: The feet are barely making contact with the base, so it will be a tiny contact point if i tried to pin, which from experience would not be enough.


So, any ideas please or anything i may have over looked?
Im sold on these bases as i have used them on everything so far. but this is the 1st time i have came across this issue.
So any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Those old metal hormagaunts are awful to base.

Your only option really is to pin them into the base as you've already said. The contact point is small, and they are very likely to break off with rough handling. You need to drill as far up the leg as you can to insert the mounting pin. Decent bits and careful work are needed.

What I'd suggest is boring out the bottom of the base with a dremel milling tool (messy job, wear a mask) as much as you can, hooking the pin into the recess then filling that with metal shot (ideally lead as it's heavy) mixed with epoxy of some sort to weight it.

Edit: Even weighted like that they'll be top heavy. Not a lot you can do about it unless you have a friendly caster who can copy the models in resin for you.

Yes, a good solid pin should secure them. For some extra strength, have you considered using a knife to carve into the base a little to make a snug fit for the foot/feet?

That would let you recess the claw a little, which would help with both strength and stability. Since it's a wraithbone look you're going for (at least, I assume), small gouges could look pretty effective.

An alternative on the same theme would be to flatten the foot by trimming away the bottom, as though the claw is dug into the floor a bit. Again, this gives your model a larger contact point.

On a different tack, you could run a pin from the centre of the base directly upwards into the torso/groin. This would help enormously with stability as the centre of gravity would be shifted forward and take strain off the fragile foot/base join. If painted in a neutral colour, or the same as the base, the pin will be largely hidden from view.

Honestly, securing to the base is the lesser part of the battle, they are incredibly badly balanced models. You absolutely will need to put some weight in the base. An alternative might be to get the bases for that unit cast in metal.

Thanks for the input folks

Unfortunately, i cursed myself by having to keep to no model newer than 2nd edition, and i have a fair bit painted and based as it is on these bases. (including 2 more fex's and a tyrant that just arrived in the post)

Im thinking that the dremel will have to come out and ill mix the ideas for this.
May sand the foot slightly for a better contact point, pin and weigh the base.

Alternatively (and this is possibly my madness speaking)
If i were to bore out a section of the top as an indent or a blast hole, would it be feasible to pin the foot in place, then use clear epoxy and fill it slightly one painted?
To give it the effect its running through a puddle maybe?

Hoping that keeps it in place and it will also hold it together.



Not like my usual chunky models where i have done everything from a spot weld to bolting them together or to a base lol.