I know it is a no no to place a model of any type parallel with the edge of the base. My question is there anything that trumps this? For instance:

I am building a 1/72 Panzer and want to place it on a small damaged bridge with water and all that good stuff. This way I can try some new tecniques before working on 1/35. I want to keep the overall seen as small as possible, around 4"X6". Now if I place the bridge parallel to the front of the base this works fine. If not then I am not sure it will fit. So if I place the tank on the bridge with the turret slightly turned at an angle I thought it would break up the symmetry or whatever it is called. Anyone have any suggestions? Here is a photo of a rough concept.



Thanks,
Ryan

I think it will still look a bit too symmetrical however you can always give it a shot and maybe brake it up using something else (can't think of what however).

As to the space you are using... I think you can still "tilt" the diorama on the base you have drawn... ... if you run the road from one corner to an oposite that should still give you enough space to make the bridge (though a corner may be cut off) and will actually provide with more lenght to place the tank... sorry no scanner (yet) so I cant show what I mean but in all essence-keep the same frame-just "tilt" the road 45 degrees.

It will be tighter towards the fron and rear of the tank but it will brake up the "monotomy" (yup... I probably can't spell).

Take exactly what you did and just slightly turn it - dosen't have to be at a 45deg. angle to the base, just enough to breakup the monotony.

Here's a 1/72 dio I did for Mini-Magic Campaign. Just a slight angle from road to base.



Good Luck
N E O

You don't even have to turn it 45 degrees, just enough to tweak it off parallel. Just enought to throw the eye off.
An option is to leave the road and bridge, and make the river 'bend' as it comes in and out of the bridge opening. Take the river entry point at the top of your picture and move it one inch to the left. Take the river exit point at the bottom of your picture and move it one inch to the right.

and to answer your question - is there anything that trumps this? - YOU. If you want to do it - Do It. If it's a personal diorama and you're not taking it to any shows - make it how you want. As you stated - learn a few techniques and go from there.

It may be a big No No, but some pre-made bases violate the "rule"

and in some cases it just looks right, granted not all the components are paralllel to the base outline but the big ones are

Very true and excellent advice... But I would still encourage you to try (no pain, no gain kind of thing).

Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll get any help you need from the members here.

Keep us posted.
N E O