Base Labelling 'How to...'

1/600th scale Fairmile ML's

I was asked by Jens to explain how I make the base labels for my various model ships, so here we go.

1. I make a table in WORD with the cells sized to fit the space I have left at the end of the bases, which is usually 20mm x 5mm, or thereabouts,

2. I find a flag or ensign online then paste the image into the WORD document, resize it to fit in the cell, make it a Tight Wrap in the formatting options, then position it into the cell on the left hand end.

3. Inside the cells I fill in the names of each ship using a suitable font and centre the text in the middle of the cell. I have to adjust the size of the font to fit the cell and the space next to the flag symbol.

4. After printing put the page on plain paper (you could use adhesive labels) I then use a steel rule and a sharp craft scalpel to cut out each label, often trimming it down to 4mm x 20mm to fit.

5. With an old brush I add a thin wipe of PVA glue to the base then glue down the label. Don't use too much glue! If required, I let it dry then trim off any overlap with a sharp blade.

If you need to replace them for any reason, you can just slice them off with a scalpel blade and start again with a new label.