Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: revford on 02 March 2008, 04:25:05 PM
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I've had it in my mind for a long time to build a better stargate. My old gaming table gate is, well to be kind, piss poor. So poor I'm not going to post a pic of it.
The new gate had to be bigger, thinner, simple and look like a stargate.
Wikipedia provided a template for me to work from, with this excellent diagram of the gate:
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/stargate-thegate-large-1.png)
Taken from here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Milky_way_stargate_with_very_detailed_glyphs2.svg
So I printed it out at about the right size, assembled a sheet of foamcore and a sheet of plasticard and with a bit of help, got cracking.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-1.jpg)
We taped one copy of the diagram to the foamcore and cut that out with a knife. The other we trimmed a chevron out from and used that as template to cut out 9 copies.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-2.jpg)
Actually the template for the chevron wore down quickly so we used three copies of it.
Then it was as simple as gluing on the chevrons with superglue.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-3.jpg)
Next stop, texture and painting.
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A little more progress on the Chappa'ai, the basic stone texture on the upper and inner surfaces.
When complete it's going to have a grey stonework finish.
Pictured here full of 28mm Shieldwall Jaffa to give an impression of scale.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-4.jpg)
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Oh yes, very nice.
How big is it across?
J
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Looks good.
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5" opening, 7" overall.
The textured paint is drying on the last side of it now. So I'll get some grey paint on there in an hour or so.
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You mean this is happening in real time! This place just keeps getting better. :lol:
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Oh Yes, this is live and as it happens, in real time. :)
I've also finished a WWII British Paratrooper, another UNIT character and painted two Dogs while waiting on the paint or glue to dry.
I'm making the effort towards Teutonic Efficiency. :)
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Still waiting for paint to dry, so here is the other stuff I've been up to.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scifi-unit-cpt-henry.jpg)(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/pulp-paras-wounded-1.jpg)(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/dog-1.jpg)(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/dog-2.jpg)
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The texture had dried so the gate gets it's black dark coat. The grey shades will be drybrushed over the black once it's dry.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-5.jpg)
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Painting done, the basic gate is complete.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-gate-construction-6.jpg)
Over the next few days I need to make a stand/base for it with steps and a dial home device.
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Looking better. 8)
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Its a right pain having to work the late shift. I've missed seeing this happen in real time. :(
Looking great so far & I'm looking forward to seeing more tonight when I get home :)
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Its a right pain having to work the late shift. I've missed seeing this happen in real time. :(
Looking great so far & I'm looking forward to seeing more tonight when I get home :)
Everything stops while I have a day out at the Zoo.
'Live Action Scenery Building' will resume tonight or tomorrow.
The Management apologise for the delay. :)
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Something else to look forward too, then.
I like your guard dogs, BTW. I have some Mastiffs from [I think] Vendel, but no German Shepherds as yet. I may be able to get some at Triples.
They are "must-haves" for too many 20th-21stC scenarios to list.
I wonder if any will appear in the "Geezers" range?
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Cheers. I'm really happy with the dogs too.
Today is Dial Home Device day.
I don't have a template for this, so I've looked for things with vaguely the right shapes, best I came up with was the bottom of a glue bottle and the mouth of an asthma inhailer.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-1.jpg)
I cut the sections out, the large section from foamcore and the inner ring from plasticard.
As a bonus, I've found a red bead to act as the activation crystal.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-2.jpg)
Here is the top of the DHD assembled.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-3.jpg)
And here is the bottom with the legs attached, also cut from foamcore.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-4.jpg)
And finally for this update, the basic DHD glued to a base. With a Jaffa for scale.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-5.jpg)
Next up is waiting for the glue to dry, then boxing in the base. After that, a coat of sandtex, PVA and sand for the base, paint and then adding the crystal to finish.
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A little more progress. I've boxed in the stand of the DHD and trimmed it down.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-6.jpg)
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-7.jpg)
Trimming the base down to the edges of the stand means I can reuse it on any terrain without it looking out of place.
It just seemed like a better idea that way. Also saves time on construction. Lots of time.
