Modelling magnets are thin magnetic pads cut to the shapes of common bases. Round pads run from 25 mm to 60 mm diameter, squares from 25 × 25 to 50 × 50 mm, and there are rectangular and oval versions in several sizes, packed in anything from a few pieces to several dozen.
Stuck to the underside of a base, the pad holds the model to the steel plate of a transport case or to a magnetic mat, so the figure travels upright without being wrapped and unwrapped each time.
Square Magnetic Sheet SELF-ADHESIVE - 20x20mm
3.56 €
Square Magnetic Sheet SELF-ADHESIVE - 40x40mm
3.56 €
Round Magnetic Sheet SELF-ADHESIVE - 28,5mm
3.56 €
Square Magnetic Sheet SELF-ADHESIVE - 30x30mm
3.56 €
Square Magnetic Sheet SELF-ADHESIVE - 25x25mm
3.56 €
ROUND MAGNET FOR BASES Ø32mm (36 units)
3.56 €
Transport, first and foremost. Figures and smaller models tip over at the first hard braking, and a snapped-off arm or spear is then an evening's work. A magnet on the underside holds the model against the steel plate inside a case, so nothing shifts even on a long drive. The second use is in a display case, where the magnet keeps a model put as the door swings open.
Pick the shape so the pad does not overhang the edge. Round pads from 25 mm upwards cover ordinary circular bases, square and rectangular versions suit angular plinths, and ovals fit vehicle and larger figure bases. More area means more holding force, so on a tall or heavy model take the largest pad the base will accept.
A light figure manages with a small pad; a heavier model with metal detail parts needs more area, or two magnets side by side. Test by lifting the model and tilting it. If it slides sideways, the area is not enough.
Clean paint residue off the underside of the base and degrease it, or the self-adhesive layer will release in time. On resin bases and on uneven undersides, cyanoacrylate is the more dependable fixing. Bases and mats themselves are in the display bases.
Magnets under bases are bought mainly by figure painters, so the subjects that go with them are in the model figures.
