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Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Rabbitz on November 02, 2023, 10:09:29 AM

Title: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 02, 2023, 10:09:29 AM
I have recently been building up some Victorian-era buildings and am trying to find some suitable posters, pictures and shop signage and was wondering if any of you fine Ladies and Gentlemen would be kind enough to offer some advice or point me in the right direction.

I just want to give that more 'lived-in' feel to my buildings.

(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/80710869-IMG_9349-770.jpg)
(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/52795416-IMG_9338-770.jpg)
(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/61174268-IMG_9342-770.jpg)
(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/16374694-IMG_9346-320-320.jpg)

Many thanks in advance for any help.
Title: Re: Making my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: OSHIROmodels on November 02, 2023, 10:34:18 AM
Lovely collection  8)

I just did a google image search for mine and shrank them down to size in paint and printed a montage of a whole A4 sheets worth. Should last for a good few years yet lol

Some shop signs can also be done in paint and then suitably dirtied once printed out.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Aethelflaeda was framed on November 02, 2023, 11:43:42 AM
Some streetlights and post boxes will help the street look less empty. Excellent terrain tho’, even without signage. Scratchbuilt?
Title: Re: Making my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 02, 2023, 12:32:23 PM
Lovely collection  8)

I just did a google image search for mine and shrank them down to size in paint and printed a montage of a whole A4 sheets worth. Should last for a good few years yet lol

Some shop signs can also be done in paint and then suitably dirtied once printed out.

Thanks.  I always find when I try to do them that they look a little fake.   I will give it another go though.

Some streetlights and post boxes will help the street look less empty. Excellent terrain tho’, even without signage. Scratchbuilt?

They are 3D printed.  I have street lights, good idea on the post boxes though.   Now to find some in 28mm scale.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: OSHIROmodels on November 02, 2023, 12:38:35 PM
I’ve got some here but postage to Oz might not be worth it.

https://www.oshiromodels.co.uk/victorianadditions (https://www.oshiromodels.co.uk/victorianadditions)
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Sunjester on November 02, 2023, 04:50:51 PM
Please post some pictures once you have done this, you have some impressive buildings.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 03, 2023, 10:36:22 AM
I’ve got some here but postage to Oz might not be worth it.

https://www.oshiromodels.co.uk/victorianadditions (https://www.oshiromodels.co.uk/victorianadditions)

Thanks.   Looks like I'll just have to order enough stuff to make the postage worth it then.   

Please post some pictures once you have done this, you have some impressive buildings.

Thanks and of course.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: huntersmoon on November 03, 2023, 10:21:37 PM
Excellent work, Sir!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: The_Beast on November 05, 2023, 07:56:28 PM
Quite in the line to heap praise, but you asked for suggestions...

Maybe small focus on the windows? Ghostly faces, curtains and like. Even laundry drying on poles.

Sorry, popped in to my head and had to get it out there.

Doug
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: has.been on November 05, 2023, 08:05:52 PM
Quote
Maybe small focus on the windows? Ghostly faces, curtains and like. Even laundry drying on poles.

I agree, especially curtains. You might also put a 'light in the window'. Not necessarily
actual electrics, but paint to suggest brightness. Yellow, either thinned or translucent
like Tamiya's, might do it. Also don't do every window.

You could go even further. Get an image of a Victorian oil lamp, paint it up & stick some
of them in various windows.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: carlos marighela on November 05, 2023, 08:47:33 PM
Curtains definitely help break up the uniformity. Painted and then re glazed if the models are solid but if not I've found masking tape adhered to the back, gives a nice net curtain effect. And folded and painted aluminium foil from baking trays cut into strips is handy for all kinds of stuff like curtains and drying washing.

Stains and a little rusting on the spouting helps towards a lived in look as does the occasional bit of flock or tufting stuck into gutters.

If you want Victorian lamp posts, Nic at Eureka has some. Drop him a line.

Lovely looking terrain. Whose 3D designs are those may I ask?
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: shadowbeast on November 10, 2023, 12:50:08 AM
https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/192761/28mm-vintage-victorian-era-advertising-posters
https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/192762/28mm-vintage-victorian-era-circus-posters


Lovely looking terrain. Whose 3D designs are those may I ask?

https://www.myminifactory.com/users/DarkRealms?show=store
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 10, 2023, 01:37:11 AM
Thanks for those links and the excellent idea of masking tape for curtains. 
Also my apologies for the delayed reply, thanks shadowbeast for stepping in. Yeah the files are from a couple of different releases from Dark Realms.  They did a Victorian Range and a Laandan range.  I am hoping they expand on them in the future. 
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: mikos khan on November 10, 2023, 03:49:59 AM
Those are some awesome looking buildings as they are but if you're looking for some tips on weathering, posters etc. I would recommend that you look at the work of my good friend KD47.  His most recent post is on the 2nd page of the Post Apocalyptic section and showcases a 28mm Orbit gas station.     
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Chairface on November 10, 2023, 06:41:35 PM
Absolutely stunning buildings. Has anyone mentioned flower boxes yet? That would be a great way to add a little colour and cheer
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Cat on November 10, 2023, 07:00:12 PM
Bird droppings along the roof peaks always adds a lively touch.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Glitzer on November 10, 2023, 09:01:40 PM
Bird droppings along the roof peaks always adds a lively touch.
as would birds or cats on the roof...

pillows or laundry hung out of open windows to dry/vent

cats dazing on windowsils

wares in crates piled up in front of stores

wall mounted mailboxes

oh did I mention cats yet? You could place some on the entrance doorsteps

Now did I ever glue cats to scenery? Nope all of my 3 dozen or so cats are individually based on 15mm bases  ;D

PS: how could I forget about crates with milk bottles?
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 17, 2023, 08:34:33 AM
as would birds or cats on the roof...

pillows or laundry hung out of open windows to dry/vent

cats dazing on windowsils

wares in crates piled up in front of stores

wall mounted mailboxes

oh did I mention cats yet? You could place some on the entrance doorsteps

Now did I ever glue cats to scenery? Nope all of my 3 dozen or so cats are individually based on 15mm bases  ;D

PS: how could I forget about crates with milk bottles?

