We (Wassail Beagles) began using Aeronautica Imperialis flying bases in late 2009, primarily for WWII aircraft. These are black plastic hexagons with a clear plastic rod, upon which the aircraft is mounted. The bases have two dials to allow the representation of speed and altitude (both running 0 to 9). The bases have proved very popular with all the players.

The bases are available from Forgeworld.

We, like many gamers, use these with small magnets; one glued to the plane, one to the top of the stand. This makes transportation much easier. We use small cylindrical magnets, available from Dom's Decals.

They work even better when used with Beagle Nuts!

Left: A base from Forgeworld, with attached magnet; a Beagle Nut; and a 1/300 scale RAF Phantom with attached magnet.

I have started using clear acrylic bases from Litko for games where dials are not needed to keep track on speed and height.

I now use 3 mm diameter, 20 mm long, magnets instead of the clear rod. These are a push fit for the Forgeworld bases, but need a bit of clear 2-part epoxy for the Litko bases. I bought the rods from Bunting.

These magnets can be stacked to give different heights for the planes.

If you need to indicate bank you can use:

• A small unmagnetised nut for fighters and smaller bombers
• A Beagle Nut for larger bombers

We have started playing the excellent Wing Leader.
This uses a side view of the action.

This can be easily played with miniatures by getting some 3 mm magnetic cubes and glueing a 3 mm disc magnet on the side. I find 2-part metal-filled epoxy works best. I got the magnets from Bunting.

The enables you to use one plane to represent a flight or two for a squadron.

The aircraft are from Tumbling Dice.