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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Sir Dryden on 30 August 2010, 07:07:13 PM

Title: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 30 August 2010, 07:07:13 PM: Hi to all,

As mentionned before, I was really looking forward for something like this contest, so I had an excuse to whip out my modelling stuff and, you know, Build Something^tm. But enough chit-chat and let's get to it...

1. The Weird Ways of Imagination:
When the theme was announced and Micheal Bolton mentionned. I immediately thought "I HAVE to have MB's face on it!". My father in law gave me a bunch of so-so CDs last fall, and among them was the 1st recording by, you guessed it, Micheal Bolton. I don't think I need to mention that I didn't mind "losing" the said recording to the terrain gods. So, armed with that essential element, I looked for a fitting concept.

It didn't take long. I decided to build a ruined billboard that would have been turned into a watchtower/shelter in a post-apocalyptic setting. At first, I wanted the time period to be around 1985 ('cause of MB) but now, I have my doubts. Late 50s-early 60s is really tempting, if only for the ad I could paint on the billboard. We'll see how this develops.

2. Build Something^tm Already!
I started by drawing up some plans for the billboard itself. I like doing that because it saves you a lot of time when you're actually building the thing. I searched the net and looked around the neighborhood for some references and found plenty. I then drew the plans.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton00.jpg)

I then started building the thing. Sorry for the pictures, I'm not a photographer and it shows...
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton02.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton03.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton04.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton05.jpg)

In the last 2 images, you can (barely) see the basis of the grate thingy that always accompany billboards.

I also started working on the pillar that will support the billboard.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton06.jpg)

Not a lot to see yet, but I managed to do a mock-up of what it should look like once finished.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton07.jpg)

Finally, a shot of my original concept, though the image would be almost destroyed in the final version.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%20Contest/Bolton08.jpg)

I'll update when I'll have some more.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden

FUN MICHEAL BOLTON FACT #1
Early in his musical career, Micheal Bolton focused on hard rock. His band, Blackjack, once toured with heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 30 August 2010, 08:04:02 PM: Quote
Early in his musical career, Micheal Bolton focused on hard rock. His band, Blackjack, once toured with heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne.

And just look what happened to him lol lol

Looking very good and what an interesting idea :)

cheers

James
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Dewbakuk on 30 August 2010, 08:06:07 PM: That's very cool. The billboards in the UK are very different but films that I've seen explain the whole platform thing :)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: gamer Mac on 31 August 2010, 09:09:24 AM: Very nice.
Is it made of plactic card?
Some people are fairly flying on with this project :'(
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Hammers on 31 August 2010, 09:55:08 AM: lol Lovely, Sir Dryden. Glad to see someone actually taking the Michael Bolton appeal seriously.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 31 August 2010, 01:47:47 PM: @GamerMac: Yes, it's all plastic card. I used to make commercial signage for a living and we bought 1/16'' styrene in 4'x8' sheets, so there was a lot of leftovers. Needless to say I picked up TONS of it! This project will most likely be 75%-80% scratchbuilt, so the styrene should come in handy. By the way, I don't know about the prices in Europe, but a 4'x8' of 1/16'' styrene costs around 50$ here, so it's a real economy if you compare with Evergreen or Plastruct prices. Perfect if you're building a Zeppelin (...and the kids have reached the fabled Coco Puffs Tolerability Level)...

@Hammers: I'm starting to be a little scared of my sudden discovery of Michael Bolton. Can you imagine I actually checked the net for his bio?!? I don't want to be known as "the Michael Bolton Guy" around here! lol

(By the way, don't steal my thunder with the MB Facts, it's a gimmick I'd like to stretch through the build! ;))

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Christian on 31 August 2010, 01:49:42 PM: And what a plunge! Nice work... after I read your facts I searched YouTube for some videos of his earlier band days. So thank you.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: gamer Mac on 31 August 2010, 11:59:24 PM: Thanks for the answers
Michal Bolton Guy lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Hammers on 01 September 2010, 12:07:57 AM: My work here is done. 8)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 09 September 2010, 05:08:35 PM: Hi to all,

After a bit of a delay, here's the second update on my BSC^tm project.

