Manufacturers of Scenic Bases

[Todd]

There was some discussion in another thread about scenic bases (http://wyrd-games.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27905.) Jack mentioned that it might be nice to have a list base manufacturers. Here are a few I've bookmarked since getting into Malifaux. I've limited it to suppliers of 30mm+ round lipped bases. Feel free to add to the list, or even expand on specific manufacturer's offerings.

Wyrd Miniatures (duh). Look out for the new Ghost Town bases. I haven't seen any discussion of them here on the forums, but I found some images of them in certain online stores. They look amazing!

http://wyrd-games.net/shop/ACCESSORIES/

Aetherworks (AU)- Simple textured styrene base inserts. Nothing you couldn't make yourself with some textured styrene, xacto/scoring tool, circle template, and some patience. Fairly traditional textures and themes (cobblestone, flagstone, brick, wood planking). Extremely clean and simple. Their wood texture is un-distressed, perfect for a Showgirls crew.

http://store.aetherworks.com.au/index.php?cPath=176_177

Armorcast (US)- These guys have been making resin terrain forever. Unfortunately, they offer a seriously disappointing selection of 30mm bases (Broken Tile, Industrial, Stone Outcropping). On the other hand, the line of cinematic effects they're producing more than makes up for their failings when it comes to bases. Pretty much any type/size balistic effect, explosion, energy blast, whatever- they've got a bit for it.

http://armorcast.com/store/index.php?cPath=124_59&osCsid=9321d406d881416a94a4321096982411

Back 2 Base-ix (AU)- Quality looking line of bases, suffering somewhat from lack of interesting themes (Industrial, Timber, Slate, Random Tile, Forest, Dungeon Stone Dirt, Checkerplate). Their Forest bases look fantastic. Its a little disappointing that the rest of their line doesn't have the same level of character, they obviously have a skilled sculptor(s). The Timber bases look like they have a stylized wood grain similar to Wyrd's new Ghost town bases, and might fit in well. Industrial are a little too sci-fi for Malifaux. Many sculpts per theme (10x@30mm). For the seriously modelling impaired they offer Dirt bases (exciting ).

http://www.back2base-ix.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=4

Basicks

http://basicks.eu/shop/index.php?id_category=5&controller=category&id_lang=1

Black Cat Bases

http://blackcatbases.com/

Dark Age (US?)- Small selection of bases, with a few specifically well suited to Malifaux (Ice Flat, Industrial, Clear Ice, Frigid Barrens, Swampland, Woodland, and Crystals). They've got all your Rasputina needs covered, check out Frigid Barrens, Ice Flat, and Clear Ice. Swamplands for Goblin or Zoraida crews (might fit in ok with the Wyrd versions). Crystals are the sleeper hit of the bunch (think M&SU crew at work in a SS mine). Two drawbacks- price ($2+ per 30mm), and limited variety of sculpts (3 per theme at 30mm). Ice bases with clear resin is a neat gimmick, but is it worth $3+ per insert?

http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/dark-age-games/accessories

Dragon Forge (US)- Large selection, lots of the classics (too many to list here). Nothing too fancy, but not boring either. Several that fit well in Malifaux. Noteworthy themes include Cobblestone, Urban Rubble, Desert Wasteland, Wasteland II, Trenchboards, and Ice Kingdoms. Subtle Victorian/Steampunk flavor- Cobblestone for Malifaux Streets, Urban Rubble for the Quarantine Zones (look for the cog bits). Desert Wasteland, Wasteland II, and Trenchboards are all suitable for any Guild or Badland inhabiting crews. I'm not usually impressed by desert bases (too easy to make yourself) but, the Desert Wasteland set has a nice mix of sand and slate bits with a bone here and there. Wasteland II is similar, but with cogs and scrap instead (Outcasts). Ice Kingdoms are a less detailed but inexpensive substitute for Rasputina players that can't afford those beautiful Dark Age bases. Many sculpts (10x@30mm). Low Prices.

http://dragonforge.com/Painting%20service/for%20sale/gaming_bases.htm

Epicast

http://www.epicast.com/epicast/nfoscomm/catalog/

Evil Mushroom Games (UK)- Slate and Crystals, that is all. Check out the terrain section for some Giant Crystals/Crystal Formations that might make decent ice pillars for Rasputina.

http://www.evilmushroomgames.com/resin_bases1.htm

Fat Spider Casting

http://www.fatspider.co.uk/shop/category_7/Bases.html?shop_param=cid%3D%26

Fenris Games (UK -Ebay)- Decent sized range of both simple and detailed textures (Cobblestone, Flagstone, Fieldstone, Temple, Dungeon Floor, Graveyard, Floorboard, Ocean Shore, Woodland). They seem to offer the most individual sculpts per theme (12 per theme at 30mm). Very Affordable (30mm-12 bases for just under 5 pounds +shipping). Not sure if this has an impact on quality, have to see them in person first (others comments here have all been positive). Interestingly, they also offer some of their themes in a chamfer version (not quite 40k style, imagine the Malifaux bases with an angled lip rather than round). Ebay only.

