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Counterweight discs for models and miniatures
Steel modelling weights designed to balance miniatures, scale models, vehicles, scenery, and hobby projects by correcting weight distribution and centre of gravity. These compact steel counterweight discs measure 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, making them easy to conceal underneath miniature bases or inside models where additional weight is required.
They can be used individually or combined to progressively increase the amount of ballast. Their small round format makes them especially useful when there is very little internal space available, allowing the modeller to position the weight exactly where it is needed instead of adding a single large counterweight.
They are particularly useful for wargaming miniatures with an off-centre centre of gravity, tall models, miniatures with large weapons, wings, banners or other elements that make the miniature prone to tipping over. Simply glue one or more steel discs underneath the miniature base to increase its stability without changing its external appearance.
They can also be placed inside scale aircraft, military vehicles, tanks, ships, railway models, slot cars, dioramas, scenery and 3D printed models to correct balance, increase stability or simply give a lightweight model a more substantial feel.
For permanent fixing, we recommend cyanoacrylate glue (CA/super glue) or epoxy adhesive.
What are modelling weights used for?
Modelling weights are small pieces of dense material placed inside or underneath a model to modify its weight distribution, balance or centre of gravity.
Many scale models and miniatures are naturally unbalanced. A large weapon, extended arm, wing, banner, resin component or long overhanging section may move the centre of gravity away from the centre of the base. Adding a small amount of weight on the opposite side can compensate for this imbalance.
In other situations, the objective is simply to place additional mass as low as possible. This is useful for tall miniatures, gaming terrain, or models that are frequently handled, because a heavier lower section generally makes them less prone to accidental tipping.
Miniature Counterweight recommended placement
| Application |
Typical problem |
Recommended placement |
| Wargaming miniatures |
Tall or asymmetric miniature tips over easily |
Under the miniature base, preferably towards the opposite side of the overhanging part |
| Large monsters and creatures |
Wings, tails, or weapons move the centre of gravity |
Under the base or inside the lower body |
| Busts and display figures |
Lightweight base does not feel stable |
Inside the plinth or display base |
| Dioramas |
Tall trees, signs, walls or scenery elements are unstable |
Inside or underneath the terrain base |
| Scale aircraft |
Model becomes a tail sitter |
Inside the nose section before final assembly |
| Tanks and AFVs |
Model feels too light, or a metal barrel unbalances the turret |
Inside the hull or opposite side of the turret |
| Static model ships |
Lightweight hull or display model needs more mass |
Low inside the hull |
| Slot cars |
Weight distribution or centre of gravity requires tuning |
Inside the chassis after testing different positions |
| Model railway rolling stock |
Very light rolling stock may track poorly |
Low and centrally positioned inside the vehicle |
| 3D printed models |
Hollow prints can be extremely lightweight |
Inside hollow sections before final assembly |
| Gaming scenery |
Towers, street lights, signs, or vertical elements tip easily |
Hidden inside the lowest available section |
Adding weight to the noses of airplanes, the hulls of armored vehicles, tank turrets, and diorama elements with moving parts may often require weight compensation as well.
