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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: bermanj on September 04, 2019, 12:25:57 PM

Title: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 04, 2019, 12:25:57 PM
I'm one of 'those guys' who loves building terrain for games as much as the minis proper - I've found myself flip-flopping between miniatures (mainly Eldar to date) and terrain projects.  Not that I'm complaining, it makes for variety and adds to my enjoyment.

Recently my terrain building fire was lit once again after learning of the re-release of SLA Industries RPG and the complementary SLA Industries: Cannibal Sector 1 (CS1) wargame.  I loved the setting back in the day and it didn't take much for me to get right-back into SLA's darkpunk (grimpunk?  certainly not your standard chrome inspired cyberpunk) world.  The whole setting could quite easily mesh into the Dark Age of Technology period of the W40k universe, but that's another post.

So what have I been trying to build and deliver? I'm calling the Project "The Spoils".  To paraphrase the source materials, there's an area of urban decay boarding a continent-spanning metropolis called Cannibal Sector 1. CS1 is the size of a country and boarded by a massive containment wall.  The Sector is post-apoc hell: rubble everywhere forever drenched in rain and pollutants and all but devoid of life - well devoid of any life you'd like to meet.  Yes, it's full of all the unsavoury types and characters including devolved human cannibals, failed genetic experiments, manchines and even competiting/rival corporations running missions for agendas of their own devising.

Whilst reading through the source materials one thing that strikes me is the silence: you could imagine a recon team walking for hours, picking their way through the rubble without hearing anything but the incessant rain - only for them to be ambushed and everything going to hell.  Very Vietnam War-type imagery, but set in centuries-old areas of urban decay.

So the plan has been to create a collection of terrain that would work in such a setting.  Objectives in that regard have included:

Because I like 28mm gaming, I thought I'd shoot for (at least initially) 9x12-inch square terrain boards with enough scatter to make for an interesting experience.  The boards are system agnostic (I'm a big fan of Rogue Planet myself, but have been finding my way in Kill Team and am now exploring CS1).  I've been saving a few items for some such project and it is great that they can finally be employed... more about them later.  Also, I'm not overly precious when it comes to sacrificing my earlier works for new things - recycling, or should I say, upcycling is the name of the game.  Oh yeah - I am a dedicated trash basher so I've gone out of my way to avoid (the many cool and awe-inspiring) kits out there.

So there you have it: some background and concepts to set the scene.  Next step is to share where the journey has taken me to date...
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 04, 2019, 12:32:51 PM
Oh, I just saw the time, got to get my beauty sleep!  Here's an image to ponder and there's more to follow in the days ahead!  Cheers
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNW1DnVt5w8/XW5N0biwT5I/AAAAAAABXpM/RcgE1a1EGxwt7jnZ2yjTHM5dHzQx6bGdwCKgBGAs/s400/1567509495344.jpg)

I'll break the above into a series of component images in due course.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 04, 2019, 04:15:53 PM
Definitely going to follow this thread. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Very interested in the "wet" aspect. I don't think I've ever seen anything that is wet all over. Puddles here and there, but not like a city after a good rain.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: has.been on September 04, 2019, 08:13:47 PM
I too am interested in what you generate.
The 'wet' theme reminds me of Blade-runner, the first (& best) version.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Bullshott on September 04, 2019, 08:33:22 PM
Nice terrain. I'm also going to follow this thread, as I've just returned to post-apocalypse gaming  :)
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 04, 2019, 10:29:49 PM
So in no particular order, here is one of my two latest 12-inch boards - each iteration seems to be an improvement, be it the composition, technique or whatever, I suppose it's all a matter of refinement.

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/86/be/7c/86be7c30d25bac8e07dee01b37f9f765.jpg)

The above has lots of texture but the apparent depth is something of an optical illusion - in reality, it's only a few centimetres deep and it's the painting + variety of textures that fool you thinking it being much more varied than it is.  Build materials cardboard, loo paper, kitty litter and some grit I once collected in a bucket 'just in case'. There are one or two old sprues etc included but I wanted them incidental, not focal pieces.

