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Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Cacique Caribe on February 20, 2021, 06:59:35 AM

Title: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 20, 2021, 06:59:35 AM
As in this sort of thing?

(https://pulpcovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Uncanny-Stories-v01-n01-April-1941.jpg)

https://pulpcovers.com/coming-of-the-giant-germs/#1

So far, the only choice I have left at the moment is to make my own out of hot glue and washes, like with this fellas’ project:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BT4PO8OHnFg/TqjTb8o_v6I/AAAAAAAACBc/C5PWQOFzjJs/s1600/IMG_3364.jpg)

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=475145

Any other thoughts or ideas?  Is there anything already made out there that might do the trick?  I’m hoping for something no bigger than 20mm or so in height.

Thanks

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: shadowbeast on February 20, 2021, 08:57:07 AM
Just looks like a bunch of unusual cephalopods to me. Hydra Miniatures Slishians, perhaps?
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: has.been on February 20, 2021, 11:59:47 AM
Definitely no eyes!
I would mess about with some Milliput.
Make some basic shapes (you want each germ type to have its own 'look')
While still hardening, indent something (small Philip's head screw-driver etc) to produce a pattern.
Paint a basic pastel/pale colour.
Then when dry go over with ink/contrast paint/thin wash etc.
Pick out some detail (tips of tentacles etc.) with something contrasting (White gel pen etc)
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: tin shed gamer on February 20, 2021, 01:37:42 PM
The fastest and simplest method is a quick eBay search for
Octopus earnings. You'll only need a little ball of filler to tweak the detail. Plus. If you move / bend the tenticles you can get a little more varriation.

Incidentally its also a nice sources for individual tenticle earings too . It'll save you a ton of time. With a pair being aroung £1.99  ;)
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: FramFramson on February 20, 2021, 08:59:29 PM
I'd have a look around to see if there's any "Science/Learning" toys of amoebas or other one-celled critters. Something like this, but a bit more "toy" and a bit less "diagram" https://www.wardsci.com/store/product/8866288/amoeba-model
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 21, 2021, 12:34:08 PM
Definitely no eyes!
I would mess about with some Milliput.
Make some basic shapes (you want each germ type to have its own 'look')
While still hardening, indent something (small Philip's head screw-driver etc) to produce a pattern.
Paint a basic pastel/pale colour.
Then when dry go over with ink/contrast paint/thin wash etc.
Pick out some detail (tips of tentacles etc.) with something contrasting (White gel pen etc)

Excellent idea. 

But what do you mean “definitely no eyes”?  :)

(http://clipart-library.com/image_gallery/n598665.gif)

http://clipart-library.com/clipart/n598665.htm

(http://pulpcovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/THRILLING-WONDER-STORIES.-March-1941.jpg)
Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: has.been on February 21, 2021, 06:52:13 PM
The eyes just make them look like small octopuses.
Plus I think beasties with no eyes are scarier, after all
how are they tacking us?????? :`
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 22, 2021, 12:43:23 AM
The eyes just make them look like small octopuses.
Plus I think beasties with no eyes are scarier, after all
how are they tacking us?????? :`

Eyeless is scary indeed.  Just look at the Xenomorphs in Alien films.  Creepy to the max.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Skyven on February 22, 2021, 01:28:06 AM
Warhammer Age Of Sigmar Malign Sorcery Purple Sun Of Shyish
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Spinal Tap on February 22, 2021, 09:09:22 AM
I mounted some cheap jellyfish toys onto wire and based then like this.

They are that rubber that plastic dinosaurs toys tend to be made from so should take paint for uniformity.

Here's mine:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48018030227_c3d51e2505_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabXsT)20190329_134822 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabXsT) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr



Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 22, 2021, 05:56:57 PM
I mounted some cheap jellyfish toys onto wire and based then like this.

They are that rubber that plastic dinosaurs toys tend to be made from so should take paint for uniformity.

Here's mine:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48018030227_c3d51e2505_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabXsT)20190329_134822 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabXsT) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr



And still available on Ebay in the UK - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-sea-life-Jelly-fish-jellyfish-High-colour-detail-FREE-POST-UK-SELLER/292070445721?hash=item4400c15299:g:JqgAAOSwzgBY27sZ

Wow, thanks!  So they are that vinyl material then?  Did you prime them with anything special?  How are they holding up to handling during gaming?

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Spinal Tap on February 22, 2021, 06:51:11 PM
Wow, thanks!  So they are that vinyl material then?  Did you prime them with anything special?  How are they holding up to handling during gaming?

