Opinions please WGF Plastic Stands

[Walter Nowotny]

I am using Corsec Engineering Bases for my WoW minis. I was introduced to them at our local Game shop. I really like the way they use the telescopic rod to change altitude VS. using tiny plastic pegs. It adds a new dimension to the game.
If you look at any wings Plane card you will see that the firing arc is a different tone and easily seen. The Ares plastic bases nor the Corsec ones do not have this feature. They just have lines. Some of the guys have trouble seeing the firing arc so I decided to run a little experiment. I painted one of them with transparent red to highlight the firing arc. Please let me know your opinions as I am on the fence right now about which way I should go. They clearly mark the arc without a doubt, but are they too distracting? Thanks to all in advance for your advice & Opinions!

[Nightbomber]

I own many of AA universal bases which are way better then the originals (easier pick-up and dials). Just used permanent marker to colour red the engraved bases' lines. They are superb.

Below is a shot of one of our games.

[matt56]

I have no problem seeing the original white lines delineating the arc, but if the 'solid' red wedge helps some folks and YOU like it (or at the very least, don't mind it), then do it! If we can't be happy tailoring the game to our needs/wants, then what good is it?!

While I play with the Ares pegs for altitude, I've always enjoyed the telescoping rod concept that some folks on the Forum use...

All the best,
Matt

[grumpybear]

I always paint the lines on all my stands. I also use AA stands only

[gully_raker]

I would find the painted arc too distracting but that is only my opinion.
Go with what is best for your group.
I am quite happy with the original pegs as you adjust altitude in a very positive way.

[flash]

I'd go for painted lines first off, then, if that didn't suit, I'd try the painted in arc.

[Marechallannes]

I am using Corsec Engineering Bases for my WoW minis. I was introduced to them at our local Game shop. I really like the way they use the telescopic rod to change altitude VS. using tiny plastic pegs. It adds a new dimension to the game...

Do the rods work in bigger battles? I have my doubts.

...and you need to keep record of the altitude on the cockpit.

Maybe you get a better feeling for your "flying plane", if you sit on the table and extract the rod. So it Looks nice, but doesn't makes it easie to play.


The painted firing arc looks nice. As Long as you can see other plane cards below, when overlappping and you don't have to pay much more for those coloured bases...

[milcoll73]

as far as the red firing arc. anything that helps people see and play better is good in my book. as far as the telescoping rods. i like the concept but i think any ive seen are just too tall for the game.

[Flying Helmut]

Just go with the look 'YOU' like - they're your minis!

Personally, I dislike the dial on Keiths bases - it stands out too clearly, and anyway I like higher altitude to look like higher altitude (greater number of pegs!) no matter how fiddly it gets.
Also, I find my eye drawn to the silver rods in a way that just doesn't happen with the plastic pegs. I'll stick with Nexus/Ares bases whenever possible, and with fiddly little pegs.

As for your fire arc idea, I think it would be a great help to many, and you should pursue it if you want to - it's too distracting for me, though.

[Teaticket]

For myself I just paint the firing arc lines white. Transparent red could be a problem with someone that has color blind issues? I do like the look of it.
As Tim said, do what you like.

[Teaticket]

Do the rods work in bigger battles? I have my doubts.

...and you need to keep record of the altitude on the cockpit.

I have run games with 20+ planes using these type bases with no problem. Only climb counters are needed as you extend the rod for levels. I use half a length per level so they don't get too high. When you use them extended to higher lengths you may need some washers to give the base more weight for stability.

[Vindicator]

Very clever. Personally, I like the original peg stands without dials for the aesthetic effect on the map.

[Walter Nowotny]

Thank you all for your input thus far. I used to play strictly with the Ares bases and pegs. I even have all the Plastic Flame and Smoke accessories Keith sells for them. I played once at our Game shop with the rods and was hooked. The added height adds a lot realism to the game. You can easily and clearly see who is at what altitude with a quick glance, and as Peter said, you only need to keep count of your climb tokens. You simply slide the rod up or down a segment depending on your action. Being easier to see from a table tops length, you can also quickly determine a strategy for where you need to go as opposed to trying to read small dials or small pegs. Now Hold on..I'm not insulting them, I just don't have the best vision anymore and find that bigger is better for me. You know what I mean, Large Print, bigger TV remotes, and a bigger glass of beer! The rods have 7 segments but we only use 4. Each segment is about 3 1/2". I thought the silver rods would be too noticeable, but as I played I lost sight of them. The only downfall I have found is that when we overlap slightly we may have to shim up one base. That small angle of tilt at the bases is magnified at the top and the weight of the mini wants to pull them over. We sue a coin or a prop ruler. It's a simple fix and play goes on un-intrrupted. They are sturdy too as they have no problem holding up one of Clipper's mighty Airships. When we play with Balloons we use the Ares Stands with the large pegs to represent one Altitude level. This way they are at the same height or pretty close to the Rods the aircraft are using. We have not played with Giants yet but I'm pretty sure we will have to use the same method as the Balloons. Those Birds are hefty! We all do our different things in the game and there are a lot of accessories out there to try. I am always open to House rules or trying new things. I'm glad I tried the rods but I know they are not for everybody. If you get a chance to play with them I would jump at it, unless your afraid of heights! (**afraid of heights joke intended for comedic purposes only. Writer has no intention of exploiting anyone's fears**)