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With the basic shape complete, I added the crystal.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-8.jpg)
Then, with the crystal covered in masking tape, I glued the DHD to the end of a screwdriver so I could paint the texture over the whole thing in one go.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-9.jpg)
All textured up. Once this is dry it's going to be painted exactly the same as the Gate.
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Dark coat complete.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-a.jpg)
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Basic painting done. :)
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-dhd-construction-b.jpg)
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Lovely work again!
I assume by the times on your posts, that you are really enthused about this project. That or you are an insomniac :lol:
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Lovely work again!
I assume by the times on your posts, that you are really enthused about this project. That or you are an insomniac :lol:
Cheers!
And strangely enough it's a bit of both. :)
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Looks great. 8)
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Almost done with the gate build now. No live updates for this part of the project. Mostly as it takes so long to cast up the blocks.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-1.jpg)
The blocks are cast up from plaster using a Hirst Arts mould (number 70). These take a good day or so to set.
Next I glue them together with Silicone Rubber Sealant, as it's the only stuff I've found that really bonds the plaster blocks solid.
This will take a few hours to set then it's the same black to grey to white paint job as the other Stargate parts.
When painted I'll mount it on a cardboard base.
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We did a lot of Hirst Arts casting last summer, and found the best way to speed up the drying process was to lay out a layer of blocks on a baking tray (leave gaps all around them) and stick them in the oven (minimum gas setting) for half an hour.
Dries the bricks out nice and fast, and they glue together better, also take paint better.
My other half even bought me a new baking tray to help keep the bricks clean.
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We did a lot of Hirst Arts casting last summer, and found the best way to speed up the drying process was to lay out a layer of blocks on a baking tray (leave gaps all around them) and stick them in the oven (minimum gas setting) for half an hour.
I'll have to give this a go next time I'm casting blocks.
My wife isn't a big fan of blocks as they sit out on newspaper for a day or so 'making the house look untidy'.
This could save the day on that count, cheers.
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Under the ever watchful eye of my hairy Goa'uld overseer, the construction of the Chappa'ai continues.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/hairy-overseer-1.jpg)
The stand is almost complete, here in it's base coated black form:
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-2.jpg)
And now in it's drybrushed stone colours:
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-3.jpg)
Once the paint is properly dry, I can attach it to a cardboard base and the Stargate will be complete.
The extra walls shown are just that, walls, built from the spare blocks leftover from the casting.
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Glued onto the base now, once the silicone sets I'll be able to trim and paint the cardboard and the gate will be complete.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-4.jpg)
It's going to stand in that slot, like so:
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-5.jpg)
The Stargate will be removable so I can build alternative bases for it to stand in and match up with other scenery.
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Done! As if my magic, the Stargate appears.
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-7.jpg)
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-8.jpg)
And a shot of the completed Stargate on the table, our brave explorers appear to find the Chappa'ai defended by Jaffa:
(http://revford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/scenery-stargate-base-construction-6.jpg)
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That looks great finished, good job. 8)
I have a blanket like that to, except mine's green, yellow and orange! :lol:
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Very nice. Now all you need to do is replicate that jazzy water-effect for when the thing is switched on!
Only kidding. You don't have to do that. Would be cool, though. :)
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Very nice. Now all you need to do is replicate that jazzy water-effect for when the thing is switched on!
Should be fairly simple to locate an image online, scale it to the right size, print out twice, glue to cardboard on both sides and use as a removable insert for the gate. :)
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Very nice. Now all you need to do is replicate that jazzy water-effect for when the thing is switched on!
Only kidding. You don't have to do that. Would be cool, though. :)
Actually, the old gate that looks rubbish that I'm still not posting pics of had that.
If I can find the stuff I used again I'll add it to the Active Stargate I'm planning to build another day.
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So, been looking at making a Stargate. I would like to get in to a game (might be the only way to get my Girlfriend in to miniature gaming)
When looking for the resin kits and other minitures models, the price tag was a little high. I don't mind the cardstock modelS, but they tend to wear out over time when you mix with miniature figures.
For about $30, you can ge the set of 4 coasters. They are 11.6cm accross. I have access to some of the Hurst Arts molds and was thinking of making stands for them from that. This would let me build 4 different gates for a reasonable price. Drawback would be that they would show as "permanently on".
