M2 Base System
The M2 (Magnetic Mount) Base System is a modular system of bases plus interlocking post and adapter components. With bases for everything from small fighter squadrons all the way up to large capital ships, the system provides a useful and convenient basing solution for all of your starship miniatures.
The M2 Base System is a separate purchasable product although our older model packs (Hellas Shipyards packs) came with a limited set of M2 v1.0 components.
NOTE: these models are designed for high resolution resin printers.
Usage License for Digital Files
The included digital 3D files (the product) are for personal use only and not any commercial printing activity. The product is not to be shared or distributed by any means. The product is not to be resold in whole or in part.
Note: strong magnets are required for full functionality and must be purchased separately. It is recommended to purchase high quality N52 magnets from a reliable vendor such as The Magnet Baron (https://themagnetbaron.com)
Magnetic Interlock Posts will require the purchase of neodymium magnet discs in the following sizes:
- 3mm diameter x 2mm thick (Magnet Baron Product Page)
- 6mm diameter x 2mm thick (Magnet Baron Product Page)
- 3mm diameter x 6mm thick (Magnet Baron Product Page) *required for removable flight posts
The 6x2mm magnets are useful for larger ships over 60mm in length.
Overview of Components
The M2 Base System is composed of a number of modular, interlocking components. You have the choice of creating fixed bases where the flight post is permanently attached to the base, or removable flight posts that are magnetically affixed to the base.
The following diagram show the various components and magnets necessary to assemble bases.
Magnet Polarity
It is highly recommended that you use a compass to determine the polarity of your magnets and ensure that they are aligned with their magnetic north pointed in the up direction. This will ensure that you have consistent alignment across all your components.
We provide a Magnet Polarity Tool that is useful for orienting magnets, pressing magnets into adapters and posts heads and even as a handle for a ship when painting it.
FIXED BASE ASSEMBLY
Step 1
Choose the post and base combination desired for the miniature being mounted.
Step 2
Glue post into base.
Step 3
Glue magnet into post head.
Step 4
Glue magnet into ship adapter. Glue ship adapter into ship model, taking care to ensure the notches are aligned with the axis of the ship model.
REMOVABLE BASE ASSEMBLY
Step 1
Choose the post and base combination desired for the miniature being mounted.
Note: removable posts have a broader, sloped alignment collar.
Step 2
Glue 3x6mm magnet into post bottom.
Step 3
Glue magnet into post head.
Step 4
Glue magnet into ship adapter. Glue ship adapter into ship model, taking care to ensure the notches are aligned with the axis of the ship model.
Note: Attention has been paid to designing the parts to account for the slight shrinkage that occurs during the 3D printing and curing process. However, slight variances in the printing process due to temperature, resin mixture, and individual printer differences may still occur and the fit of some parts such as flight posts and the holes in the bases, may be tighter or looser than originally designed.
Should a base hole need to be slightly widened, a 1/8″ drill bit that is carefully spun by hand can be used to make the hole the perfect size. Another approach is to use a cylindrical needle file to sand out the interior of the hole.
Strike Craft Bases
Strike Craft can be mounted on the included Flight Tree Topper or a 40mm Token Base if you prefer a low profile configuration. Topper and Token Bases for dual and triple model configurations are available.
Flight Tree Toppers
Insert a magnet into the bottom of the Flight Tree Topper then glue Strike Craft models to the tree.
Token Bases
Glue Strike Craft models directly to the Token Base supports.