Dan


I didn't paint these, they are as they came but I think they would take paint OK once primed

Here's the ebay uk link where they are currently £6 for 12, not sure where you are:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plastic-sea-life-Jelly-fish-jellyfish-High-colour-detail-FREE-POST-UK-SELLER/292070445721?hash=item4400c15299:g:JqgAAOSwzgBY27sZ


Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Spinal Tap on February 22, 2021, 06:54:10 PM
I just did this:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017940976_73f57b33b3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuW5)20190329_130018 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuW5) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017941121_8f10821f56_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuYz)20190329_130248 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuYz) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017941501_e4d881c9be_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabv68)20190329_141513 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabv68) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 22, 2021, 07:15:39 PM
I just did this:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017940976_73f57b33b3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuW5)20190329_130018 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuW5) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017941121_8f10821f56_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuYz)20190329_130248 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabuYz) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48017941501_e4d881c9be_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gabv68)20190329_141513 (https://flic.kr/p/2gabv68) by markndebs (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41874623@N00/), on Flickr

Pure genius, my man!  Well done there.

Thanks again.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 22, 2021, 08:13:35 PM
Definitely no eyes!
I would mess about with some Milliput.
Make some basic shapes (you want each germ type to have its own 'look')
While still hardening, indent something (small Philip's head screw-driver etc) to produce a pattern.
Paint a basic pastel/pale colour.
Then when dry go over with ink/contrast paint/thin wash etc.
Pick out some detail (tips of tentacles etc.) with something contrasting (White gel pen etc)

Thanks!  If I can’t get something to order, I will have no choice but to make my own and then make simple casts to get some dozen or so critters.

Dan
PS.  My niece even suggested adding tentacles (or pseudopods) to these:
https://www.brickowl.com/catalog/lego-chef-s-hat-3898-29329
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 23, 2021, 05:05:23 AM
Has anyone ordered these resin jellyfish before?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Jellyfish-Modeling-Resin-Mold-Ocean-Theme-Fillers-DIY-Filling-Materials/254679411336?hash=item3b4c136a88:g:u8wAAOSwVoFfLMi9

If so, what’s your impression of the critters?

Thanks

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: terrement on February 24, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
 The link wouldn't cut/paste properly but Etsy seller https://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarBlushStudio?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=842973729 has some.

Larger, more detailed jelly fish aquarium decorations/toys but not as inexpensive.  Not unreasonable

Seems you could cut different lengths of florist wires, yarn, thread, coarse fiber string, lay them out in a starburst pattern, then put a glob of hot glue or clear silicon in the center.  The wire tentacles could be bent into shape and painted, and the fiber ones painted to give them some stiffness.

Could also also put down blobs of silicone sealer and before it sets, pull strands of it away from the blob.  Aliens don't need to be nice and tidy like we expect most creatures to be.

Out of season right now but the "gumballs" from sweet gum trees once opened would make a different but effective germ.  Anyone interested, I can send you some later this year.

https://i.etsystatic.com/11016558/r/il/b7eb45/2289177285/il_794xN.2289177285_851b.jpg
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: StoneMtnMinis on February 25, 2021, 02:57:35 PM
What about using one of those "squishy" balls that have all the spines/tenacles from the toy departments?  Usually run around $1.00 each.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 25, 2021, 11:40:22 PM
What about using one of those "squishy" balls that have all the spines/tenacles from the toy departments?  Usually run around $1.00 each.

Thanks.  I’ll check it out.  I’m trying to avoid making any conversions with GS, Milliput or any other sculpting material at the moment.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Sir_Theo on February 26, 2021, 12:26:33 AM
There are these kinds of things, technically dog toys, you can find similar things for cats which are smaller and may be a better scale fit.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: StoneMtnMinis on February 26, 2021, 04:31:25 PM
Love those jelly fish!  Too bad shipping from UK is more than the items purchased.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on February 28, 2021, 06:01:05 AM

Out of season right now but the "gumballs" from sweet gum trees once opened would make a different but effective germ.  Anyone interested, I can send you some later this year.

https://i.etsystatic.com/11016558/r/il/b7eb45/2289177285/il_794xN.2289177285_851b.jpg

Terrement

Fantastic idea!  Those “gum balls” really look like they were custom built for the job.  Perhaps just cut a small slice off the bottom to create an end to stand on, but otherwise ready-built.  I really appreciate the offer too, but I just placed an order for 40 of them here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SWEET-GUM-TREE-SEEDPODS-FRESH-THIS-YEAR-FOR-THE-BEST-DECORATIVE-PODS/132998412072

Genius, my man!  Genius.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 04, 2021, 07:35:48 AM
While I wait for some of the other candidates to be delivered in the mail, I grabbed my glue gun and decided to try my hand at making some “veined” blobs of glue ...

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002430281_61911752aa_4k.jpg)

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002547182_fb4a4b5611_4k.jpg)

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002546857_933b3f4dcc_3k.jpg)

More angles here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/9593487@N07/albums/72157718518924212

Clearly, as these zoomed in photos show, I’ll need to pass a flame or a heat gun over the surface of a couple of them to get rid off the stringy hot glue wisps.

By the way, if anyone is interested, the red veining was done using very small amounts of these “blood red” glue sticks, and dragging the softened red bits with the hot tip of the glue gun:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Blood-Red-Mini-Glue-Sticks-4-Length-5-16-25/192870402431?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Thoughts?

