2025 Year in Review
2025 Year in Review
2025 was a busy and rewarding year for Bases by Bill. Over the course of the year, we introduced nine new Simple|BASE products, added more than 21 new 1ManArmy paint mask sets, produced countless custom display bases, and had our work help highlight and honor award-winning models at more than 15 shows and contests—including the 2025 IPMS USA Nationals.
Below is a closer look at what made 2025 such a standout year.
New Display Base Products
In 2025, we introduced four completely new Simple|BASE products:
All were well received by the modeling community, with the Modern Airfield quickly becoming one of our most popular offerings.
In the spring, Bill engineered and brought into production a new Cherry hardwood base holder, available in multiple stain options, for all 1:144 through 1:48 Simple|BASE products. This gave customers a choice between a clean, economical standard base or a premium hardwood option that added presence and refinement on the contest table. Feedback was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.
Custom Bases
Custom work remains the foundation of Bases by Bill, and 2025 continued that tradition. A wide range of made-to-order bases passed through our shop, supporting models of every type and scale.
These custom bases were used on award-winning entries at local, regional, national, and international shows, including events across Europe. This year also saw the addition of acrylic box and platform-style bases to our repertoire, particularly suited for presentation models and Best-of-Class winners.
Show and Contest Awards
Once again, we were honored to produce individual and major awards for a broad range of shows, from local club events to national competitions. These included major awards as well as individual 1-2-3 and Gold-Silver-Bronze presentations.
Shows and organizations we supported in 2025 included:
-
Modellers Without Borders – WOW Awards
-
Modellers Without Borders – Founder Awards
-
One-Oh Wonders Wonder-Con
-
2025 PAXCON – Major Awards
-
2025 IPMS USA Nationals – Major Awards
-
IPMS Regional Shows (2024–2025 cycle)
-
FleaCon 2 Special Awards
-
IPMS Duneland
-
AMPS Special Award
-
IPMS NIMCON
-
IPMS Stateline Area Modelers (SAMCON)
-
IPMS Butch O’Hare
-
IPMS Gateway – Special Award
-
Rocky Mountain Expo
-
IPMS Mad City Modelers
-
NordicCon
-
IPMS Baton Rouge Scale Modelers – Cajun Fest
1ManArmy
Our partnership with Sven Verlinde of 1ManArmy continued to grow in 2025. Over 21 new paint mask sets were released during the year, with expanding coverage across multiple scales and subjects. With this amazing production by Sven, we are pleased to offer 90 sets at the end of 2025.
Bill and Christian both used 1ManArmy masks to produce award-winning models during the year—a meaningful milestone for the collaboration.
Highlights included:
-
New 1:48 scale releases, including Hurricane and Focke-Wulf A-series masks
-
Expanded 1:32 scale offerings, with 13 new sets introduced
-
First-ever 1:18 scale mask sets
-
Two new products for Border’s 1:35 scale kits
Sven has already shared plans for an ambitious release schedule in 2026, and Bases by Bill will continue to bring those products to market—with competitively priced and with Shipping Included—throughout the year.
Our Marketing Partners
A year-end review would not be complete without recognizing our podcast partners, whose support goes well beyond commercial collaboration. They provided valuable product feedback and encouragement throughout the year:
-
Plastic Model Mojo Podcast – Mike and Kentucky Dave
-
ModelGeek's Podcast – Scott Samo, Andrew White, Andrew Frill and Tim Holland
-
Plastic Posse Podcast – Scott Gentry, TJ Haller, Doug Smith, John Bonnani, Grant Mayberry and Jensen Taylor
Each has played an important role in increasing awareness, sharing insights, and supporting the broader modeling community. If you are not already listening, we encourage you to check them out in 2026.
Social thanks to David Goldfinch for support from on the other side of the world through his On The Bench Podcast.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, our focus remains the same: serving modelers with thoughtful display solutions, quality craftsmanship, and reliable support.
The first half of the year will see several new Simple|BASE offerings, along with continued custom work and new award designs. We look forward to another busy and creative year.
Thank you for your support in 2025. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Postscript - We Do Build Models
Despite busy schedules, there was still time at the workbench. Bill, now retired, once again led the way in completed models and a sample is shown below. Weston continued steady progress on what many would consider his magnum opus: a 1:35 Tiger tank transported by rail. Christian completed a single model—a Spitfire as seen below—and hopes to increase his output in 2026 while keeping the focus where it belongs: enjoyment of the hobby in what is truly a Golden Age of scale modeling.
