Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => "Build Something" Archiv => Topic started by: Dr Mathias on January 02, 2019, 10:05:00 PM
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I've already made a bunch of deathworld scenery for 40K but I think I'm missing a Brainleaf Tree.
(http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/4/4c/Brainleaf.JPG)
Brainleaf (http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Brainleaf)
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Cool. I think I remember reading about this in Necromunda 1st ed.
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Following
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A bit of progress on the Brainleaves. I'll do the tree trunk and branches later, using my usual wire and texture method that I show in my Arboreal Extravaganza Thread (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=41545.0).
I started by rolling of some epoxy 'greenstuff' flats, which I let dry and cut to shape. I put them between wax paper to keep them from sticking.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-200119190904.jpeg)
After trimming to shape a added a thin layer of greenstuff and sculpted a rudimentary 'brain' texture.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-200119190930.jpeg)
The next step will be to make a press mold and replicate the leaves.
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Cool! 8) How many leaves do you need to knock out for your tree?
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Cool! 8) How many leaves do you need to knock out for your tree?
Probably twenty or so for the tree, two or three on separate flying bases (so they can 'detach') and a couple that are folded over so I can fit them on miniatures that have been taken over. That's the plan anyway ;)
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I can see them swooping down on prey already. Nice!
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Time for an update with pictures of my brainleaf production line.
After trimming to shape a bit I went on to the press mold step. For quick simple press molds I use 'InstantMold'. It's heat activated, so you drop it in very hot water for a minute or so and press it around your master. I have some I've been using for a couple years which is cloudy and dirty, and some nice new clear. They appeared to work the same.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-270119165533-373412410.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-270119165533-37342809.jpeg)
Here you can see some molds that have been pressed, and the masters being used to create another mold.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-270119165533-373431704.jpeg)
Molds in use, this really saved some time.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-270119165533-373441858.jpeg)
And a couple that are intended for flying stands.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-270119165533-373452160.jpeg)
I think I'm ready for the tree trunk and branches now.
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Very cool! Happy to see you incorporate detailed tips and tricks.
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Fascinating. I love your take on this, I'm looking forward to seeing this project :-*
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Thanks gents.
Started the trunk and branches. A simple wire twist method using floral wire, affixed to a hardboard base with hot glue. When I was rooting around in my 'tub o' foliage' for the wire I found some pistachio shells I'd saved for no particular reason, so I glued those onto the base for a more alien look.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-010219045254-37417703.jpeg)
After that I added some Alex Plus paintable latex caulk, followed by fabric 'puffy paint' to break up the wire look a bit.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-010219045254-374161475.jpeg)
After this stuff dries I'll give it the ole' TP texture treatment and attach leaves. Home stretch :)
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That looks great, the pistachios will be great with that gooey stuff on there all painted.
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Cool! 8) How big is the wire tree?
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Interesting build. Does the fabric paint dry soft and pliable or is it fairly stiff?
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Cool! 8) How big is the wire tree?
Not very big, here's a pic with a Rogue Trader Space Ork.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-010219235427.jpeg)
Interesting build. Does the fabric paint dry soft and pliable or is it fairly stiff?
It will flex with the branches. Notice that it didn't hold it's shape perfectly, it sort of 'flattens' a bit. It seems to be durable though, I've used it to simulate welded seams on tanks, rivets, and tree roots.
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I decided to go with the 'wood filler' texture method instead, painting Elmer's Wood Filler over the trunk and branches, and a thicker grainier filler for bases. I glued the leaves on and added a few skulls from different species to the base- the idea being this this tree has been successful over the years. After using a creature to attack it's former comrades it either sends it off the victim to spawn a new tree somewhere, or draws the creature back to slowly expire and nourish the roots.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-020219154734-374821320.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/4060-020219154734-374831972.jpeg)
Other than a few touch ups here and there (blending the leaves into the branch better) this is pretty much done except for paint.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you all on the other side :)
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Looks good 8)
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I like your method for the roots, the pistachio shells actually fit in very well.