I'm particularly happy with the (very cheap arse) water effects.  As someone mentioned, puddles aren't uncommon and in this instance, I wanted to create a board covered with them - trying to create a sense that the water table is near the surface etc.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 04, 2019, 10:59:19 PM
My other particularly 'wet' board is this little beauty - as much as an experiment as anything.  I tried my hand at painting various colours below the central wet area, again to give the impression of some depth that isn't actually there - the wet area is only a millimetre or two thick at most.  I may try my hand at layering the same, just to see how it looks - as to whether it is this board or another, well time will tell!

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m--jf_Os2HU/XXA-91Pje0I/AAAAAAABXrc/37mQo6e7EG09dLX_o0Dqxp0VIzibAGjugCLcBGAs/s320/Sump%2BBoard.JPG)

In itself the board isn't particularly interesting, but remember the intent here is to create the foundation/base for scatter to be applied.  Something like this can be thrown down without much effort and I don't know about you, but straight away it got me thinking of all sorts of scenarios.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvHaF39H-Ko/XXBBkaxNOJI/AAAAAAABXrw/PE042lU4NLk1L9cgsZUGFKJ5C9OsQLIIQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0481.JPG)
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 05, 2019, 07:56:32 AM
...Very interested in the "wet" aspect. I don't think I've ever seen anything that is wet all over. Puddles here and there, but not like a city after a good rain.

I agree - it's a bit of a challenge going 'wet'.  I've using glosses to provide a wet-like sheen to surfaces, so far it seems to be working.  I am conscious that simply spraying a gloss varnish over everything isn't that clever, however the manner in which I've been painting (white-gray-black) attempting to focus on downwards strokes makes a difference... here's a picture that goes some of the way of illustrating the same
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EH8-0uZ67h4/XXC-ttyqJ6I/AAAAAAABXsc/oXt3HnWS9A4rEJG0NfPynavpa88pUTCWQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0352.JPG)

Notice that centre of the frame wall?  Just above the lower Kroot's head?  That kind of effect.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 05, 2019, 02:16:43 PM
Tiles look good. Can you do a work in progress photo shoot to lay out the process a bit more? I get the gloss part, I suppose I'm not curious what you are doing to get the textures before you get to that point.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 07, 2019, 12:30:19 AM
Tiles look good. Can you do a work in progress photo shoot to lay out the process a bit more? I get the gloss part, I suppose I'm not curious what you are doing to get the textures before you get to that point.

Sure.  I think you're wanting something like a step-by-step on the tile build?   My Blog (https://southernbermanblog.blogspot.com/) has all manner of hobby ramblings, including one I recently made, specifically a tutorial for the boards (https://southernbermanblog.blogspot.com/2019/08/battle-boards-tutorial-terrain.html) .

I broke it down into the following nine (what was I thinking!?!) steps with various photos (some of which I've reproduced below) and associated ramblings:
Step One: get yourself a suitably rigid base tile
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WOQ3_tk2Ko/XUU0aiWv0oI/AAAAAAABVeI/fUFOpmp-pOAggSfiBfYmIByamsfmKOgHgCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0260.JPG)
Step Two: acquire a whole lot of crap basing material
Step Three: frame and glue
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-EZx_cHRSY/XUUzBmkAYWI/AAAAAAABVdM/imjw30SGHIoqNy8XRqbffp1Z-FKurtHiwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0267.JPG)
Step Four: applying the stuff
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKD8yh6wQyc/XUUzMm15W_I/AAAAAAABVdU/yIjfx3Ce8SMYoanhR8-J-63-e1t1kd0vwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0268.JPG)
Step Five: Let it dry
Step Six: Seal it in PVA
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiLpdZaGBzg/XUa8OiCuWZI/AAAAAAABV50/DwL9af4oiGYFSy9FlD90dBbWybMCsksnwCKgBGAs/s400/DSC_0293.JPG)
Step Seven: Prime and seal
Step Eight: Paint it up
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPSYlPhNK24/XUa9cC5WYEI/AAAAAAABV6U/-MYUrvtRzZUyiOezXiu7NrjpeXFAWQuewCKgBGAs/s400/DSCPDC_0000_BURST20190804133654465.JPG)
Step Nine: Lockdown your good work