http://www.fenrisgames.com/

Fiendish Fabrications

http://www.fiendishfabrications.com.au/html/solid_earth_bases.html

Forgecraft Games

http://www.forgecraftgames.com/catalog/

Ironhalo

http://www.ironhalo.net/store/catalog/

Kerr & King

http://www.kerrandking.co.uk/

Malcontent (UK- Ebay)- These bases look terrific! Actually, I can't decide if the bases are as awesome as they seem, or if its just the stylish presentation. I'm eager to see this sculptor spending more time cranking out new bases (40mm and 50mm too please), and less time on graphic design . Limited line right now, but perfect themes for Malifaux (Bamboo for Kirai, Sewer for Hamelin, Boardwalk for everyone). An actual Malifaux player, making Malifaux bases right. Check out his blog. Go on ebay and buy his bases before he realizes he's not charging enough.

http://the-dark-templar.blogspot.com/2011/09/malcontent-preview.html

Micro Art Studio

http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/battle-bases-c-3.html

Model Display Products

http://www.modeldisplayproducts.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=38_50

PG Scenics

http://www.pgscenics.co.uk/store/index.php/bases.html

PK-Pro

http://www.pk-pro.de/index.php?page=categorie&cat=10

Scibor (Poland)- Incredible detail, but mostly historic themes not really at home on a Malifaux table. At 30mm, only a couple of themes are offered (Ancient Ruins, Celtic Ruins). Very tall (not for games that use true line of sight). A few of their larger bases might make for good show pieces, but not ideal for basing an entire crew.

http://sciborminiatures.com/en_,shop.php?group=73

Secret Weapon (US)- Relatively conservative line of round lip bases (Bone Fields, Blasted Wetlands, Iron Deck, Urban Streets, Urban Rubble, Flagstone, Trenchworks, Desert Mesa). Nothing particularly stands out in relation to Malifaux. Blasted Wetlands could make good bayou bases by adding some foliage (a less stylized alternative to the Wyrd ones). The Bone Fields bases are low profile, and chock full of bone bits- possible corpse counters?

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=index&zenid=cilefdhf212png8jfm76lq9kj7

Taban Miniatures (?)- Scrap Bases/Counters!

http://www.taban-miniatures.com/shop2/index.php?cPath=48_55&osCsid=b6c27d58c2fa8bdaf4e16286b0a28e4b

Tabletop-Art

http://www.tabletop-art.de/Miniaturen-Basen

War Cast Studios

http://www.warcaststudios.com/home

Edited October 22, 2013 by Todd

[Todd]

This would also be a good place to rate or review any bases you've had actual experience with.

[Mirarii]

Here I go with another thewarstore plug! If you live in the US and are worried about shipping from some of the foreign companies, thewarstore has a lot of these brands and cheap shipping.

Also, I can attest to Micro Art Studio making great bases. I used their 30mm ancient base for my Kaeris crew and it looks great!

[Borzag]

You forgot one: Iron Halo.

https://ironhalo.net/

Very popular for Ramos players for some reason

[diehard]

@Todd - Ghost Town Bases? Images? Where?

Oh, and nice move on the base list there.

[Todd]

You forgot one: Iron Halo.

https://ironhalo.net/

Very popular for Ramos players for some reason

Thanks, I added it to the list!

@Todd - Ghost Town Bases? Images? Where?

Oh, and nice move on the base list there.

Here...

30MM

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80395

40MM

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80396

50mm

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80397

Looks like they're scheduled for release in February. Very nice, might even be my all time favorites.

Edited January 9, 2012 by Todd

[diehard]

Thanks for the links Todd. Was totally unaware of their existence, but I really like those. Now which crew to use them on. Hmmmmmm.......

[Todd]

I've decided to add descriptions and a relevant list of content for each site. Right now, these are purely based on the images provided by the manufacturer. Please let me know if you think I missed something important (i.e.- Site X has terrific Ramos bases).

Also, I don't want to misrepresent any of these products if I can help it. If you don't agree with a comment I've made in their description, I will change it, or at the very least add your opinion to the entry.

This is a work in process, and will take some time. Hell, I could lose interest half way through and never finish.

[Borzag]

I've decided to add descriptions and a relevant list of content for each site. Right now, these are purely based on the images provided by the manufacturer. Please let me know if you think I missed something important (i.e.- Site X has terrific Ramos bases).

Also, I don't want to misrepresent any of these products if I can help it. If you don't agree with a comment I've made in their description, I will change it, or at the very least add your opinion to the entry.