3.Levels. It's all about levels
After a lot of thinking, I decided to attach the basic structure to it's pole. It might prove a bit more difficult to paint, but it'll help during construction. Here's a few (crappy) pictures.

The whole thing, front and back, with a yet-to-be-converted Foundry Viking for scale.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton20.jpg)

Detail shots. The back wall isn't attached (easier painting later) and the roof will remain removable
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton21.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton22.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton23.jpg)

The foot of the tower. I'll probably add weld lines made of green stuff.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton24.jpg)

Bits and pieces that will sit in the top shack (there'll be another on a lower level)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton25.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton26.jpg)

Finally, the cause of all my troubles...
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2002/Bolton27.jpg)

Hope you like it,

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden

FUN MICHAEL BOLTON FACT #2
Michael Bolton was an extra in David Lynch's 1984 movie DUNE. He played the part of a "spice-eyed drummer". This just adds to the already numerous reasons Lynch's DUNE sucked so bad.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Silent Invader on 09 September 2010, 05:44:47 PM: That's looking really good! 8)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 09 September 2010, 05:47:05 PM: Love the details, perhaps a billboard poster showing the said Bolton might cause a few chuckles :D

cheers

James
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 09 September 2010, 05:48:13 PM: @Silent Invader

Thanks, tower-brother ;). BTW your North-American scenery is great. I should know, I live in the heart of New France!

@jimbibbly

I think I'll paint some car advertisement instead, something very 1960-ish. I've watched 3 seasons of Mad Men in like 2 weeks, so that's all I can think of right now. Besides, Bolton's name is already on the thing...
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: phreedh on 09 September 2010, 08:13:08 PM: Great detail! One question though - how is the platform reached?
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Alien Dave on 09 September 2010, 08:18:59 PM: FUN MICHAEL BOLTON FACT #2
Michael Bolton was an extra in David Lynch's 1984 movie DUNE. He played the part of a "spice-eyed drummer". This just adds to the already numerous reasons Lynch's DUNE sucked so bad.

I thought Dune was pretty good. But then, I did watch it through the bottom of a beer glass after poking myself in the eyes repeatedly... o_o

Dave W
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: gamer Mac on 09 September 2010, 08:44:35 PM: Very nice detail. :-* :-* :-*
It is taller than I was expecting so the same question as above.
How do you get up.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 09 September 2010, 09:29:08 PM: Hi to all,

I understand the "How'd you get up there?" question and I'll answer with backstory...

The way I'm seeing it, this thing was built by some engineer who survived Doomsday. Since there's mutants/zombies/angry scavengers (your pick) roaming around, the engineer decides to go medieval and so he builds this keep of sorts. Now, big billboards like this always have rungs welded to the side of the support column BUT they start some distance from the ground so that no bozo decides to climb it one drunken night. You have to reach them with a ladder. Now, if instead of plastering a new Pontiac ad to the billboard you decide to build a little platform where the rungs start, and then decide to pull the ladder that brought you there up with you, you've got a (very crude) medieval keep going. Then, from your vantage point, you can spot incoming baddies and gauge your building time. Works even better if you have a helper or two (hint hint). Also, what do you need in a fortress? Water, food and, if you're crafty, electricity (hint hint again). That'll be all for the moment. I want to keep some surprises!

Anyway, to summarize, it's a ladder. You use a ladder.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Dewbakuk on 09 September 2010, 10:15:58 PM: I like the film of Dune, but then I always regard films and books as entirely different things.

The platform looks cool, the internal details are fantastic.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Doomsdave on 10 September 2010, 03:23:02 PM: Quote from: Sir Dryden on 09 September 2010, 09:29:08 PM

... who survived Doomsday.

No one survives Doomsdave! Ohh. Sorry.

BTW the Michael Bolton appearance in Dune just makes it a better cheese-laden wallow.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Admiral Benbow on 10 September 2010, 10:03:52 PM: Great project, fantastic idea!
:-*
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: twrchtrwyth on 12 September 2010, 08:29:13 PM: I like this build, but I also like Dune. The advert on it should therfore be for Dune. ;)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 12 September 2010, 08:34:11 PM: Hi to all,

I should probably mention that I like DUNE (the book) before I add another title to my name (who wants to be known as The Michael Bolton Guy Who Hates Dune?).