I trust that's what you're after?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 09, 2019, 12:43:29 PM
Yes. Interesting. Never seen anyone frame out a tile. Do you do this to prevent warping?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 10, 2019, 09:20:19 AM
The frame isn't a necessity whatsoever, and no, it doesn't prevent warping.  I had some spare lumber and thought it would help me contain the mess associated with the creation process.  Also, it encourages me to build right up to the board's edge which reduces the 'edge deadzone' effect.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 10, 2019, 02:32:25 PM
I suppose you could force it apart, but does it glue the lumber to the board? Any increased risk of damage to the board itself if it does? I suppose you could line the inside of your frame with plastic wrap, if that were the case. Glue doesn't seem to stick to saran wrap, in my experience.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: War Monkey on September 10, 2019, 03:23:15 PM
I have found that if I let my projects rest for a few days after applying  anything with a fair amount of moisture  in it then seal it both top and bottom very well it really limits the amount of warping if any, I have built terrain using cardboard, glue water and tissue, giving each step a chance to dry really well, then let set for a little while, then cover it with very find sand with water and glue and again let it set, then seal the c**p  out of it, and out of all my pieces I had one that warped so little that it wasn't  a problem.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 13, 2019, 12:22:20 PM
I suppose you could force it apart, but does it glue the lumber to the board? Any increased risk of damage to the board itself if it does?

The lumber hasn't stuck to the boards yet - that's due to the fact I don't leave the lumber in place while the glue dries (I'll update my blog on that bit, ta) and the glue itself is pretty pissy - kids school paste-type stuff.  Nope, the only reason is to encourage me to build right up to the board's edge and avoid the camel hump effect where the board's middle is higher than the edges.

Nice suggestion re the saran wrap (cling wrap here in Oz) - I'll have to file that away for later!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 13, 2019, 12:27:33 PM
I have found that if I let my projects rest for a few days after applying  anything with a fair amount of moisture  in it then seal it both top and bottom very well it really limits the amount of warping if any, I have built terrain using cardboard, glue water and tissue, giving each step a chance to dry really well, then let set for a little while, then cover it with very find sand with water and glue and again let it set, then seal the c**p  out of it, and out of all my pieces I had one that warped so little that it wasn't  a problem.

I hear you.  Moisture is the start of the problem, but it's actually shrinkage that is the killer.  If you can avoid shrinkage, then you're good.  I've found with the occasional rattle-can primer that shrinkage has been dramatic.  I should really write down what's worked and what has caused me grief someday!

I've had a little warping on my recent boards, but not as much as my first couple - I'll put that down to both using the floor underlay + being a little more restrained when it comes to water.  Oh well, a little bit of shrinkage adds to the authenticity of the build I say!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 13, 2019, 12:36:27 PM
One thing that I've really worked at is layers of texture.  You can see the effect I'm shooting for in this shot:

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPNGvovF2ks/XW5N0WWK_YI/AAAAAAABXpM/H5gM1SVzgBgnA2VyTaXdWvwylzdDAgY9gCKgBGAs/s1600/1567509604523.jpg)

The technique takes courage and practice, but it pays off!

I'm going out of my way to avoid any unblemished, smooth surfaces whatsoever.  I read recently that one guy mixes grit into his paints - I thought that was a great idea, something I'll definitely give a spin when it comes to my next few pieces.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 20, 2019, 04:10:17 AM
https://youtu.be/0KXQ1KdgKDQ

So I've hit 2x4 tiles hopefully this link to YouTube works. Only got one more tile to go to hit my nine Taylor Target. Now I just got to come up with a suitable idea call that last tile.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: has.been on September 20, 2019, 06:00:19 AM
Also try flinging talcum powder at it when the paint is still wet,
&/or mixing some into the paint left over, then spreading the 'paste'
over the surface with a pallet knife. You can then (when it is well &
truly dry) paint contrasting washes over the surface.
 
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 20, 2019, 01:09:24 PM
That has a nice atmospheric feel to it.

