Here is something I've been planning and working on a little at a time for the last few months. Its a covert base for my 25th figures. So far this is the basic layout. I got two of the PTE HQs and modified them to stack on top of one another. This will be the above ground portion, moderately disguised as a house or something like that. The below ground section will be made up of the Treehouse Aliens set and some add ons I have yet to get. Possibly some Joe HQ components like the vehicle bays off to the sides or something.



This is the upper level and rooftop observation deck. The upper level will be barracks and R&R section with some bunks and lockers, a table and chairs and if I can find one a TV set. Someplace where the troops can kick back. The roof will be an observation area and have some small radar and communications antennae. Also sentries will be posted up here for guard duty. There is roof access through the existing hatch and a ladder I'll be getting from Marauder.


The main floor and sublevel 1 are shown here. The main level opens out to "street level" and serves as the main planning and conference area. It has access to the upper floor and sublevels via ladders. The main level has an observation deck that overlooks part of sublevel 1. Sublevel 1 serves as the main armory. The majority of the team's weapons and armament will be stored here.


Sublevel 2 is the motor pool and engineering and maintenance level. Off to one side will be access to the main vehicle bay housing the R.H.I.N.O. The vehicle bay will lead to the surface via a lift that opens on the side of the house. Not completely stealthy but no more obvious than Batman driving the Batmobile into a cave under his house.


Now I'm just wondering a few things. Like I said, I want to use parts from the original Joe HQ to fill out the lower levels. Maybe adding vehicle bays to SL1 and SL2, stacking them in some way. I don't want it to get too wide as I need to fit it on a shelf or small table in some way. Also need some ideas for fleshing it out. Computer consoles, equipment and the like.

As for the floors and walls, the upper levels will get closed in with some foamcore walls and printouts from Joedios. The floors will get a treatment as well. The lower levels will get a new backdrop and floors as well.

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I'm just a little jealous, ummm okay I'm a lot jealous.
Damn that's nice.

That is a great start, Chris.

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I should add that I plan on firming up the foundations and everything once I get the layout finalized so its not so wobbly looking. Need to put a frame under the house section and secure the upper level extension. This is just a mockup of how it will look so I can plan out the rest of the design.

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I really need one of those Aliens playsets - I never found one. So if anyone has an extra or knows where I can get one, LMK.


I think you're off to a good start, Chris -- if you go with vehicle bays, I'd just use the floors, not the side walls (otherwise your RHINO won't fit) - or use two side-by-side with the inside walls removed. For computer consoles, I'd use the one that came with the '83 HQ and the ones that came with the FLAGG if you've got 'em (I snagged the Flagg consoles of eBay a few years back for my HQ projects.) The Tac Battle Platform console is pretty good too, but the "wraparound" effect it has may not work for your purposes. Maybe cut it into sections? Another great resource, since you're doing sub-levels, is the 42" tall Batcave Playset. You can snag them for $25 at KBs outlets (I've already got two bashed together for my super-Batcave) and they come with a ton of dio-fodder.

If you have the time & the room to do so, I'd put some type of personnel/cargo elevator system off to the side. The ladders work well for a bare-bones PITT concept, but if you're trying to make the HQ practical, you'll need some way to transport gear to the lower levels. --Unless you're actually going to build a vehicle lift, then that eliminates the problem.

Can't wait to see where you take this - I really need to get working on my HQ - you've motivated me to get off my ass. And I was hoping to relax this weekend. Jerk.




Now if I can just find an Aliens playset for under $40 (the going rate online)......

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I was trying to avoid any major construction which is why I decided to use the existing ladders and hatches. But you bring up a good point. Maybe a simple small freight elevator in a square shaft to run up one side. Hmmm... now you got me thinking.

As for the vehicle bays, the side with the RHINO would be just a foamcore walled in section with some decor on the walls to match the rest. The HQ bays would be on the opposite side to add some rooms to lower levels. Hence the need for the height dimensions so make sure they'd match up fairly easily. But if I build an elevator shaft on that side the rooms may not be feasible. I'm trying to keep this pretty compact. Don't want it dominating my home ... that's what a FLAGG is for

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bonus points if you can mix in the ghostbusters HQ...

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I don't have one of those aliens bases...so I'm not sure on it's bottom dimensions...but it looks to have a similar footprint to the main section of the 83 HQ? If you've got one you're planning on incorporating...maybe even use the middel section as a sub level 3 That way the Aliens flooring provides an actual roof for the "jail"

a number of other good suggestions...I like the idea of an elevator...or if your trying to keep it really simple...the inferred idea of an Elevator...identical doors in identical locations on all floors... you could even say the stairs wrap around the Elevator like in the Washington Monument

Just be sure you firm it up...nobody wants to report to GI Jenga base 1.

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Not sure I want to go another level higher. Its already topping out near 3 feet tall as it is. Another 7 or 8 inches might be a bit much. I definitely thought about that though. Using the HQ as the bottom floor but I'm not sure now.




Now this idea I can do. I like that a lot. Less construction and less space. Though the ideas I was having of Firefly dropping down through an elevator shaft to sabotage the base was pretty cool. I'm definitely going to use the doors idea and see how that goes. If I like the layout and its not too much work I'll consider putting at least an elevator car on one floor with the doors open so it can be used.



Believe me. That's job one. I was playing around with the layout of the bed and lockers on the top floor a few minutes ago and things started wobbling a bit so I decided to hold off on fiddling with the furniture til the construction is done.

Thanks for all the input guys! Its really helping me a lot and I appreciate it.

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Nice design. I picked a PTE CC for similar reasons. Outstanding planning so far. If you are looking for various textures to use for walls, floors and such, just pm me. I've got a ton that I gathered while working on my dio. I echo the idea of an elevator. You might be surprised what stacked empty Pringles cans can do for you.

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Chris–

I think a foamcore shelving idea might come into play nicely here. I've got an idea for it, but it's easier to explain in person. I have some construction techniques that might help. Hit me up via PM, maybe we could meet up at some point. I love dios – I'd love to help if I could.

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wow man that looks great. i cant wait to see it done.

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Hmm, I suggest going to wally world, buying a cheap plastic shelf, then cutting down the "legs" between each section to a more managable height, then attaching your stuff on/in/around the shelves.

We need to have a JC ultimate HQ build off,

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in.



I like the thinking behind this base, MS

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I can't imagine a hi-tech base like this would provide anything less than wall-mounted plasma TVs for the rec room. That should be very simple to reproduce, with simple foam board or even heavy cardboard cut to sign and covered with a print-out of their favorite show.

Check out what Tunnel Rat used for his Cobra Throne Room, and you'll have that covered in no time flat.

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