If you're outside the US, Ral Partha Europe has far cheaper shipping than US-based companies. They produce BT-sized plastic hex bases:
http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/battletech-c-1/miniatures-c-1_3/accessories-c-1_3_68/99125-plastic-hex-bases-10-p-1858.htmlAlso, what's the best way to decorate bases?
Thanky!
Welcome to the wonderful world of flocking!
Basics first - we'll come to flock selection later. The simplest method is:
1) Once you've fitted your 'Mech onto the base, with a good glue, then fill the remaining gaps around the edges. I recommend interior crack filler, available from hardware stores; other people use clay, putty, heck you could use playdoh.
2) When the filler's dried, paint it. The colour should loosley match your planned flock, so if you get a thin patch, it's not obvious.
Then, white glue's your friend! Yes, the stuff you used at school, or your kids use. Use an old, cheap brush, and I find a small pot to flock in helpful.
For a simple two-colour flock, 'paint' glue over half the base. Be creative! If there's a 'Mech in the base, don't put glue on the feet.
Then put your hex base in the pot, and sprinkle the flocking over.
Take it out, blow on it to remove any loose flock, and rub your thumb around the edges to clean off any spill. \
Wait until the next day, then do the same for the other flock:
And you're off!
Now as to flock, there's two main choices, and no reason to be forced to only one: bought flock, or found flock.
Bought flock: hobby shops, especially those supporting railway modellers, have tons of specialised flocks available. Short grass, autumn grass, snowfields, etc etc. Games Workshop makes a good range of great flock too. The grass above is GW's "dry grass" from memory.
Found flock: got a building site nearby? Raid piles of clean sand & dirt with a small jar. Sift it to remove bits & insects, let it dry out, break up any clumps, and voila! Beach sand is free, and the clay "dust" from tennis courts is the best Martian surface I've ever found. A small jar or tin - Eclipse mint tins are perfect for surreptitious sampling - will last years.
Even better, got a building supplies place nearby? Go and ask them for some "sample bags" of various sands "for your garden project". You'll end up with several different colours & grades of flock that will last you several decades. The sand on those bases is from a building supplies company.
Heck, I've even used the coffee grounds out of nesspresso capsules:
Pair a simple flock with some bought shrubbery from the hobby store!
Now all these are simple tricks; I'm sure other folks will chip in with their suggestions & advice! And welcome aboard.
W.