Thanks  :D   All of those are excellent suggestions.  Thank you so much.

Some progress shots. 

(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/11/13083748-IMG_9423.jpg)

(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/11/34696408-IMG_9421-770.jpg)
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: carlos marighela on November 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AM
Looking good!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Sunjester on November 17, 2023, 01:37:10 PM
Very nice indeed!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: joekano on November 17, 2023, 05:23:30 PM
That looks spectacular!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Chairface on November 17, 2023, 07:52:18 PM
That looks more lived in already!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: OSHIROmodels on November 17, 2023, 08:05:24 PM
Lovely  :)
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: marianas_gamer on November 17, 2023, 11:08:19 PM
These additions really make these beautiful buildings better! :-* :-*
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Glitzer on November 20, 2023, 09:03:06 AM
Are those 3D printed? Or are they casts?
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 20, 2023, 01:05:22 PM
Are those 3D printed? Or are they casts?

3D printed
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Aethelflaeda was framed on November 22, 2023, 03:56:32 PM
These additions really make these beautiful buildings better! :-* :-*

Seconded.  A really nice street of terrain.  Did you ever find a street postbox?   Maybe some easel signs on the sidewalks and a few garden pots…

Can we get an invitation to play at your house!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 23, 2023, 08:49:54 AM
Seconded.  A really nice street of terrain.  Did you ever find a street postbox?   Maybe some easel signs on the sidewalks and a few garden pots…

Can we get an invitation to play at your house!

Oshiro models have some, although I am really chasing some that look more like this if possible, so the search goes on. 
(https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.Wokc8038wIWcnCY4GwTnhQHaKJ?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain)

Invites, of course, although you will have to supply your own airfare to Western Austalia.   :)
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: 2010sunburst on November 23, 2023, 09:48:45 AM
Are these any good?
https://www.langleymodels.co.uk/awd1/index.php?route=product/product&path=225_227_228&product_id=6406
They are 1/43 so may be a little too big, but they also do them in 1/72, which is about 20mm in figure scales.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: 2010sunburst on November 23, 2023, 09:59:04 AM
PS, from 1859 to 1875 the ones in your picture were actually green……..amazing what you can find on the net!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 23, 2023, 12:28:51 PM
Are these any good?
https://www.langleymodels.co.uk/awd1/index.php?route=product/product&path=225_227_228&product_id=6406
They are 1/43 so may be a little too big, but they also do them in 1/72, which is about 20mm in figure scales.

Thanks for that, I will go and investigate. 



PS, from 1859 to 1875 the ones in your picture were actually green……..amazing what you can find on the net!

Yeah I noticed that and I kind of like the green look.  These are for VSF so I don’t really have an exact time frame in mind.   Somewhere between 1859 and 1899 I guess.   It is more a case of what feels right.   I just like the more ornate look of this style.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 26, 2023, 10:17:00 AM
Bird droppings along the roof peaks always adds a lively touch.
Or lichen, can add some colour to grey roofs (I know lichen are one of the first victims of poor air quality but...).
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 26, 2023, 10:22:01 AM
I was wondering if you could get a hearing aid battery in a 25mm blank not slotta base so you could get your street lights lit?

I know Peco do an O Gauge plastic kit of street lamps designed to be lit.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on November 26, 2023, 01:42:17 PM
I was wondering if you could get a hearing aid battery in a 25mm blank not slotta base so you could get your street lights lit?

I know Peco do an O Gauge plastic kit of street lamps designed to be lit.

I designed and printed the bases of my lamps to hold one of the small flat batteries found in those little tealight candles.   The weight of the lamp is enough to turn the lamps on when placed on the table and turn them off when lifted up. 

(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/37172259-IMG_937115921.jpg)

(https://images.beastsofwar.com/2023/10/32300777-IMG_9370.jpg)
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 26, 2023, 02:32:17 PM
Excellent.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: has.been on November 26, 2023, 02:56:37 PM
Quote
I designed and printed the bases of my lamps to hold one of the small flat batteries found in those little tealight candles.   The weight of the lamp is enough to turn the lamps on when placed on the table and turn them off when lifted up.

Smart!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: 2010sunburst on December 10, 2023, 06:57:47 AM
Marketable!
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Freddy on December 10, 2023, 09:24:49 AM
What a great idea!
Title: Re: Making my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: white knight on January 02, 2024, 04:22:18 PM
They are 3D printed.  I have street lights, good idea on the post boxes though.   Now to find some in 28mm scale.

Where are the files from? They look nice enough to upscale to 60mm scale.  :)
Title: Re: Making my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: Rabbitz on January 02, 2024, 06:45:43 PM
Where are the files from? They look nice enough to upscale to 60mm scale.  :)

They are from Dark Realms.   Sorry for the delayed reply.
Title: Re: In need of help to make my VSF buildings look more inhabited.
Post by: FifteensAway on January 16, 2024, 05:25:46 AM
Very late to this thread but you've certainly added the step that makes buildings look most 'lived in': weathering for age.

Someone beat me to it but Langley might yield lots of pieces of use - I only know them for N scale and TT scale (for 15 mm gaming) so not sure how much they have for O scale but hopefully lots of Victorian era bits in that scale too.

Really nicely done modeling.