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The title says it all folks. I have recently seen several people field their Dunecrawler's without a base and it got me wondering if that was even something you could do. Since the model is supplied with a base, it seems like a requirement that it should be field on a base of that size. But since the Dunecrawler is a walker and ignore dangerous terrain, does that make a difference? It certainly would in CC or with blast weapons. What are your thoughts on the issue?

I would field it on the base cuz it would protect the miniature's legs. Technically, they would have to field it on a base, as there was no iteration of the Dunecrawler that didn't come with a base (the Soulgrinder, which is probably where they're getting this idea from, wasn't packaged with a base on release).

Technically though, vehicles don't need bases as aside from assault they usually measure from the hull. Still though, I say they should, but I wouldn't force it on someone who doesn't want to (although if he cares about the tactical value of half an inch the base gives, I doubt he'd be a very pleasant person to play against).

From 'Models and Base Sizes':

"The rules in this book assume that models are mounted on the base they are supplied with."

That's not really an explicit or strict requirement, but it's probably best to mount it on the base it is supplied with.

 MechaEmperor7000 wrote:
I would field it on the base cuz it would protect the miniature's legs. Technically, they would have to field it on a base, as there was no iteration of the Dunecrawler that didn't come with a base (the Soulgrinder, which is probably where they're getting this idea from, wasn't packaged with a base on release).

Technically though, vehicles don't need bases as aside from assault they usually measure from the hull. Still though, I say they should, but I wouldn't force it on someone who doesn't want to (although if he cares about the tactical value of half an inch the base gives, I doubt he'd be a very pleasant person to play against).

I kept mine off of its base simply because I love the movable legs. Not because of tactical value but because I just feel it adds to the charm of the model that its pose changes over the game.

It's worth bringing up that the rules are a set of guidelines to play by, and outside of a strict competitive setting should be treated as subject to house rules. I doubt most people would have a problem with you forgoing the base, but be ready to deal with "well that's where the base would be" coming up every so often when it gets assaulted, because you're effectively changing the unit's size by getting rid of it.

So it's actually up to you, just be mindful of the consequences of your choices.

I play mine without the base for easier storage and to keep the legs movable. I allow some wiggle room for charge ranges since it does have a slightly smaller footprint without the base, but other than that the base is irrelevant.

Mine are on its bases

Also check out the "Walkers and Measuring" rules on pg90 of the BRB. Not all Walkers come with bases, and the rules tell you what to do in that case.

 GoonBandito wrote:
Also check out the "Walkers and Measuring" rules on pg90 of the BRB. Not all Walkers come with bases, and the rules tell you what to do in that case.

Doesn't the Skitarii Dunecrawler come with a base though?

If so that rule does not apply.

Thats why I fielded the question. It does make a difference as the base is quite large. It seems to me that fielding it off of the base is more advantageous in most respects as it isn't model you would find charging often. Idk how I feel about them off of the base. I think its a little shady but I can certainly understand the reasons why people choose to model them that way. Storage alone on the base is difficult, has anyone dealt with this a tournament where a ruling was made?

 DeathReaper wrote:

 GoonBandito wrote:
Also check out the "Walkers and Measuring" rules on pg90 of the BRB. Not all Walkers come with bases, and the rules tell you what to do in that case.

Doesn't the Skitarii Dunecrawler come with a base though?

If so that rule does not apply.

Yes it does - that page tells you that if the Walker has a base, measure to the base (except for shooting attacks by the Walker). If it doesn't have a base, you use the hull of the Walker for measurements like you do as for a Vehicle. Since the Dunecrawler comes with a base, the first part of the rule would apply.

HIWPI though, if you choose not to have a base for aesthetic reasons you just use the 2nd part of the rule. Since it applies both ways (eg its a downside if you were trying to charge something, since you'll need that extra little bit of distance to make base contact, or measuring range to an Objective or something) I can't see it making any huge difference.

From 'Models and Base Sizes' (pg. 9):

The rules in this book assume that models are mounted on the base they are supplied with.

Where do the rules give me the option to leave off a base, for 'aesthetic reasons' or any other reason?

They don't, hence why I said HIWPI...

Mainly because I don't think it makes a huge difference. And also because Walkers like Defilers and Soul Grinders don't come with bases and they aren't hugely different to Dunecrawlers in terms of how you would measure to them.