Any issues getting terrain to lay flat on the tiles? Do you just build without bases?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: NurgleHH on September 21, 2019, 04:53:22 PM
Great work, like this wet looking areas.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 23, 2019, 12:17:12 PM
That has a nice atmospheric feel to it.

Any issues getting terrain to lay flat on the tiles? Do you just build without bases?

I tend not to base the terrain specifically because of the uneven surface.  I'll post some pics of the same soon....
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: War Monkey on September 23, 2019, 02:12:10 PM
The tiles are looking really good! Great job!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Gallahad on September 24, 2019, 02:40:53 AM
Nice, look forward to more.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 26, 2019, 08:10:45 AM
Whilst I've been making the various terrain tiles, I've also been working on buildings etc to fill the environment.  My favourite game is Rogue Planet which doesn't employ measured moving, rather Units are moved until they encounter a different type of terrain - that makes it important to break-up the board with difficult terrain areas etc.  Sorry, I'm drifting...

The idea behind this piece is along the lines of a mere skeleton of a building.  It can comfortably contain five 28mm models and provides a platform on the top if one is feeling brave.  Again I worked hard at creating lots of texture which really comes up nicely with a simple dry brush application.

https://youtu.be/3pvRgYr8hAM
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 26, 2019, 01:08:42 PM
It does look like it fits into the terrain well.

What gives it the "melted" look?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on September 27, 2019, 08:08:50 AM
What gives it the "melted" look?

The subtle application of flame. 😁

https://youtu.be/eBKVdK3kWP4

Seriously, it's not for the faint hearted, nor recommended without suitable ventilation. But tell you what, it is great fun, even when it fails.  I'm slowly learning some techniques through trial and error, however "error" is all too frequent if you have any great love of your terrain pieces.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on September 27, 2019, 12:53:01 PM
The subtle application of flame. 😁

I suspected as much, but thought I would double check!

Yes, "subtle"  lol
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 10, 2019, 11:02:37 AM
Here's something I built last weekend for the setting - my first every boat!  It was a lot of fun, so much so, that this weekend I've started my second... well "ship", not "boat", as it's going to be 3 or 4 times the size of this little bugger.

https://youtu.be/JkpcTBD7NLQ
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: War Monkey on November 11, 2019, 03:22:52 AM
Very nice indeed, can't wait to see the ship your coming out with!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 11, 2019, 09:56:59 PM
I got so involved in replying to comments that I hadforgot to post some more pics. Trust you find these interesting.

https://youtu.be/pKXAzd49I8w

https://youtu.be/RPzRhxBGNl0

https://youtu.be/0LTo9IXBMoE
I especially like this piece. Makes me sick imagine cultist or scavenger tent. 

Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on November 12, 2019, 03:47:49 PM
Interesting. I was mostly picturing your wet world as a sea of endless puddles. Perhaps there is far deeper water in the near future? WHole tile sets of water with garbage floating around in it? That would be cool.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 25, 2019, 02:07:08 AM
I like the sound of that.  I had always imagined it was a tidal situation - the Sump oozes or flows onto the dump creating ponds, pools etc. But there is room for a proper sump sea/ocean as well.

Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 25, 2019, 02:48:05 AM
So I have made some good progress on my big sump ship, with four hold sections built and largely painted, both the interior and exterior/hulls.

https://youtu.be/d2TDpNs4xgc

The bow is being tackled afresh, however I really like the curve that I've been able to achieve - don't want to lose that!

https://youtu.be/7aSQ6gTaLWQ

Presently I am working on the superstructure /bridge.  I'll share once I get a video of the same.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Samsonov on November 25, 2019, 03:37:13 AM
That technique for creating the basic tiles could actually be adapted to make quick and convincing cave floors.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 25, 2019, 11:20:36 AM
That technique for creating the basic tiles could actually be adapted to make quick and convincing cave floors.

I think you're right.  Cave systems are woefully underutilised in the grimdark far future of gaming.  Do it!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on November 25, 2019, 01:41:24 PM
That is an interesting point, Bermanj. I mean, I am working on a set of space ships with playable interiors and swappable parts to simulate something like a futuristic dungeon crawl, I never actually considered doing a dungeon/caves.