Keep the comments coming guys, I appreciate all the info and opinions I can get!

[Mike George]

Very nice how much for the telescopic rod?

[Teaticket]

Very nice how much for the telescopic rod?

I get them in the US for $2.

[Walter Nowotny]

Very nice how much for the telescopic rod?

I got all my stands, rods and gimbals from Coresc. They have 4 different heads available, clips, flat magnet, round gimbal, etc. They make other game aids as well. If you order it will take a bit to get, they do not ship very fast. Here is their site:

http://www.corseceng.com/

[Teaticket]

Thanks for the link Jim. I never heard of these guys before. I've been getting my extending magnet tools from AutoZone!

[SgtRock57]

Love the telescoping rods. Gave away all my pegs, once I had these. For us, much much easier and the visual is outstanding. We use Zoe's height rules, along with some of our house rules. I would encourage you to try them if you have a chance

[clipper1801]

Very nice how much for the telescopic rod?

Hey Mike, just caught up with this great thread. The rods I use come from EBay and run $1.25 in bulk it is even less . . . .

[Walter Nowotny]

UPDATE: After some experimentation and thought I devised a way to Spice up the bases I use. I masked off the everything but the firing arc and airbrushed it with Flat Lacquer. This gave it a fogged effect just like the Arc on the Airplane cards. Once it was dry I painted the arrow and dash with flat Black paint so they could be seen easier. The last step was to use Automotive pinstripe to highlight the firing arc borders. This distinguishes everything enough to be easily read, at least for me and my old eyes. Thanks to everyone for their input on this project.

[gully_raker]

That looks ideal Jim!

[milcoll73]

thats looks sharp!!!!

[Vindicator]

You can easily tell the firing arc at a glance. Well done!

[Teaticket]

Great looking base Jim. hmmm...looks like I will have to do something about my bases now.

[zenlizard]

Like the others, I feel you should do what works best for you & your gaming group.

But from an objective perspective, I think that if someone finds the solid red firing arc distracting, that person will find the fogged firing arc less distracting, and still easier to pick out than the original markings.

Question, though: have you worked out overlapping firing arcs?

[Walter Nowotny]

Like the others, I feel you should do what works best for you & your gaming group.

But from an objective perspective, I think that if someone finds the solid red firing arc distracting, that person will find the fogged firing arc less distracting, and still easier to pick out than the original markings.

Question, though: have you worked out overlapping firing arcs?

The red lines should cover that. They can be very easily seen when overlapped.

[Oberst Hajj]

Hi Jim, I'm just now seeing this thread. It looks like you have a workable solution, but I'll put an offer out there for you or any others with this issue. I could easily make custom bases that have a faint amount of engraving in the firing arc to give it a different appearance with out standing out too much. I can make these with and without my dials and can even make the center holes sized for the rods. If you find you need more weight in the bases, have you thought about using 1/4 inch acrylic instead of the typical 1/8?

[Walter Nowotny]

Hi Keith,

The heaver plastic would definitely be more stable but I wonder if it would make it more difficult when overlapping. The rods thread into a brass collet in the bases. They are very stable. I don't know if a friction-type fit would be stable enough to secure them, and I doubt there is a "Standard" rod size since they are all made in China. What is tight for one manufacture may be lose for another. Unfortunately, now that these are done I personally don't have a need anymore but I would imagine some members might. I am happy with these bases but I just needed to spice them up a bit to compensate for my refusal to wear my glasses. I do appreciate the offer and all your help!

[Oberst Hajj]

No worries Jim, glad you got a working solution. The holes would have to be cut for the customer's rods and probably tapped on the bottom so a screw would sit recessed down in the base when threaded into the rod.

As for thicker bases and overlaps, I think it would be about the same as now with having to shim them sometimes. Some of the excess base acrylic could be used to make them so everything is the exact same height.