Base sizes for models

[Maximumwarp]

I have a Forgeworld XV-89 that I want to use to represent a commander with Iridium armor. The potential problem I see is that he uses a 60mm base, whereas other battlesuits normally use the 45mm. My question is this: how critical is base size for a model like this? I think it would actually be a hinderance more than a help, so opponents may not cry
foul, especially in just a friendly game. If I did it in a tournament they would probably object, however. I welcome your insights below.

[Pssyche]

First and foremost. Games Workshop don't make 45mm Bases, they make 40mm Bases.

Secondly, the BRB page 9 has the Rules for Base Size.

The Rules assume your models are mounted on the base they came with then cites two rare instances where you might not use an original base.
First is if your model is on an unusually modelled Base.
Second is if it never came with a base to begin with.
Ask yourself.
Have you modeled it an unusual base? No.
Did it come with a Base? Yes.
So, why not put it on the base it came with?


Of course, you ccould put it on whatever takes your fancy.
But I wouldn't be happy with you putting a model supplied with a 60mm Base onto one 20mm (2/3rds diameter) smaller.
Or put another way a base that has an area 44.444%, less than half, of the size of the base it was supplied with.

[Maximumwarp]

First and foremost. Games Workshop don't make 45mm Bases, they make 40mm Bases.

Secondly, the BRB page 9 has the Rules for Base Size.

The Rules assume your models are mounted on the base they came with then cites two rare instances where you might not use an original base.
First is if your model is on an unusually modelled Base.
Second is if it never came with a base to begin with.
Ask yourself.
Have you modeled it an unusual base? No.
Did it come with a Base? Yes.
So, why not put it on the base it came with?


Of course, you ccould put it on whatever takes your fancy.
But I wouldn't be happy with you putting a model supplied with a 60mm Base onto one 20mm (2/3rds diameter) smaller.
Or put another way a base that has an area 44.444%, less than half, of the size of the base it was supplied with.
40mm...my bad. I've been away from the hobby for a while, and couldn't remember off the top of my head. The main reason I was asking was bc it's a Forgeworld model, and I would be using it as a regular codex entry. Your explanation makes sense though, and that's kindof what I figured, I just wanted to get a feel for what people thought about it, such as if you saw a model with a base one size larger than normal, would you take issue with it? I know going smaller is an issue (such as the OLD old Termies on the small bases vs. the newer, larger bases)

[rgrmaddog]

I would not care.

[DWest]

40mm...my bad. I've been away from the hobby for a while, and couldn't remember off the top of my head. The main reason I was asking was bc it's a Forgeworld model, and I would be using it as a regular codex entry. Your explanation makes sense though, and that's kindof what I figured, I just wanted to get a feel for what people thought about it, such as if you saw a model with a base one size larger than normal, would you take issue with it? I know going smaller is an issue (such as the OLD old Termies on the small bases vs. the newer, larger bases)
The XV-89 is still a model of Crisis Suit, I don't see any reason why there would be a problem with it being on 40mm.

A bit of trivia with going to a *larger* base size- there is a unit in the 5th edition Space Wolves book, Canis Wolfborn, who explicitly forbids you in his unit entry from placing the model on a larger base; this is because he has an option to take 1 attack on each model in base contact with him. Outside of that, however, I don't recall any specific problems with larger bases. Personally, I tend to bulk up the bases of Space Marine characters, to 30mm for regulars/45mm for Terminators; this is done to create a slight buffer on account of the models usually having impressive melee weapons in heroic poses, which tend to get fouled on other models if they get pushed in.

[Maximumwarp]

The XV-89 comes with the size larger than the regular crisis suits. Regular suits go on Termie bases, this guy has the dreadnought size base. Good call on that Canis Wolfborn example though!

[Pssyche]

Mount it on whatever you like, it's your prerogative.
But all the Forge World Crisis Suits come on 60mm bases, I don't see the issue as to why anybody would use a different sized base.

As for not caring about size discrepancy, I think 44.44% is a HUGE difference, rgrmaddog.

I'd bet you'd care in the shooting phase if you rolled ten hits and your opponent said "That's 4 Hits mate, rounding off to the nearest whole number of course".
Or rolled a successful Scatter to hit one of your Units with a Small Blast and then produced a Large Blast marker to nail everybody in your Unit saying "Well, I really prefer this marker. I think it suits my army better, don't you think?"

[Maximumwarp]

To clarify, I am mounting my XV-89 on its included 60mm base, but using him to represent an XV-88 commander with Iridium Armor.

[MajorWesJanson]

I've found the GW 40mm bases and FW's 60mm bases for crisis suits to be poor fits. The new 50mm Centurion bases are perfect. Big enough to keep the model stable and allow for more dynamic posing, but without the massive space that the 60mm takes up.