Mini Figs Tip; Number One.....

Just came up with a new tip for FT/DSII/whatever minis...  Actually,
this 
should be tip number two, since I mentioned the earring posts being used
for 
bases, but whatever...

For those of you who want simple to use figs, have too much time on your

hands, whatever, try building this composite base.  The bottom is
composed of 
two circular bases, the bottom larger than the top.  The top base is
scribed 
with the fore/side/rear arcs, while the bottom base is scribed with
"O'clock" 
positions.  Now then, glue the top base to the spindle that holds the
fig, 
but allow the bottom base to spin freely.  Why? Well, the next time you
play 
FT/whatever, the firing arcs will be stationary to the fig, while the
whole 
setup will spin on the heading base. (Obviously, the heading base should

always be positioned relative to the table's "12 O'clock" position, or
else 
it'd be pointless.

Diagram A	   [ship mini]
(seen from		|
 side view)		|
			|
		      =====    < firing arc base
			|
    heading base > ===========

My spindle is fairly thick, so I don't have to worry about the bottom
being 
wobbly, but if you have that propblem, I would add a thin third base
that 
would be secured to the spindle, thus allowing the heading base to spin 
freely between the firing base and the third base.

I used 1/8" thick balsa for the bases, and a section of spar cut from a 
discarded model tree.  (you know, that excess plastic that the model
pieces 
are connected to; whatever it's called....)

Jeff Shoffner