Sorry if I missed this between Armada dying and all (I kid! ) but I know several folks mentioned washers that snug into the base of fighter stands, making movement, jitter-bug-bumping them, etc. a thing of the past? (Or at least, greatly mitigated...)

I got two questions:

1. What size works best?

2. Was this okay to use at worlds? I imagine this makes gameplay with squaddies MUCH faster- is that a false impression?

Point #2) I use metal disks as well.

In order to avoid the 2 tool problem:

I take an extra washer measure out range, and place the washer, and say, “That is where my squadron is going”; move the squadron on top the newly placed washer, pick up the old washer. I do NOT adjust the washer or squadron again after initial placement of the washer. If it is too close or far away, I feel additional movements are not legal.

I have used them at past Worlds, but did not have any squadrons in my list this year. At least one of my opponents used washers.

I have never heard of this, but sounds like a good idea.

In related news, you've inspired me to investigate gluing some to the base of the squadrons- the weight may help prevent sme of the nudging, bashing, and knocking they experience.

The washer helps to maintain the squadron location when:

1) picking up the squadron to adjust the hull value

2) temporarily setting the squadron aside to allow clearance for the maneuver tool to be set in place, and placing the ship after it's move to see if there is any squadron overlap.

If you glue weights to the bottom of the base, there is no longer room for the washer.

I have painted mine to have them a different color than my opponents.

What size did you use?

I think the washers will help with the new squadron rule, but I still think people will say that placing the squadron in the same spot will be considered as "moved"

and for those wondering what I'm talking about:

Players may measure distance and/or range while moving squadrons. Once a player removes his or her hand from a squadron in a new position, the squadron is considered to have moved and cannot move any further during that activation.

Been practicing the new rule and it is really annoying.

Worth pointing out that using washers is not a perfect stand in. For the washer to fit under the stand it has to have a slightly smaller diameter. This means that if you're measuring and placing the washer first before you pick up the squadron you may actually be placing your squadron beyond it's actual speed.

This is good to know. I've been using washers since before last worlds and I was pretty mad that it looked like they may be outlawed by the new clarification.

Wasn't one of the players at the final table using them? I seem to recall noting that when watching the Twitch feed.

4 hours ago, TaeSWXW said:

Worth pointing out that using washers is not a perfect stand in. For the washer to fit under the stand it has to have a slightly smaller diameter. This means that if you're measuring and placing the washer first before you pick up the squadron you may actually be placing your squadron beyond it's actual speed.

That is true, and I take those few millimeters into account when placing. If it is a problem then move the squadron first and leave it. However, people that pick up the squadron to adjust the hull value or use a maneuver tool are off by many millimeters when the try and put it back. In this case I tilt the squadron base up and slide a washer under it before I lift the base off the play mat.

I know it's been asked, but I haven't seen an answer yet... what size?!? I guess I could just take a squadron into the hardware store and look like a big nerd while I stand in the aisle and do test fits...

14 minutes ago, IronNerd said:

I know it's been asked, but I haven't seen an answer yet... what size?!? I guess I could just take a squadron into the hardware store and look like a big nerd while I stand in the aisle and do test fits...

You wouldn't be the first!

That truly is the hard part, to get a washer that is thin enough and the not too small so that there is not a lot of slop side to side while under the base.

I tried:

1) Key rings (too thick)

2) US dollar coin (too thick)

3) Cheap low grade washer (too thick)

4) Metal disks from antique electrical box (works, but had to power sand the burrs off and paint to avoid rust)

5) If I get more maybe try stainless steel washers (they tend to be thinner).