Some time ago I mentioned in a blog post that I was considering flocking the bases of my Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War and Napoleonic collections with natural-coloured cork granules, and over the past few days I have been experimenting with some of the former to see what the end result would look like.
Figures and vehicles with green-painted bases looked like this ...
... and those with cork flocked bases looked like this.
In my opinion the results of this 'experiment' were pretty conclusive ... and it looks as if I'll be spending some time over the next few months flocking the bases of my existing Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War collection.
As to what I will do about my Napoleonic collection ... well, that remains to be decided.
Bob,
ReplyDeleteHave you considered adding some static grass patches?
If you are using the Hexon, the bases will blend in better. I have used a Heki version called "Bunt'. Cannot find pictures but it's close to the Gale Force product but in a bigger bag (and cheaper!). The odd patch here and there looks very nice.
https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery-by-manufacturer/the-army-painter/basing-and-accessories/gale-force-9-scenics/hobby-round-green-static-grass?d=22
Neil
Neil Patterson (Neil),
DeleteThanks for the suggestion.
I was thinking of doing something along those lines to differentiate units within formations (for example, 1st regiment has no grass, 2nd regiment has one patch of grass, 3rd regiment has two patches of grass etc.). Again, it’s something I can experiment with.
All the best,
Bob
I've got a big bag of the same Noch static grass that the Hexon tiles are flocked with. I used it on some (many) plain tiles that I had, but it dobs of it on my brown bases help the figure bases blend into my Hexon and other terrain mats etc.
ReplyDeleteMartin Rapier,
DeleteThanks for the suggestion. As I replied to Neil Patterson’s comment, I think that I’ll experiment with adding some clusters or patches of green static grass to some of the bases.
All the best,
Bob
Hi BOB,
ReplyDeleteSuggestion: I wouldn't use the Granulated Cork - it is better to stick with the Plain Green Painted bases for WW2 ....it IS very Old School and greatly appealing - I've done all my 20mm WW2 British and Germans with 'Antique Green' Bases - the paint is Artist's Acrylic by 'Jo Sonja's'...and it is to my eye just perfect. Granulated Cork looks more suitable for the Sudan- Desert type terrain .....please stick with the Painted Green Bases Bob. Best Wishes. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteThanks for your feedback.
Unfortunately I've already decided to go down the cork granule route ... and I'm a lot happier with the look than I was with the plain green bases. Even Sue commented that they looked better, and its a brave wargamer who doesn't listen to his wife's opinion when she expresses it!
I intend to add some patches of green static grass as well in the future, which will hopefully reduce the sand-like look somewhat.
All the best,
Bob
Bob,
DeleteAs long as you are happy with the Cork Basing then the results are pleasing for you- and that is all that matters. Look forward to seeing the figures in later Battles. Cheers. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteCheers! I am already thinking about reviving my old RED FLAGS & IRON CROSSES rules to use them with.
All the best,
Bob
Bob -
ReplyDeleteEither way looked good - but sometimes one gets an itch one just has to scratch. Flocking does bring out the best in one's soldiery I reckon, and I do like the contrast you had achieved either way. One thing is for sure: you don't want the figures 'disappearing' into the groundcover background. Yours don't.
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteCheers! Thanks for your feedback.
I was once told by a long-time wargamer who is - alas - now dead that an averagely-painted figure on a good base looked better than an exhibition-quality one on a bad base ... and I think that there is more than an element of truth in that.
At present, my green-painted bases work ... but I think that the cork covered ones just have the edge, and that is what I am going to use from now on. I have quite a few figures that are yet to be based, and I'll certainly be basing them on cork-flocked bases.
All the best,
Bob