Placement within a Combined Unit

In Combined Units with both Attachable Models and Rank-and-File models, an Attachable Model is considered to have a Matching Base if the size of the model’s base is the same as that of the Rank-and-File models in the unit, or if the model’s base size is a multiple of the size of the Rank-and−File models’ in the unit (e.g., a 40x40 mm base in a unit of 20x20 mm bases). Models on Matching bases are placed inside the formation of the unit they join, normally displacing another model or models. If the model has a larger base than the Rank-and-File models, it counts as occupying all ranks its base covers for Proper Ranks calculations.

If a model with a Matching Base has a longer base than the Rank-and-File models, the unit can have more than one incomplete rank if all incomplete ranks consist entirely of models with such bases (e.g., the rear parts of long bases like War Platforms can form several incomplete ranks).

A model cannot join a unit with more than one rank if its base is wider than the unit, nor can a unit Reform into a formation narrower than any model joined to it.

Any base that is not a Matching Base is considered a Mismatching Base, such as a 40x40 mm base in a 25x50 mm unit. A model with a Mismatching Base is always placed in contact to the side of the unit, aligned with its front. Each unit can only have two Mismatching Bases, one at each side. These models are considered to be only in the first rank and are not counted when determining the number of models in each rank for Proper Ranks. They form a separate file of one model each.

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Matching and Unmatching Bases.a) A Character on a Mismatching Base is placed next to the unit. Characters on Matching Bases are placed inside the unit, as far forwards as possible. This unit is considered to have 6 Files and 4 Ranks.\
b) When an Attachable Model joins the unit, the small Attachable Model in the second rank must be moved to the side in order to have all Attachable Models as far forwards as possible.

For Combined Units consisting entirely of Attachable Models, Matching or Mismatching Bases are determined differently since there are no Rank-and-File models. In these cases, the owner of the unit decides when the unit is first formed, which model's base is used in place of Rank-and-File models. Models with the same base, or bases that are a multiple of it, are considered Matching.

If the chosen model leaves the unit or is removed as a casualty, a new model must be chosen. If possible, this choice must be made so that as few models as possible change their status regarding Matching or Mismatching, normally this means choosing a model with the same base as the model that left the unit.

When all the Rank-and-File models in a combined unit are wiped out, but there are still Attachable Models left, they form a smaller combined unit. This smaller unit is treated as the same unit for effects and Panic Tests.