Test base sizes

I finally got the time to start the preparation of the Punic War figures I bought. I've put some sample groups together.

Pic 1 has 3 lines of Hastati and 1 of Triares.

1st Line: 2 ranks of 5 on 4x3cm

2nd Line: 2 ranks of 6 on 4x3cm

3rd Line: 2 ranks of 5 on 3x2cm

Pic 1

Pic 2 - Triares

2 ranks of 5 on 3x3cm

1 rank of 6 on 3x2cm

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 3

Line 1: 2 ranks of 6 Hastati on 4x3cm

Line 2: 2 ranks of 6 Triares on 4x3cm

Looking at all that, I'm minded to go for bases 3x3cm with 2 ranks of 5, or 4xcm bases with 2 ranks of 6. The extra depth makes handling safer and has a reasonable amount of spacing for men who are supposed to throw pila. Probably the former as this permits 4 bases of Hastati, 4 of Principes and 2 of Triari as the heavy infantry element of a legion. This will fit nicely on one of my hexes.

Mini Update

I still haven't taken the plunge on the basing. Peter is right that bases 3cm wide will be fiddly. A legion (inc cavalry) will require at least 20 bases with this scheme.

Velites 8; Hastati 4; Principes 4; Triari 2; Cavalry 2.

Sabots will help, but that just delays the whole process while I decide how that will work.  But never fear, I have thoughts of a radical solution that doesn't involve sabots but does give me what I want to do. I will test it tomorrow.

I have however nearly completed the painting of a legion and started a second, which is some sort of progress.