Another update coming soon.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Centaur_Seducer on 13 September 2010, 05:33:41 AM: Quote
FUN MICHAEL BOLTON FACT #2
Michael Bolton was an extra in David Lynch's 1984 movie DUNE. He played the part of a "spice-eyed drummer". This just adds to the already numerous reasons Lynch's DUNE sucked so bad.
:o
That film is great, but I saw it when I was 11 so... Besides, its all about Sting in the end ;)

Really like your platform and I'm looking forward to see the finished result :)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Argonor on 17 September 2010, 02:36:50 PM: Quote from: Sir Dryden on 09 September 2010, 09:29:08 PM
Hi to all,

I understand the "How'd you get up there?" question and I'll answer with backstory...

The way I'm seeing it, this thing was built by some engineer who survived Doomsday. Since there's mutants/zombies/angry scavengers (your pick) roaming around, the engineer decides to go medieval and so he builds this keep of sorts. Now, big billboards like this always have rungs welded to the side of the support column BUT they start some distance from the ground so that no bozo decides to climb it one drunken night. You have to reach them with a ladder. Now, if instead of plastering a new Pontiac ad to the billboard you decide to build a little platform where the rungs start, and then decide to pull the ladder that brought you there up with you, you've got a (very crude) medieval keep going. Then, from your vantage point, you can spot incoming baddies and gauge your building time. Works even better if you have a helper or two (hint hint). Also, what do you need in a fortress? Water, food and, if you're crafty, electricity (hint hint again). That'll be all for the moment. I want to keep some surprises!

Anyway, to summarize, it's a ladder. You use a ladder.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden

So, what does he do when having to leave for food and water? To ensure no scavengers or whatever climbs up to lay in wait for him? Sorry lol
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Alfrik on 17 September 2010, 02:54:25 PM: Trap door on the bottom for the "plumbing" ?? ;)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 20 September 2010, 05:27:12 PM: Hi to all,

Another update on my post-apoc billboard, complete with a few crappy pics...

4.The joys of Doomsday Architecture...
...is that you're going for that ramshackle look, which means you take all your typical "precise measurements" and throw 'em out the window. That's just great when you haven't built anything in a while. I managed to get the 4 platforms built and attached to the tower. Here's a pic.

(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton30.jpg)

It's not really clear on those pictures, but the second door (the one near the middle of the pole) will open on a second shed. Some detail pics should help. First, the 2nd shed from front and top:
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton36.jpg)

Now from the back
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton33.jpg)

Here's the level between the two sheds. Notice the rungs on the pole.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton35.jpg)

Detail shot. They were made out of staples. They're probably not going to last long if I ever play a game with this piece, but in the meantime they look good.
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton31.jpg)

Lower level, not completed yet. It still needs barbwire on the underside and the mechanism to raise or lower the ladder (a winch of some sort). Also, a companion for my survivalist. His name is Telstar and you won't know why 'til I'm done with the project...
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton37.jpg)

Finally, a little piece of detailing I won't be using. I'll go solar instead...
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz236/SirDryden/Build%20Something%2003/Bolton32.jpg)

And there you have it. Comments are most welcome.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden

FUN MICHAEL BOLTON FACT #3
Michael Bolton co-wrote "I Found Someone" for Laura Branigan in 1985. Her version was only a minor hit, but two years later, Cher resurrected the song, and with it her own singing career. Thanks a lot, Mike, thanks a lot...
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Silent Invader on 20 September 2010, 05:29:41 PM: When I was a kid I wanted to live in a house like that!

