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So, I have a tonne of the new Jetbikes. And I have the GW city scape battle board. I am literally sick to death of trying to balance these damn new bike bases on the board. I have bikes falling over all over the place. So, I have an idea to mount all the current bases on 40mm plastic bases. It gives them a slightly bigger foot print. Not as big as the old bike stands. But hopefully big enough to stop all this silly falling over.

What I want to know is, would this be allowed and acceptable? Especially at tournaments. I figure that because it's smaller than the old bike stands it wouldn't be a problem, and from a gaming stand point I think there is no advantage at all but trying to see if there's anything I've missed.

The rules assume models are based on the bases they are supplied with, but have allowance for unusually sized bases that use models of a similar type and size as guidance. Personally I'm giving serious consideration to mounting mine on the 60mm clear bases that Dark Eldar Raiders come with, for stability.

I've managed to pick up 30 40mm plastic ones for very very cheap. So I'm going to try that first.

Yeah, I just like the wider clear bases, and think they fit well with the 'models of a similar type and size' guideline with Vypers also using them.

Yeah. Definitely makes sense. It's my next go to if the 40mm doesn't work. I figure that they're only slightly bigger though so should be ok rules wise.

I personally wouldn't have an issue gaming against them modeled on the 40mm bases, I don't think it would make much difference.

I used 40mm for mine and played many a tourney and never had an issue.

Fill the underside of the base with something heavy and they'll stand up better.

Yeah that was my plan.

I mounted my screamers on a similarly sized base and it looks fine.

Although I do have to point out that the clear round base is actually about the same size as the new 32mm "Space Marine" bases, or so I've heard.

I'd use it as an early warning sign that you won't enjoy a game anyway if someone complains about a discrepancy of a few millimeters in base size.

 SlaveToDorkness wrote:
I'd use it as an early warning sign that you won't enjoy a game anyway if someone complains about a discrepancy of a few millimeters in base size.

I completely agree, but I'm planning on taking them to tournaments. So I want to make sure they're OK for that.

As always with tournaments, it will come down to the organisers of the specific event, but the basic rules have you covered so long as you have something of a similar type with your desired base:

"The rules in this book assume that models are mounted on the base they are supplied with. Sometimes, a player may have models in his collection on unusually modelled bases. Some models aren’t supplied with a base at all. In these cases (which are, in all fairness, relatively few and far between), you should always feel free to mount the model on a base of appropriate size if you wish, using models of a similar type as guidance."

 MechaEmperor7000 wrote:
Although I do have to point out that the clear round base is actually about the same size as the new 32mm "Space Marine" bases, or so I've heard.

I've always been of the opinion that modelling base sizes upwards is usually a detriment to the owning player - ie a 32mm to 40mm base change as it is in this case means that horde armies can get more models in base to base contact with the jetbikes, which means more attacks all around in combat. I'm sure there are examples when this works in favour of the model with the larger base being able to kill more models in combat, but jetbikes are hardly the first models that spring to mind.

I mount mine on 30mm resin bases and weight them, which increases stability greatly.

 Raichase wrote:

 MechaEmperor7000 wrote:
Although I do have to point out that the clear round base is actually about the same size as the new 32mm "Space Marine" bases, or so I've heard.

I've always been of the opinion that modelling base sizes upwards is usually a detriment to the owning player - ie a 32mm to 40mm base change as it is in this case means that horde armies can get more models in base to base contact with the jetbikes, which means more attacks all around in combat. I'm sure there are examples when this works in favour of the model with the larger base being able to kill more models in combat, but jetbikes are hardly the first models that spring to mind.

One instance where a bigger base is a good thing is if you're up against template or blast weapons. Especially Small Blast Weapons. On bigger bases a lot less models will be hit. Another one would be to claim objectives; bigger bases will mean that the coherency rules lets you "spread out" your units more. While the individual distance increase is negligible (it'd be measured in milimeters) these do add up if the unit is big enough, which is why if anyone showed up with a bunch of guardsmen only on 40mms or, god forbid, 60mm, I will slap them in the face. (A few for scenic purposes though are ok)

On a side note, from what I'm hearing GW is making the following changes regarding bases (at least for Infantry)

2+ Sv - 40 mm
3+ Sv - 32 mm
4+ Sv or worse - 25 mm

I score the life out of the underside of the clear bases to give them some friction. It helps stop them falling over.

 Happyjew wrote:
On a side note, from what I'm hearing GW is making the following changes regarding bases (at least for Infantry)

2+ Sv - 40 mm
3+ Sv - 32 mm
4+ Sv or worse - 25 mm

A lot of models would violate this rule, since Tyranid Warriors, Grotesques, unarmored Ork Warbosses, Ogryns and such all have 4+ or worse armor saves but are on 40mms or 50mms. And Necron Warriors, who have a 4+ save, are on 32mms too. I think it's more due to which model would look better on which base, since Necron Warriors and Space marines always looked like they were standing on the edge of the old 25mms, whereas now they look more like they're on a proper base.

 MechaEmperor7000 wrote:
One instance where a bigger base is a good thing is if you're up against template or blast weapons. Especially Small Blast Weapons. On bigger bases a lot less models will be hit. Another one would be to claim objectives; bigger bases will mean that the coherency rules lets you "spread out" your units more. While the individual distance increase is negligible (it'd be measured in milimeters) these do add up if the unit is big enough, which is why if anyone showed up with a bunch of guardsmen only on 40mms or, god forbid, 60mm, I will slap them in the face. (A few for scenic purposes though are ok)

Excellent points - I think common sense will apply in most cases though. You're not wrong about guard models on 40mm bases though, that's just asking for a walk-off!