Removing bases. (1 Viewer)

[waynepoo]

Has anyone got a method or any tips on removing figure bases? I am working on a project / diorama which will require the figures used to have no bases so as to be able to stand on a hard surface. I have no wish for this to become a debate about the pros and cons of figure bases please just want some advice on how to remove them if anyone had any success in doing so.
Thanks.

 

[Larry Allen]

Has anyone got a method or any tips on removing figure bases? I am working on a project / diorama which will require the figures used to have no bases so as to be able to stand on a hard surface. I have no wish for this to become a debate about the pros and cons of figure bases please just want some advice on how to remove them if anyone had any success in doing so.
Thanks.

Morning Wayne …

Well, I have not attempted this procedure on a K&C / JJD / or T. Gunn figures, but I have on a few others lines such as Frontline, old Britains and Patriot Models.

As has been mentioned "someplace on this forum" previously, there are generally metal pins attached to the bottom of the foot of the figure that are inserted into the base.

It is obvious where the foot is located on the base when you turn it over. I then scraped away any paint on the bottom of the base at that location with a used X-Acto type blade.
This revealed here the pin was inserted and sanded smooth at the factory. Next, using a "low heat" setting on a soldering iron touch the location with a fine pointed tip for a few seconds at a time.

DO NOT HOLD IT AGAINST THE BASE for a long time … just a few seconds. Then try to "gently" wiggle" the figure by holding SECURLY to the foot.

*** DON"T grab the figure and wiggle by the shoulders or head or hips as it will bend the legs of the figure or possibly break the figure.

Repeat a few times and the figure will (should) slide out of the base. When you notice a tiny bit of separation I use the X-Acto blade and insert it gently between the foot and the base. USE CAUTION as to not damage the foot. The base generally does not sustain any damage. I had a tough time with the Patriot Models as it seemed the foot was additionally "glued?" to the base, but ..??????

IF you have a few figures that are "testable" try it out on those first to feel a bit more comfortable.


GOOD LUCK!
---LaRRy

 

[waynepoo]

Morning Wayne …

Well, I have not attempted this procedure on a K&C / JJD / or T. Gunn figures, but I have on a few others lines such as Frontline, old Britains and Patriot Models.

As has been mentioned "someplace on this forum" previously, there are generally metal pins attached to the bottom of the foot of the figure that are inserted into the base.

It is obvious where the foot is located on the base when you turn it over. I then scraped away any paint on the bottom of the base at that location with a used X-Acto type blade.
This revealed here the pin was inserted and sanded smooth at the factory. Next, using a "low heat" setting on a soldering iron touch the location with a fine pointed tip for a few seconds at a time.

DO NOT HOLD IT AGAINST THE BASE for a long time … just a few seconds. Then try to "gently" wiggle" the figure by holding SECURLY to the foot.

*** DON"T grab the figure and wiggle by the shoulders or head or hips as it will bend the legs of the figure or possibly break the figure.

Repeat a few times and the figure will (should) slide out of the base. When you notice a tiny bit of separation I use the X-Acto blade and insert it gently between the foot and the base. USE CAUTION as to not damage the foot. The base generally does not sustain any damage. I had a tough time with the Patriot Models as it seemed the foot was additionally "glued?" to the base, but ..??????

IF you have a few figures that are "testable" try it out on those first to feel a bit more comfortable.


GOOD LUCK!
---LaRRy

Larry,
Thanks Mate. The one thing I don't have in my tool box is a soldering iron! :rolleyes2: I will have to get one and try your idea. I have already nearly ruined one figure with a clumsy attempt of wrestling the base off {sm2} which prompted me to seek other peoples advice.
Wayne.

 

[Obee]

I think what Larry has posted sounds good, and I have done similar techniques, but instead of using a soldering iron, if I can see the pins, after scraping off the paint, I drill them out, and so destroy the pin, but then the figure will easily come off the base.

You then need to file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

A second method is needed if there are no pins, and the base is cast as part of the figure …..

I use some wire cutters to cut the base as close as possible to the feet. This now leaves some base below cut off, and then file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

EASY

I have done this from some K&C BBGs so the could be used as Tank Riders and they do look good!!

Good luck,

John

 

[Obee]

Here is a pic of some TGM figures, with bases removed and repainted ….



John

 

[waynepoo]

I think what Larry has posted sounds good, and I have done similar techniques, but instead of using a soldering iron, if I can see the pins, after scraping off the paint, I drill them out, and so destroy the pin, but then the figure will easily come off the base.

You then need to file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

A second method is needed if there are no pins, and the base is cast as part of the figure …..

I use some wire cutters to cut the base as close as possible to the feet. This now leaves some base below cut off, and then file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

EASY

I have done this from some K&C BBGs so the could be used as Tank Riders and they do look good!!

Good luck,

John

John,
Thanks Mate, two excellent suggestions...….:salute::

 

[Larry Allen]

I think what Larry has posted sounds good, and I have done similar techniques, but instead of using a soldering iron, if I can see the pins, after scraping off the paint, I drill them out, and so destroy the pin, but then the figure will easily come off the base.

You then need to file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

A second method is needed if there are no pins, and the base is cast as part of the figure …..

I use some wire cutters to cut the base as close as possible to the feet. This now leaves some base below cut off, and then file the soles of the boots flat, so the figure can stand up.

EASY

I have done this from some K&C BBGs so the could be used as Tank Riders and they do look good!!

Good luck,

John

Another excellent option, Obee …..

ONE WORD of caution. When using a drill be sure to use a variable speed drill … like a DRUMEL .... or similar model in your area.
A high speed drill can heat up the surrounding area and cause damage. Also I used a small bit first and work up to a larger one.

This gives you much more control.

Once again … good luck.

--- LaRRy