Liking it very much. 8)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: anevilgiraffe on 20 September 2010, 05:42:10 PM: that's really impressive...

question though: if the rungs go up that high, why build steps up to the top hit... using the hungs and having a side hatch would give you more floor space...
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 20 September 2010, 06:01:42 PM: @anevilgiraffe

Agreed, it's totally logical and would be the way to go IF this wasn't a terrain piece. I wanted levels, but no "tunnels", by which I mean I wanted easy access for moving minis around, especially at that height. You wouldn't want your prized conversion falling 12'' down to it's doom just because it's too cramped under that floor. Anyway, I've got some detail work planned for the other side of the pole, details that'll be reached by the rungs. It might not be the best design reality-wise, but then again, it's a post-apoc billboard-turned-ultimate-treehouse ;)...
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sangennaru on 20 September 2010, 07:04:02 PM: ... or maybe the man who makes the rungs was slained by a brain eater some days ago...
We are in a Post Apocalipt Full Of Madness World, so there are no why! :)

for the helix, why don't you use both? imean, this piece is wonderful, just add it somewhere to give more scrappish look! :)
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 20 September 2010, 07:12:05 PM: @Sangennaru

It could be an option, I'll see how it goes. The fact that the windmill is huge doesn't help, but then again, the whole thing is getting pretty gigantic, so...

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: gamer Mac on 20 September 2010, 07:13:11 PM: That's the thing with this forum you give them something great and they always want more lol lol
Just ignore them all. ;)
Looks great as it is.
Looking forward to seeing it painted
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sangennaru on 20 September 2010, 07:34:37 PM: nah, i want it greater!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Christian on 23 October 2010, 04:51:54 AM: That's a very ambitious project that you've executed brililantly.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Haarken on 23 October 2010, 09:30:38 PM: Wow! Absolutely fantastic, another really high quality build.

Haarken
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 28 October 2010, 03:18:42 PM: Hi to all,

Due to a work-related injury that left me with a good chunk of my right thumb missing, I must bail out of the contest. It happened more than a month ago and this is my first post since. I'll finish my build someday and I'll be sure to post the results here. I don't know when that'll happen, but I promise you'll eventually see that post-apoc tower finished.

Yours truly,

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Froggy the Great on 28 October 2010, 03:29:37 PM: AAAAAAA!

What's the prognosis for healing?
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Napoleon91 on 28 October 2010, 03:32:48 PM: I wish you a quick recovery! Selfishly, I want to see the finished project!
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Hammers on 28 October 2010, 03:38:18 PM: A crying shame. I very much want to see this modern day [wiki]Stylite [/wiki]completed in the competition. Heal well, brother!
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Christian on 28 October 2010, 03:48:34 PM: That's not good at all! :( Hope it heals soon. Please let us know what happens to your finger!
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Sir Dryden on 28 October 2010, 04:14:44 PM: Hi to all,

Thanks for the kind words.

@ Froggy: As far as healing is concerned, it'll get better, but my thumb will always have this weird, pointy look to it when the damn thing scars over. I won't post pics because it's freakin' disgusting, but if you REALLY want visuals, start by looking at your thumb from the top. Now, draw a line from the apex of your thumbnail to the first knuckle's outside. Remove that part. That's my thumb...

@Napoleon91: Don't worry, you'll get to see it. It might end up being a Christmas gift, but hey, I just can't say no to Peter Stastny...

@Hammers: Oh man, since I can't build, I'm fluffin' like crazy (when I'm not crying like a little girl 'cause I flexed the wrong hand muscle) and you just gave me heaps of inspiration with your wiki link. Thanks man!

Sir Dryden
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 28 October 2010, 04:24:19 PM: Not good fella :( Was it a table saw because I've seen similar things happen before.

Hope you mend well and fast :)

cheers

James
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Silent Invader on 28 October 2010, 05:05:25 PM: :o Sorry to hear that Sir D. Good luck with repair and recovery.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: gamer Mac on 28 October 2010, 07:26:35 PM: Sounds nasty.
Hope it heals fast.
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Haarken on 28 October 2010, 07:52:09 PM: Really sorry to hear about injury Sir D, hope you have a speedy recovery.

Haarken
Title: Re: Sir Dryden takes the plunge
Post by: Remington on 28 October 2010, 11:28:00 PM: Yeah, I hope it heals well and soon. I nearly split my thumb into two halves once when I was working on an architectural model, so I can somehow feel your pain. It sucks not being able to use one of your hands.