Base size etiquette for converting

[Karhedron]

If you are converting a model, I presume that you should use the base size that matches the unit entry, rather than the base size of the donor model. Is that correct?

 

I am making a new Marine Bike Captain based on the new Outrider. It would look much better on an Outrider sized base but I am worried some people might complain as it technically makes the Captain's aura bigger. Is there anything official on base sizes these days?

[MegaVolt87]

Nothing I can recall currently, but in the past it was either the stock base or one base size up at most. That's why I have all my power armoured HQ characters on 40mm bases- was 25mm > 40mm back then. I think that conversion is reasonable in my eyes anyway. 

[Marshal Loss]

The official stance is probably to go for the base size that matches the unit entry, but I'd say go for the base that suits the converted model best (in this case, the outrider). If you enter tournaments you'll have to run it by a TO, and it'd polite to inform your opponent about it even in casual play (so if you have regular gaming partners perhaps run it by them first), but I'd never say no to somebody's conversion using whatever base is most appropriate.

[Bryan Blaire]

Another thing you could consider doing is finding a way to incorporate the outline of the "real" base size onto your conversion's base in some "basing appropriate way" - maybe a ring of rubble, rocks, grass, a big piece of slate approximately the base size, etc. - then if it's really an issue for someone, you can measure from that ring.

 

Personally, I think you could get away with the larger base size.

[Karhedron]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I will probably go with the Outrider base as it just looks a bot better with the size of the bike.

[Jalgar]

It does look better and I doubt I would say boo about it if you were across the table from me.

[Tyberos the Red Wake]

Non-Primaris conversions using Primaris parts usually run into this problem since the Primaris models are bigger. What I would do if I were you is to place a pebble or other debris on the base to subtly show where the regular bike base would have been had you used that size instead. No one will be able to tell just by looking at the model, and if anyone complains about the base, you can use the pebble as your measuring guideline.

[Dracos]

Not always, but almost always this kind of concern cracks me up as I find it hard to point out that there is a way you would be modelling for advantage. You have a bigger base so you cover more area but you also have more space for multiple attackers. If you were taller than normal it means you can see to shoot over more terrain but you also can be shot easier also. One size up is meh. Same for almost any Primaris model someone wants to "count as" as Firstborn. 

[Trokair]

As the outriders come with those two slot tabs on the wheels you could potentially have two bases for him, the outrider base where he just slots in, and a older bike base on which you have made appropriate slots.

[Doctor Perils]

How big is the bike compared to the old bases? If your opponent kicks up a fuss you could probably measure from the model itself rather than the base, as a reasonable compromise?

 

That kitbash is looking ace btw :tu:

[Inquisitor Trinity]

On this subject how do people feel about going smaller on base size? If they aren't in gravis armour or terminator armour i stick them on 32mm. So captains, chaplains ect and eliminators all go on 32mm for me. It doesn't make sense to me that a captain in the same armour as an intercessor or tactical marine gets a bigger base. I personally don't care if they're a size up or a size down but i know some people find it annoying.

[Doctor Perils]

Well what kind of setting do you play in? If it's mostly friendly and your opponents are ok with it that's awesome (and how it should be imo). If you're looking at competitive or your opponents aren't ok with it, then it's worth talking it over... Though perhaps you could get away with sticking it on top of a slim cardboard circle cut to the right size with some blue tack for those kinds of games?

[Inquisitor Trinity]

So far i've only played friendly but i do want to do tournaments when that's a thing, but like local area tournaments. Not national. I can get some base extenders to take them from 32 to 40mm and then just bring them along in case the opponent has an issue with it. I'd only need like, 7.

[Syrakul]

I've done lots of counts-as themed conversions in my time (vargeist base models into exalted flamers, verminlord into Lord of Change, Tamiya vehicle into GSC Goliath etc) and in cases with totally different look I was adamant to match base size and even silhouette to legit model. Moving and CC targeting tricks as well as line of sight shenanigans are all reasons 'that guy' could claim conversions for the real thing, Id like my conversions not to be seen as opportunistic, as well as reasonably identifiable to an opponent.

 

I do agree that going up a base size can only harm you overall on the battlefield so not a big deal there. I like the pebble idea where in a pinch the proper size can be identified. (But if some opponent said 'my tank couldve driven by here if your base was correct' then they sound like the jerk so think you are good there)

[Heraclite]

for what it's worth, I recently received the bikes from conquest, and they seem to be on the same kind of bases as the outriders rather than the long straight rounded bases they were advertised on the Conquest whole collection poster

[MaliGn]

I remember when bikes came with a 40mm rectangular cavalry base from fantasy battles that barely fit under their wheels. I also remember that most of the time bikes weren't mounted on bases at all - like vehicles. Frankly I haven't got time for arguing over a base size, I'm putting it on whatever looked right when I built it. If you are going to argue that my aura might be a smidgeon too big or you can't quite squeeze past my model or whatever i'm just not bothered, sure, get past, or no I'll deal with that one model not actually being in the aura that you are insisting I measure to a fraction of a mm. Whatever. It's a game, it's meant to be fun! And it's meant to be played with cool models, so if the model looks cool as you or I built it. Job done.

[Halandaar]

for what it's worth, I recently received the bikes from conquest, and they seem to be on the same kind of bases as the outriders rather than the long straight rounded bases they were advertised on the Conquest whole collection poster

 

Yeah Firstborn bikers have been gradually being reboxed with oval bases ever since the Deathwatch launch, although they are 75x42, whereas Outriders are on 90x52.

 

With ref to the OP, unless you're intending to play tournaments, use the coolest looking base size. I based all my Drukhari infantry on 32mms because the extra room just looked better than their feet hanging over the edges of 25s. Most people won't care.

[Bat33.1]

I based my Ork Boyz on 32mm when they came out for Marines because they looked dumb on 25mm and then whaddya know GW upped the kit bases to 32mm.

 

Go for what looks right you'll be fine and GW will bring out an outrider captain next year and its all good

[Karhedron]

That kitbash is looking ace btw

Thanks, the only hard part was carving the helmet off the hip. Using one of the non-sergeant models would have avoided the problem by they both hold their swords left-handed and most of the cool looking swords are right-handed. I have some plans to bling up the bike a bit before I start painting.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I am going to stick with the oval base because it looks cooler. I haven't played in a tourney for years and I don't see myself finding the time for one before 10th edition comes out. I am pretty sure most of the players at my gaming club won't break a sweat over it.

[Syrakul]

 

for what it's worth, I recently received the bikes from conquest, and they seem to be on the same kind of bases as the outriders rather than the long straight rounded bases they were advertised on the Conquest whole collection poster

 

Yeah Firstborn bikers have been gradually being reboxed with oval bases ever since the Deathwatch launch, although they are 75x42, whereas Outriders are on 90x52.

 

With ref to the OP, unless you're intending to play tournaments, use the coolest looking base size. I based all my Drukhari infantry on 32mms because the extra room just looked better than their feet hanging over the edges of 25s. Most people won't care.

 

Ive got lots of old chaos bikers I'm looking to build, so if the 75 ovals are the new accepted style that's good to know

[Karhedron]

Since everyone has waited so patiently I thought it was only fair for people to see the finished article. Possible a few details here and there to add but he is basically finished now. I ended up raiding both Sanguinary Guard and Assault Terminator sets for extra parts to bling him up appropriately. I am pretty pleased with the way he has turned out. The right arm is magnetised so he can swing a Thunder Hammer instead if the urge takes me.