For the DHD, you can use Cold War Games piece for about $10?
http://www.cold-war.co.uk/
Has anyone else tried this and how is the scale on them?
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Nice work.
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This is my one.
(http://www.ageofstrife.com/gallery2/gallery/d/23923-2/IMGP0420+_Medium_.JPG) (http://www.ageofstrife.com/gallery/v/chromedog/IMGP0420+_Medium_.JPG.html)
It was originally a display base for a Halcyon models Movie Anubis 12" figure kit.
That's a 40k landspeeder for scale (flight stand shopped out).
Interior diameter 6".
Exterior a little over 8".
My games club has a stack of 'desert terrain' (including a HirstArts pyramid) so I added this purely as a geek thing. At our last tournament, that table had 4 players clamouring to play on it - purely because it had a stargate on it.
This was the start of the project. It has a proper platform in front now, as well as a ramp - which clears the event horizon just. I've got to get a more up to date shot.
Speaking of which. That is a sheet of blue transparent ripple plastic sheet used for bodies of water in model railway terrain. I've been given a string of bright blue LEDs (xmas tree lights) which will go behind the event horizon - and I have to build the circuit for the red LEDs that will go into the chevrons and cycle up (it will light them all in sequence, the topmost one last).
I'm also working on a puddle jumper from some PVC pipe offcuts (Engines were donated from a club bits pile - Tau engines).
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Nicely done.
You could get some water effect and pour in into a mould the diametre of the gate, you'll get that ripple effect if you start from the centre, and pour concentric rings, let them set etc... colour it with inks and that would look nice. That way it would be a snug fit and be able to be removed.
Also lets have some glyphs!
;)
The Commander
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Oh, that gate piece does have them. That's an old pic. It was given a wash with some of GW's black wash to bring out the glyphs.
It's fairly well detailed for what it was.
Water effect would not give me the effect I wanted without significant work in texturing the media. I've used it before to do waves for a diorama, and it was too tedious for words. I'm a wargamer, not an OCD model railroader.
The blue ripple plastic was a nice compromise. Looks like an active gate, and is semi-transparent, allowing me to put lighting elements behind the plastic sheet and have them work.
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Very cool but perhaps more important you need to make stats for the furry overseer!
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Furry overseer?
What furry overseer?
We don't need no steenking badgers!
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Oh, that gate piece does have them. That's an old pic. It was given a wash with some of GW's black wash to bring out the glyphs.
It's fairly well detailed for what it was.
Water effect would not give me the effect I wanted without significant work in texturing the media. I've used it before to do waves for a diorama, and it was too tedious for words. I'm a wargamer, not an OCD model railroader.
The blue ripple plastic was a nice compromise. Looks like an active gate, and is semi-transparent, allowing me to put lighting elements behind the plastic sheet and have them work.
Thought you said your weren't an OCD model railroader with lighting elements and such forth? ;)
Good luck with it post up when complete.
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Lighting elements are not model railroader ocd.
I've been lighting up model kits since I was 12 and got my first soldering iron (and started reading SF modeller). I was an electronics geek before a gamer (electronics engineering certified but a long time has passed between then and now) and have never been a railroader (and I don't have OCD - my workbench would be a lot neater if I did). :D
It's a simple matter of drawing up the circuit, making up the board, assembling it and then adding the switches. Just have to remember where I put my old textbooks.
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Ooooh, found some nice inexpensive water effect.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/A4-River-Self-Adhesive-Water-Effect-Sheet-Deep-Blue-/300532327413?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Model_Railways&hash=item45f91f63f5
(http://smartcall.hk/photos/model/MSWS02KB03.jpg)
Put it back to back, cut your circle, and you have a ripply transparent event horizon.
They also have some cheap O scale people that make great generic people tokens (or zombie victims)
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Not unlike what I used for mine, really.
Have the circuit done. Now to install it seven visible chevron lights (RED LED) will go in sequence, and then some blue LEDs will flash in the event horizon. If I fog the blues properly, they will scatter enough light back that the event horizon should glow.