Post apoc stuff is typically riddles with subways, vaults, bunkers and the sort. No lack of underground gaming there.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Samsonov on November 25, 2019, 05:43:10 PM
I was thinking caves for starship troopers (I think bugs usually create their own caves but I suppose they would not pass up using an existing network), maybe some AvP and for fantasy dungeon crawl. Futuristic cave tiles would be great (I seem to remember there was a space hulk story where the terminators were going through caves hunting genestealers). Will report back if I get around to making any caves. Also, this technique might work for rock faces more generally. Need to find some of that type of cardboard.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on November 25, 2019, 06:32:17 PM
Are the hull panels painted on?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Mason on November 25, 2019, 06:52:43 PM
There is some cracking stuff going on in this thread.
 8) 8)

I shall be following with interest.
 :)

Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 26, 2019, 01:42:47 AM
Are the hull panels painted on?

I painted them on card and mounted them onto the frame... here's a blog post link that tells all:
https://southernbermanblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/sump-empress-terrain-part-4.html
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on November 26, 2019, 10:17:33 AM
Regarding the cave references,  I did try making some garbage piles that were particularly tall - I had an image of an almost trench-like network amongst the refuse. They didn't turn out too bad BUT tended to be too broad.  Yeah, I think if you wanted to make a cave-like network, then I suggest you'd be best tackling it as a dedicated project in its own right.

That being said, whilst I have been making the hull/hold sections for my ship, it did occur to me that the same basic technique could be used to create a warren-style dungeon-crawl board.  Presently all those hull pieces are intended to be placed in a straight-line sequence.  Creating some that are L-shaped (i.e. opening at 12 and 3 O'clock) instead of the standard straights (i.e. 12 and 6 O'clock) would be easy, as would making a T-section (i.e. 3, 6 and 9 O'clock).  I play Space Hulk and I can see some parallels in the design thinking...

I might file that one away for a later day.  Many people have made modular boards with that sort of configuration in mind, however I don't recall seeing anything that was on the smaller end of the scale e.g., my "boxes" footprints are merely 5.5-inches square.  That sort of scale wouldn't be well suited for many 28mm games, but I was considering using Rogue Planet for my eventual shipboard games - given it doesn't measure moves the scale is largely irrelevant.

Thanks for the ideas!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 11, 2019, 10:36:49 AM
I hit a bit of a time barrier as of late.  With Christmas fast approaching and all the associated family obligations etc., time is at a premium.  Alas, my big ship has been put on hold for the moment - I'm hoping to get back to it again early next year.

In the meantime, I pulled out the complementary 'dock' and invested some time in tackling it a tad more.  It's paying-off handsomely, and I'm getting a real good vibe - I can see it making for a suitably varied and intricate gameboard.  This picture will give you a sense as to where it's going:

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GqiS3UTNpk/XezJQb_Df2I/AAAAAAABe-Y/-f0ukEH69sAg2gsFLMm71ZGgcVrNnX96gCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1382.JPG)

I've just about made enough pure dock elements - there are a few complimentary pieces I'd like to explore, but they'd be the icing on the sumpy cake.  Some of the individual pieces came out very nicely...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuIAvEHOjMU/XeymFsFCBAI/AAAAAAABe7M/0cMGTweyeOshApPG035f7J-L3y0P-BJxwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1374.JPG)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MED4l_FfD5M/XeynXCsq4tI/AAAAAAABe84/EKhH6LubsSQHOk-q2vWkJbZdDZbdSnlQQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1376.JPG)
That last piece is threaded through wire meaning I can make it look/act like a suspended bridge - a nice touch to the board.

The actual board proper came together very quickly, and the illusion of depth I had achieved (not evident in the above pictures, they were pre-pour) was great* - I was delighted:

https://youtu.be/V3-zBlJgjSs

* "...was great" being the operative - in the space of 24 hours the pour condensed/shrunk by ~50% which was heartbreaking!  Just today I've tried topping it up with another pour (this time using a 2-part resin) - hopefully it works, and the shrinkage is <1% as advertised this time around!
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on December 11, 2019, 01:52:13 PM
Threading your popsicle sticks through that wire the way you did was pretty ingenious. One of those *head slap* "Now, why didn't I think of that?!" types of moments.

