Display base question

[modeller_masa]

(Mantua's display base)

 

I have a small question. I saw some products for the display base, but I don't understand how model ships are mounted on it.

 

I'll print some 3D figures and use them as display bases. Do I need 4 figures to mount a model ship properly?

[popeye2sea]

Figures like these are more like heraldic supporters than mounts.  They are designed to fit up against the ships side and bottom and give some support against the hull tipping over.

 

For the first picture, the tail of the sea horse (or sea Pegasus, I don't have a name for these) fits under or against the keel with the horses mane against the ships side.

In the second picture, the tails of the dolphins (yes, those are heraldic dolphins) rest against the hull.

For the third, the dogs backs go against the hull.

 

Dogs are an interesting choice for ship supporters. Although those look really nice.

 

Regards,

Henry

[modeller_masa]

Thanks for the nice explanation, Henry. I'm considering building HMS Beagle.   I may need to build a custom animal figure with Zbrush.

[Keith_W]

I considered sculpting my own display base with Sculpey and went as far as making one prototype (I need 4). But I decided against it for a few reasons - (1) the model sits too close to the base, I prefer it to look more elevated, (2) I was concerned about the structural integrity of the base and whether it would adequately hold up a model ship without tipping over, and (3) the sheer amount of work required to sculpt 4 stands out of Sculpey. I suppose that 3D printing would solve the problem. 

 

In the end I bent some thick brass rod and soldered it together to support the hull, and drove a hefty bolt into the keel to secure the ship to the base and lock the model to the brass rod support. It is rock solid and does not move. 

Edited November 24, 2023 by Keith_W

[Jaager]

39 minutes ago, modeller_masa said:

I may need to build a custom animal figure

Galapagos finches?

[modeller_masa]

Wow! The viking ship is really impressive!

I thought that 4 beagle dog figures support the hull.  

[Louie da fly]

These will support the ship, but won't fix it firmly to the base - it's only held by gravity so it it could still tip over. You'll need to decide whether that's enough for you or whether you want to ensure that it's impossible for the ship to tip over and come off the base if jolted.

 

Steven 

[davec]

Fixing the model to the base makes packing the model for shipping much easier.  It wasn't something I thought about when I was building my first few models.  I fortunately used pedestals and attached the models to their bases.  I ended up moving from MA to VA, and was able to pack and ship the models without breaking them.  Not something I thought about when building, but all models get moved eventually.

[Jim Rogers]

Here is my Winnie mounted on stands.