This is a work in process, and will take some time. Hell, I could lose interest half way through and never finish.

All good I know the guys that run Aetherworks, and that's not a bad description. If you like, I might be able to get some pics of their bases painted and ready to go (for Turelio's Pandora crew).

Anyway, remembered another one: Fiendish Fabrications.

http://www.fiendishfabrications.com.au/index.html

I'm using their "The Boards" bases for some of my Showgirls. They're a pretty clean cast; a few bubbles on the underside but nothing major on the detail surface. Not bad all in all.

[Todd]

Poll:

Theme, Texture, or Baseway?

Which sounds better when describing various bases?

[Todd]

All good I know the guys that run Aetherworks, and that's not a bad description. If you like, I might be able to get some pics of their bases painted and ready to go (for Turelio's Pandora crew).

That would be great! Post them when you can. My goal is to pile as much information concerning base manufacturers into this thread as possible (discussion, reviews, descriptions, specific relevance to Malifaux, images, etcetera). I'm going to keep editing the original post, adding descriptions/links, but will try to keep it simple. Meanwhile, I'd like everyone to pitch in their two cents.

Anyway, remembered another one: Fiendish Fabrications.

http://www.fiendishfabrications.com.au/index.html

Added FF to the list, thanks!

Edited January 9, 2012 by Todd

[Borzag]

Poll:

Theme, Texture, or Baseway?

Which sounds better when describing various bases?

I'd be inclined to say Theme. Because of the nature of pre-manufactured bases, they're usually built up mini-dioramas.

Also, I've got some Fenris bases. No drop in quality due to price. I'll throw some pics up in the next day or two (note: they're Street bases for Pulp City, not any sort of horror/western for Malifaux).

[goblyn13]

The micro-art bases are very good, especially the power plant bases (for Ramos), however the problem is that they are incredibly busy, making it difficult to put a model on the base, in many cases you'll actually have to sand down a flat enough area in order to place the model on the base.

[Borzag]

The micro-art bases are very good, especially the power plant bases (for Ramos), however the problem is that they are incredibly busy, making it difficult to put a model on the base, in many cases you'll actually have to sand down a flat enough area in order to place the model on the base.

I've found this to be a fairly common thing actually; case in point being Back2Base-ix's forest floor bases (kinda hard to put a mini on the base when there's a log lying across it).

It's usually the rubble and natural bases that are the main culprits; Micro Arts is unusual in that their high tech bases do this as well (I also went for these with Ramos). There are flat parts on them, but less than you'd think.

[mistycalla71]

"Themed would be a good choice for listing by design. Would like to mention that with a little work 25mm can be fitted into hollowed out plain 30mm. I mentioned this because several sites only have 25mm or the number of 30mm in a set half as many for your purchase, so don't limit your search. I bought form several sites on the list( Fenris, Ironhalo, Microstudio, Darkage, to list a few.) Hands down the best quality to quanity value hands down is Fenris. Their selection to good and their goods are solid in design and material( one of the hardest to drill) but others I have found to be bit too soft-lost a lot of cog detail to brittleness on my Ironhalo Dues EX Machina, otherwise beatiful bases.

[dsmiles]

I've bought from Wyrd (of course), Micro Art Studio, and Black Cat Bases. I've loved all three companies, thus far, though the upcoming release of the Ghost Town base inserts is kind of upsetting. (Where were you when I was basing my Family?!?!?!)

[Malcontent]

Malcontent (UK- Ebay)- These bases look terrific! Actually, I can't decide if the bases are as awesome as they seem, or if its just the stylish presentation. I'm eager to see this sculptor spending more time cranking out new bases (40mm and 50mm too please), and less time on graphic design . Limited line right now, but perfect themes for Malifaux (Bamboo for Kirai, Sewer for Hamelin, Boardwalk for everyone). An actual Malifaux player, making Malifaux bases right. Check out his blog. Go on ebay and buy his bases before he realizes he's not charging enough.

http://the-dark-templar.blogspot.com/2011/09/malcontent-preview.html

Thanks for the kind words. I may not have a professional set up here yet – it's a hobby still not a business – but I'm a perfectionist so won't send out stuff that I wouldn't use myself, and I'm quite fussy. In addition I often send out bonus bases that I consider 'seconds' with multi-base orders in case they can be used (as opposed to going in the bin!). The gratifying thing is that I'm getting a lot of repeat customers, so read into that what you will.

Also wanted to add that I am a Graphic Designer by trade so the visuals took only minutes – I'm just that good

There is already a 50mm Bamboo base on Ebay, 40mm coming soon plus some 30mm variations and a 50mm Sewer.

[Absolution Black]

The micro-art bases are very good, especially the power plant bases (for Ramos), however the problem is that they are incredibly busy, making it difficult to put a model on the base, in many cases you'll actually have to sand down a flat enough area in order to place the model on the base.

