Hi, I'm new to 6mm, and have started tucking into WotR with Baccus. I'm thinking that when I get down to basing mu figures, I want many of them in more bunched than in ranks. This seems like it'd be easy enough with the billmen and archer poses, as those casts are in files, and scored at the bottoms. What looks to be harder are the spearmen (based in ranks fairly tightly together). I'd love to be able to pain using the casts as is, then split them after the fact. Do folks have any tips/experiences? I'm thinking of scoring the bottoms of the casts and use clippers to break them apart then, although I'd imagine some careful dremel work with a circular saw bit might work as well. TIA

I have done it both ways (paint first, then separate; separate, then paint).  Although it is a bit more fiddly, I think separating then painting is the way to go.  There is less touch up after cutting or concern with damaging the paint job.  

I always split first, both ranks and files, using some small pliers, and then paint. That makes it easier to paint figures, especially those in files like the Persian sparabara infantry and also avoids time wasted painting figures that then become casualties during the splitting.

I suppose I ought to add that I only split some ranks. Close order infantry such as legionaires and hoplites get painted and based as a full rank.

I find splitting pretty easy using the sprue cutter available from Baccus for that very purpose. I do find it easier to paint first and separate afterwards for units such as 1866 Austrians in attack column, but this is because I like bigger bases to produce a diorama effect.

I usually split, then rebase spread slightly apart on blue tac covered spills, it means I can choose which way round I want them to ease the quick paint job. Also, a spill can take up to a dozen figures at a time. After putting them in the blue tac on the spill, I spray undercoat with black, then onto painting! Good luck with whatever you choose! By the way, I split them using Baccus cutters.

Thanks all, really useful advice!

At the risk of sounding repetitive, it's a case of the right tool for the job!

Since small scales can look “busier,” use uniform flock or basing material to imply mass while avoiding visual clutter at distance.

______________________________

https://abonamentymedyczne24.pl/abonamenty-firmowe/