Great stuff all the way around.

So what, if anything, on the docks board is permanent? Nothing? Some of the sections? I can sort of correlate some of your bridge sections to pieces above, but maybe some of those sections permanently have the cork piles on them?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 11, 2019, 10:06:21 PM
So what, if anything, on the docks board is permanent? Nothing? Some of the sections? I can sort of correlate some of your bridge sections to pieces above, but maybe some of those sections permanently have the cork piles on them?

But for the banks on two sides of the board, nothing is/will be stuck down.  I have my big ship still in progress + a few other ideas, so the more freedom I have, the better!

A few of the boardwalks(?) have cork piles attached with glue. Maybe half of them at least presently don't.  I've got heaps of corks so despite my initial plan to magnetise the world, I've no real need to do so but for ease of storage.

I was impressed by the grip of the N50 magnet through the polyethylene onto the board.  My concerns that the cork pylons were prone to shifting were unfounded.  What I have done on a few pylons was magnetise the bottom, put a ferrous screw in the top, and then use another magnet (just loose) to connect the top of the pylon with the underside of the boardwalk.  I simply glued some washers on the underside of the boardwalks especially for that purpose.

I've got some large tool boxes that I intend to use for storing the on-board terrain pieces, so I may end up disassembling some pieces to make them more readily packed.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on December 12, 2019, 01:47:29 PM
Yeah, I've tried playing with magnets at times, but frankly I think they are always fiddly and the "what" they solve is rarely worth that effort. Maybe if I intended to play games onboard a ship at sea, or I've heard people talk about magnetizing bases of figures for transportation. I don't take my figures anywhere, and the few times I have I really didn't see the problem with foam inserts protecting figures just fine. So my overall thought on magnets is that they are a neat idea, but really not important overall.

Cork seems like it would have more surface friction (less slide) than plastic sheet, or even cardboard. I don't have an issue with either of those things sliding around a lot, so I'd think the cork would be more than fine. No matter what you do I think there will always be the occasional clumsy bumping of terrain, but it isn't the end of the world.

Did the second pour shrink less?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 13, 2019, 07:14:48 AM
"Yeah, I've tried playing with magnets at times, but frankly I think they are always fiddly and the "what" they solve is rarely worth that effort. "

I like the idea of being able to reconfigure the layout on a whim - lego-like if you will - but ultimately the variability or adaptability of my terrain isn't the thing that is holding me back from engaging in more games.  It's just one of those things that I may pursue on the side.
"Maybe if I intended to play games onboard a ship at sea, or I've heard people talk about magnetizing bases of figures for transportation."

I regularly play at a pub just down the road from me, so being able to transport stuff has its merits in my situation.  Magnetised bases for my minis is way less fussy than having form inserts - I've got a few different sized metal-based transport boxes/cases and I can quickly collate and transport what I need on-demand.  I like to be able to do the same with my terrain - making the terrain collapsable just makes it that bit easier to pack into a smaller box etc.  Again, first world problems.

Did the second pour shrink less?
Yes, it seemed to work pretty well.  There is a bit of shrinkage but well within tolerances.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get my desk quite level, so the resin hasn't consistently spread across the board, but in the scheme of things, it's hardly an issue.  Oh yeah, apparently cat hair is still a thing in the year 40,000  :-[

https://youtu.be/hcgQ2IgbfWo

The resin is WAY reflective, as is evident in the video.  It's also expensive - at this price point, it will remain a hobby splurge rather than a staple - so I am going to have to track down cheaper alternatives if I want to do some more.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: CookAndrewB on December 13, 2019, 02:09:19 PM
I think the resin looks good. Does it ever reach an elastic state where you could work some ripples into the surface?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Chairface on December 13, 2019, 03:08:09 PM
I love your stuff! Everything is so organic looking
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 13, 2019, 09:16:37 PM
I think the resin looks good. Does it ever reach an elastic state where you could work some ripples into the surface?

I suspect that it might.  As it sets, it becomes increasingly inelastic, so that there is likely some small window of opportunity where you could manipulate the surface.

