Infantry slot neatly into tiered stands, but tanks, walkers and transports are a different shape problem. They are wide, heavy, often unbased and covered in fragile aerials and gun barrels. Displayed well, they anchor a collection; displayed badly, they block everything behind them.
The short answer: put vehicles at floor level of the display, in front of or beside a tiered stand of infantry rather than on it. Angle them at about 45 degrees so you see the front and one side, keep the biggest model to one side as a bookend, and give based walkers and large monsters a dedicated large-base stand.
Ways to display vehicles compared
| Option | Space needed | Dust protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf in front of a tiered stand | Low | Low | One or two tanks with their army |
| Single plinth or podium | Low | Low | A showpiece vehicle |
| Large-base display stand | Medium | Low | Walkers, monsters, cavalry on bases up to 80 mm |
| Glass cabinet shelf | High | High | Whole vehicle pools |
Can tanks go on a tiered display stand?
Usually not. Tiered stands are built around round bases, and most vehicles are too wide for a slot and too heavy to sit safely on a narrow tier. They look better and are safer on the flat surface in front, where they frame the infantry rising behind. Our tier spacing guide explains the dimensions involved.
What about walkers and large monsters on bases?
If the model has a round base up to 80 mm, it can go on a large-base stand like the WarSplay Hero, which has 9 slots. Our stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other games on standard bases. For anything larger, see our guide to displaying larger bases.
How should I angle a vehicle?
Roughly 45 degrees to the front of the shelf, so viewers see the front armour and one side at once. Point the main gun slightly towards the centre of the display to lead the eye inwards. Two vehicles angled towards each other bracket an infantry stand neatly.
How do I protect aerials and gun barrels?
Leave a clear hand-width around vehicles so you never reach over them, and keep fragile parts facing away from the edge of the shelf. Magnetised turrets and weapons can be removed for cleaning. Our guide to storing and displaying magnetised miniatures covers this.
How many vehicles fit on a shelf?
A typical 30 cm deep shelf takes two or three medium vehicles in front of a tiered stand without crowding. Measure the depth, take off the stand's footprint and leave at least 2–3 cm between models. Our guide to how many miniatures fit on a shelf has worked examples.
How do I keep dust off vehicles?
Vehicles have big flat panels that show dust quickly. A soft make-up brush once a week keeps them clean, and a glass-fronted cabinet helps if you have several. Avoid sunny windowsills, which fade paint and can warp plastic over time.
Should vehicles share a display with their army?
Yes, if you have room. A tank parked in front of its supporting infantry looks like a force rather than a collection of parts. If space is tight, rotate vehicles in and out; our guide to arranging miniatures on a display stand covers the layout.
WarSplay Hero – £18.95
9 slots for monsters, cavalry and walkers on bases up to 80 mm · pre-assembled and modular · made in our UK workshop · dispatched within 2 business days
Shop the Hero → | Hero Mini £11.95 | Classic XL from £14.35 | Stand finder
Related reading
- How to Arrange Miniatures on a Display Stand
- When to Order Christmas Gifts for a Miniature Painter
- How Many Miniatures Fit on a Shelf?
- How to Expand a Miniature Display as Your Collection Grows
- How to Display Large Miniatures on 40mm and Bigger Bases
- New: How to Display Mixed-Scale Miniatures Together (28mm to 54mm)
- New: How to Display Miniatures and Terrain Together
Warhammer 40,000® is a trademark of Games Workshop Group PLC. WarSplay® and Blubbercove Ltd are not affiliated with, authorised by, endorsed by, or licensed by Games Workshop Group PLC. The name is used solely to indicate product compatibility.