Choosing A Display Base for your model.

Ok so i want to make a display base for my 1/18 car and was wondering what your thoughts on what would be the best to do.
The car is silver so i`m thing a black base.But i really want it to help the model stand out and even compliment the model if you know what i mean.
Plenty of you guys here have been to more shows than i have...... (1) ,what really stood out for you.I saw some mirrored bases here recently and they looked not to bad.
So what are your thoughts.

take a look at the 49 Merc clutch put in the showroom it has a very impressive base, mirrors and lights !

Cheers will do.

Actually, can I just repost some pics of that Merc? It has to be one of the best mercs I've ever seen-














Then there's Dufasdave's '57 Chev, I reckon it stands out pretty well-




Sorry I don't have any worthwhile advise of my own to contribute towards this post, I'm interested in hearing some other suggestions though, for my own future use

Buy a fishtank and make a base to suit. It's a lot easier than making your own Display cabinet Then just use your imagination on the base colours, patterns etc.

That's what Dad and I do anyway. (plus you don't have to clean them. )

I don't think display bases should be allowed on the tables at shows. Unless they are in the Diorama class.

I've never been to a show before, but why not Zenrat?

zenrat wrote:I don't think display bases should be allowed on the tables at shows. Unless they are in the Diorama class.

Boo, hiss, boo..........

Bring on the bases, it livens up a sea of similarity.

Works on full sized cars too.


Pick a base that highlights the car and suits it theme. I usually display my models on plain bases just to liven things up a bit, and I've built two bases with a bit extra detail(HQ Van and NNL Mustang) which I enter in Diorama catagories because they're more than a base I think.

Space considerations Mopar. Level playing field maybe.

But mainly sour grapes because I don't have one

Maybe i'll construct a special display base for the next time I attend Tumut - 2 foot tall with rotating spotlights, lasers, music and very tiny dancing girls...

Actually, a working motorised rotisserie could be the go...

Go to a trophy shop!! They do those "plaque" thingos, like this:
http://www.aawebmasters.com/p001-2enlarged.jpeg

Get a new one with nothing on it, great starting point, make it a basic diorama from there if you wish. Or go to somewhere like Big W, they have a lot of cheaper photo frames, which can make great bases too. I always look in the oddest places for possible modelling supplies.

zenrat wrote:Maybe i'll construct a special display base for the next time I attend Tumut - 2 foot tall with rotating spotlights, lasers, music and very tiny dancing girls......

Do it, do it, do it!!!! I dare ya!

Go 3 foot tall with a 2 foot square base, spotlights, lasers,music and girls!!!!!! I'm hanging to see it! Make sure it's highlighting a van model though Fred.

At a more "serious" anal type show you mightn't be allowed but I know the bloke that runs the Tumut show and he loves this sort of shaninegon, it's all in good fun and gives everyone something interesting to look at.

Sounds cool, but are you sure that would be wild enough for you Zen? Maybe you could fit in a pool, helicopter pad and bar? Oh don't forget the fog machine

Seeing as it's likely my next visit will be 2014 that gives me nearly 2 years so I might just do it.
I initially thought 3 foot tall but I wanted children and little people (my target electorate) to be able to see the model (and the lego people) so they can vote for it

Helipad? That would be silly. But some lego ladies in a spa (will need a compressed air pump to make bubbles) is a different matter...

Oh, and a big illuminated arrow on the top pointing at the model.

Sounds good to me Oh yes, the arrow is a must have
If nothing else it'll brighten up the loungeroom

When you say little people Fred, you referring to midgets or dwarves?

If anyone can pull off such an elaborate display you can Fred, you may need a trailer to transport it up?

Will it run it's own power supply or do you need a location near a power point? And do we need to get 415v ran into the hall?

Thanks to all who responded,i now have many ideas to work with.
I will show you all what i end up with its the least i can do for all your help.
Buuuttttt it might be a long time before that happens due to being so meticulous with my first model .

By little people I mean anyone shorter than 5' 6".
So that includes dwarves, leprechauns, gnomes, Tezza and my mother and definately excludes Carps*
I'm thinking of running a small atomic pile unless Tumut is a nuclear free zone?



*For those who haven't met him Carps is actually built larger than life - i'd say about 1.2 to 1 scale.