I watched a YouTube with someone using a heat gun and flame gun on their resin.  It looked like it could create ripples as well.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: snitcythedog on December 14, 2019, 11:21:09 PM
I suspect that it might.  As it sets, it becomes increasingly inelastic, so that there is likely some small window of opportunity where you could manipulate the surface.
I watched a YouTube with someone using a heat gun and flame gun on their resin.  It looked like it could create ripples as well.
Why reinvent the wheel?  Blob two part epoxy resin on the surface and agitate with a popsicle stick until it starts to set.  Here is an example of mine. 
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O4lHuGOiUk/XVrU1XEr4DI/AAAAAAAACDk/kfR-kIpYM8YexL6JTDYO74lh3MpSj3kXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg (https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O4lHuGOiUk/XVrU1XEr4DI/AAAAAAAACDk/kfR-kIpYM8YexL6JTDYO74lh3MpSj3kXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg)
Full technique here.
https://www.hirstarts.com/tips17/tips17.html#water (https://www.hirstarts.com/tips17/tips17.html#water)
It is an easier solution that will not damage the surface. 
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Valerik on December 15, 2019, 01:56:41 AM
Quote
Oh yeah, apparently cat hair is still a thing in the year 40,000

Cat hair, especially long hairs, used together deliberately, can be amazing foliage. 
WHISKERS are quite handy for antennae, think personal or vehicular gear.  Or insectoid monsters!!

Valerik

"Dancin' Truth's gossamer tightrope"
HPF
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 15, 2019, 07:00:18 AM
Why reinvent the wheel?  Blob two part epoxy resin on the surface and agitate with a popsicle stick until it starts to set.
Damn you with your sensible, flameless solutions!  I am yet to find a problem that can't be solved with flame!  :-[
Here is an example of mine... Full technique here... It is an easier solution that will not damage the surface.
I am confused.  When does one set fire to it?  Mmm...  I may have to reconsider my options some...
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 15, 2019, 07:02:45 AM
Cat hair, especially long hairs, used together deliberately, can be amazing foliage.  WHISKERS are quite handy for antennae, think personal or vehicular gear.  Or insectoid monsters!!
Mmm... I have suddenly seen my cat in an altogether more useful light - now where did I leave my scissors?
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on December 23, 2019, 06:49:06 AM
I finally got my Sump Dock entry complete and am looking forward to playing on it next year &#128513;
https://youtu.be/priyYyRaCV0
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: Blackwolf on December 23, 2019, 07:31:24 AM
Nice scenery,very evocative!
In regards to ripples et cetera on your resin pour; you can use Vallejo water effects (AK Interactive and MIG Ammo do similar stuff too). You can see its use(a little bit) in my last years Build Something entry.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on February 01, 2020, 11:02:33 AM
So the next Necromunda Terrain Build Challenge has been set and I've gotten this far to date.  It was pretty quick and easy to get to this point, now I am looking at how to incorporate some gantries on the trunk's body... nothing like a theme to spark the innovation fuse i say.

https://youtu.be/1xwHjcvVaCg

I am keeping something of a build log on my blog - it's just a draft ATM as I've been flat out with real life demands as of late.
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on February 09, 2020, 10:30:42 AM
Now the new improved Power Station with gantries and all manner of pipes, ladders and shite.  Next: painting!
https://youtu.be/BjBHUeBuX2w
Title: Re: The Spoils (Terrain Project)
Post by: bermanj on March 24, 2020, 11:32:02 AM
So how the movest recent build integrates with the rest of my terrain... this quick vid gives you a sense of how the various elements hang together.  The Tonksche Station (thanks FB Friends) is now fully painted and includes lots of little bits of detail that bring it to life - I'll likely do a more detailed write-up on my Blog in due course with more pics etc.

https://youtu.be/vTXUukGZzP8

We were intending to use this in our Melbourne Australia Little Wars game in a couple of month's time, however with the recent C-19 restrictions coming into effect, that now looks unlikely.  With mandatory isolation in effect, I may have to turn my mind to rescuing my solo game design project(s) and see if I can record a game with these various 'Spoils' terrain pieces in play.