I can agree to this but on the whole they are usually fine and very beautiful bases. I use mostly Microart for my malifaux figures, the worst culprits i've found for the clutter on bases are the Ancient range.

I also have cobble and floorboard bases from Fenris games...would recommend them too.

[dsmiles]

Black Cat Bases also has a great selection of accessory sprues. And grab bags of accessories! Minimum 100 bits for 18GBP? Not bad, considering you get 6-9 bits for around $10.00 here in the US.

[Guild Monkee]

Malcontent (UK- Ebay)- These bases look terrific! Actually, I can't decide if the bases are as awesome as they seem, or if its just the stylish presentation. I'm eager to see this sculptor spending more time cranking out new bases (40mm and 50mm too please), and less time on graphic design . Limited line right now, but perfect themes for Malifaux (Bamboo for Kirai, Sewer for Hamelin, Boardwalk for everyone). An actual Malifaux player, making Malifaux bases right. Check out his blog. Go on ebay and buy his bases before he realizes he's not charging enough.

http://the-dark-templar.blogspot.com/2011/09/malcontent-preview.html

I got some of the sewer bases and they're good. I was a bit dubious about ordering them as they seemed a bit too cheap to be any good but I was pleasantly surprised (not charging enough almost made me not buy but I'm glad I did!).

I normally order Fenris (great range and pretty cheap), Scibor (awesome detail but costly) or Microart Studios (nice but mini placement can be a pain). Other than Scibor that are in a league of their own (in both quality and cost), there's really not much between the others.

[Inquisitor Wall]

These guys also make pretty nice bases. The bamboo was something unique. They are very nice quality bases as well.

http://www.warcaststudios.com/home

[Todd]

Thanks for the kind words. I may not have a professional set up here yet – it's a hobby still not a business – but I'm a perfectionist so won't send out stuff that I wouldn't use myself, and I'm quite fussy. In addition I often send out bonus bases that I consider 'seconds' with multi-base orders in case they can be used (as opposed to going in the bin!). The gratifying thing is that I'm getting a lot of repeat customers, so read into that what you will.

Also wanted to add that I am a Graphic Designer by trade so the visuals took only minutes – I'm just that good

There is already a 50mm Bamboo base on Ebay, 40mm coming soon plus some 30mm variations and a 50mm Sewer.

No problem. I look forward to seeing the new stuff.

These guys also make pretty nice bases. The bamboo was something unique. They are very nice quality bases as well.

http://www.warcaststudios.com/home

Thanks, its on the list now!

[Todd]

Black Cat Bases also has a great selection of accessory sprues. And grab bags of accessories! Minimum 100 bits for 18GBP? Not bad, considering you get 6-9 bits for around $10.00 here in the US.

I'm glad you mentioned that. Of course, scenic accessories can be an important part of the basing/finishing of a model. Once all the manufacturer's entries have at least a brief blurb about their bases, I'd like to go back and expand on the ones who offer the type of useful bits Black Cat does. I went ahead and mentioned Armorcast's cinematic effects because that's the main thing they have going for them right now.

[Todd]

Finally pulled the trigger on some cobblestone bases from Fenris. Got them in the mail the other day, and they look great. I went ahead and ordered enough for my entire Hamelin Crew. I'll definitely order more for the rest of my outcasts once I purchase them (may even pick up some of their woodland bases).

I was skeptical, but it seems there are actually twelve different sculpts in the 30mm size, 8 in the 40mm, and 6 in the 50mm. They are well cast, very few bubbles, no flash. The base bottoms required a little sanding to flatten them out, but that was it. They are on the plain side, but that's what I was looking for. I'll be adding scenic bits to them myself, they'll serve as a good starting point for that. Also, they have an easy texture to copy when making terrain. However, if you're looking for more character, you may want to go with the Wyrd or Micro Art cobblestone bases.

My one complaint is that they came with a flyer advertising their buy three get one free sale through the end of January. I received them on February 1st. *grr*

The ebay checkout overcharged on shipping, but I didn't even notice it (not accustomed to pounds). Fenris saw the mistake and corrected it before I even realized what happened. Shipping from the UK to North Carolina (US) took just over a week. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase.

I will try to get some pics posted once I have time to paint a couple.

[Turelio]

OK, I kept running into things which took up my time from posting some examples, but here are a few of the Aetherworks bases painted up with models on them:

Flagstone inserts:

Not inserted, stuck to the top of a GW base and smoothed out

Cobblestones:

Also, I got them to custom cut some tiled plasticard for me to do the rest of my Neverborn crew to match what I had already:

(Not the best picture to view the base)

This is what they match up with (This is one of the old ones hand cut with a circle tool, but the thought of doing a dozen or so of these inserts hurt my hand thinking about it...)