The NSL are once again ready for action, with a fully painted fleet ready to go

The major delay was deciding how to base everything. I had decided on using the short plastic flight bases from the B5 Fleet Action miniatures, but when I ran out of my spare ones, I discovered that getting hold of anything similar proved impossible. Then Jon Tuffley mentioned the possibility of casting short flight stands, so I delayed things for these to become available, but he was too busy to actually make them.

So, after years of waiting, I finally made my own. I'm using MDF bases from Products For Wargamers, who do a large line of 2mm thick bases in many shapes and sizes (from 10mm to 60mm diameter). This allows me to have bases comparable to the size of the model.

          <a href="/news/images/ft_base.jpg">
              <img src="/news/images/sm_ft_base.jpg" width="64" height="64"
                   align="right" alt="Ship basing" title="Ship basing"/>
          </a>

For the poles, I'm using clear perspex for 'escort' vessels, and copper rods for anything larger. They are relatively short, providing a low centre of gravity (less likely to be knocked over) and reducing storage space. For the big capital ships, I'm using GZGs big metal stands. A simple label identifies the ship class and number.

So, I now have two NSL fleets - my original fleet, plus this New Construction fleet that uses the newer models (which are much improved over the originals). One day, I might get a chance to play again. Until then, I'll just tweak the ship designs until I'm happy with them.

Next up, I just have the new FSE, NAC, IJN, IF and Scandinavian fleets to paint. Still not entirely sure why I've bought this many fleets.