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Welcome to the on-line home of MaxModels, manufacturers and purveyors of fine resin display bases.
 
I think bases add a lot
to the display of scale models.  They add a sense of context as well as scale.  To me a model just looks better on a base than just sitting on a shelf or show table.
 
I almost always make bases for my models, and while it's often fun and another creative way to enjoy the hobby, I've also been frustrated over the years with the display bases available commercially...there are just times when I'd rather not re-invent the wheel.  
 
I recently stumbled across a way to do a good job of replicating concrete for a base, and after thinking on it, realized it would probably be easy to replicate in resin.  So, with the help of a couple of people who have been at this a whole lot longer than I, I bought some starter kits of RTV and resin and embarked on the learning process.

The main reason for molding them in resin is the amount of flexibility it allows you, the individual modeler.  There are printed cardboard options out there.  But you're limited to how that manufacturer thinks they should be colored and weathered.  

With a base from MaxModels, you can choose what shade to you want the concrete to be.  I've seen concrete in shades ranging from a darkish gray through light gray, as well as various shades of tan, even tending towards a pinkish hue.  What color concrete you want to replicate is entirely up to you.

You can choose how prominantly you want the crack and joints to show.  A light, or no wash to keep them subtle, or some preshading and a heavy wash to really make them pop.  Or anywhere in between.  Like panel lines on models, the texture, joint lines, and cracks on my bases are a bit overscale.  But if they weren't, they wouldn't show up.  If you want to tone them down, they can easily be filled in as much as you want.  Additional craking and pitting can also be incorporated with simple modeling tools.

Oil and other fluid stains?  Again, all up to you.  Add some oil and fuel stains with artist's oils.  Want to model a scene right after a rain shower?  Easy to do with some future or clear casting resin.  Want to add some ground work where I didn't?  Just build the area up with some epoxy putty, acrylic gel medium, plaster, celluclay or anything else you want; and finish as you like.

The possibilities are almost endless.  I provide a relatively blank canvas for you to finish as your imagination sees it.

The first 6 bases were debuted at the 2011 IPMS USA Nationals, where they seemed to be pretty well received. Or perhaps everyone was just being polite!
 
The bases are now available for purchase at MidTenn Hobbies.
 
And check back here from time to time to see what's new!
 
Mike Moore
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