I have six of what were called “Mechanical Chain Bases” that I purchased on Amazon years ago. These types of bases are mostly used for creating Gundam hangar/workshop facilities from what I’ve seen. But they can be used for other types of models as well. Has anybody else used these types of bases?
My main question is this: How do you paint them? Or do you not?
The vertical wall section has so many tight corners, nooks, etc. that might make it difficult to get in with an airbrush, paint brush, or even a spray can.
As I’ve said, I’ve got six of these bases, but have never used them as I feel I’d be intimidated by trying to paint them, especially the vertical wall section.
Is it better to just leave them plain gray as is?
I’ve never seen those before but I’d like to get one to take a closer look at one.
If I remember correctly, Kotobukiya was the brand/manufacturer of the bases. There were like 10 (or more?) different bases. The vertical wall sections could be stacked vertically one on top of another or next to each other. Or you could attach one base to another. The combinations were limitless.
Here’s a few sample pics.
I was thinking of using the MCB’s I have for around my Space Battleship Yamato long ago. But then decided against it.
Reminds me of Fallout 4.
Cheers,
Mark
I think it’s completely possible to paint them brush, can, or air.
Can or air, multiple passes from different angles will get the vast majority. The hard part as always will be to avoid the urge to flood in an attempt to fill. Patience and light coats. You can touch up with brush as needed. Additionally applying washes for shadows, wear, and use will help cover most the rest of what might have been missed.
I think it depends entirely on what you want to do with them. Me, if I were to use a base like that, I’d take some inspiration from real world shipyards and hangars. The hangars for anime like Gundam come to mind immediately for color combos, and then movies like Pacific Rim would be good to get the juices flowing for hangar presence and textures. A modeler I know is working on a hangar scene in which the mech was abandoned, so the hangar walls and gantries are all rusted and dilapidated to match the mech. There’s a lot you could do to dress them up, even if they weren’t going to be a permanent part of a scent but just a backdrop on your display shelf.
As for painting them, check out the scenes that FSM author Nico Suratos has modeled. She provides great techniques for painting and finishing that would apply to a project like this and does it in tight spaces with a combo of spray cans and airbrushing.
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I was thinking of a Sci-Fi hanger bay for either a Star Wars or BSG vehicle.
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In case anyone’s interested, it looks like Ban Dai offers similar bases now under their 30 Minute Missions line.