Dan
PS.  That’s a 15mm big game hunter in the photos for scale.  Poor bastard.  He actually thinks that big gun is going to help him.   :D

Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: StoneMtnMinis on March 04, 2021, 02:29:53 PM
Actually Dan, those look great for alien blob life forms.  And the colored glue sticks is a great idea.

Hot glue, the gamers secret weapon. (Sorry Red Green)
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: StoneMtnMinis on March 04, 2021, 02:44:15 PM
Dan,

Thanks for posting this question as it has gotten some informative responses.  I now have some alien blobs in my future!

I just found this on how to make custom colored glue sticks:

http://www.observationsblog.com/sciencetechnologyexperiments/make-your-own-color-hot-glue-sticks

Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 04, 2021, 04:39:50 PM
Dan,

Thanks for posting this question as it has gotten some informative responses.  I now have some alien blobs in my future!

I just found this on how to make custom colored glue sticks:

http://www.observationsblog.com/sciencetechnologyexperiments/make-your-own-color-hot-glue-sticks

Excellent link!  Wow.  Thanks.  I love that idea.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: StoneMtnMinis on March 04, 2021, 08:49:32 PM
Dan,

Did you order those jelly fish that were referrenced earlier in the thread?  If you did please post a followup article on them.

TIA
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 04, 2021, 10:02:24 PM
Dan,

Did you order those jelly fish that were referrenced earlier in the thread?  If you did please post a followup article on them.

TIA

I most certainly did.  Waiting now for the slow boat from China.  (UPDATE:  I just got notice that it might take as long as May 18.  So yes, slow boat from China).  :)

I ordered 3 sets of these:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Jellyfish-Modeling-Resin-Mold-Ocean-Theme-Fillers-DIY-Filling-Materials/254679411336?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=554446466665&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

2 sets of these:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Jellyfish-Modeling-Resin-Mold-Ocean-Theme-Fillers-DIY-Filling-Materials/254679411336?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=554446466666&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

2 sets of these:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Jellyfish-Modeling-Resin-Mold-Ocean-Theme-Fillers-DIY-Filling-Materials/254679411336?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=554446466663&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I’ll post some photos when they get here.  Thanks.

Dan
PS.  Made some inch-wide ones too:
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51004462098_0d2e298991_4k.jpg)
A couple more pics here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/9593487@N07/albums/72157718518924212

Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: FramFramson on March 05, 2021, 08:11:56 PM
To be honest those look great as they are!

Only improvement I could think of is maybe dropping some extra little bits and bobs (sparingly) in the clear glue blobs to imply other cellular bits. But honestly, I'd be perfectly happy to use these as giant germs/cells/amoebas etc.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 06, 2021, 06:43:10 AM
To be honest those look great as they are!

Only improvement I could think of is maybe dropping some extra little bits and bobs (sparingly) in the clear glue blobs to imply other cellular bits. But honestly, I'd be perfectly happy to use these as giant germs/cells/amoebas etc.

Thanks FramFramson!  The more i look at them the more i like them too.  :)

I used a heat gun on them earlier today, to get rid of all the wispy hot glue “strings” that inevitably come with the use of a glue gun, and they now look even better than those photos.  I might have to load some other close ups so you can see the big difference.

But I’m still going to try and give the jellies a try, and post photos when I get them.

Thanks again.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: snitcythedog on March 06, 2021, 11:30:08 AM
Some of the techniques on abarothsworld may give you some more ideas. 
https://abarothsworld.com/Tricks/monsters%20&%20minis.htm (https://abarothsworld.com/Tricks/monsters%20&%20minis.htm)
His slime slug and water elemental in particular. 
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 06, 2021, 12:34:41 PM
Some of the techniques on abarothsworld may give you some more ideas. 
https://abarothsworld.com/Tricks/monsters%20&%20minis.htm (https://abarothsworld.com/Tricks/monsters%20&%20minis.htm)
His slime slug and water elemental in particular.

That is excellent!  I’m going to have to try some of those.  Thanks so much.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: snitcythedog on March 06, 2021, 01:11:14 PM
That is excellent!  I’m going to have to try some of those.  Thanks so much.
Dan
You can also use cling film to bulk out the harder plastic before you apply resin.  I did that here.
https://snitchythedog.blogspot.com/2019/09/frostgrave-stuff.html (https://snitchythedog.blogspot.com/2019/09/frostgrave-stuff.html)
It comes off cloudy but if that works for you then go with it.
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on March 07, 2021, 06:55:46 PM
You can also use cling film to bulk out the harder plastic before you apply resin.  I did that here.
https://snitchythedog.blogspot.com/2019/09/frostgrave-stuff.html (https://snitchythedog.blogspot.com/2019/09/frostgrave-stuff.html)
It comes off cloudy but if that works for you then go with it.

Wow.  Nicely done!

Translucency is definitely a tough thing to achieve, even with hot glue.  I had to buy “crystal clear” hot glue sticks and, even then, I still couldn’t get it right at first. 

One key thing about hot glue is to make sure and let it sit until it’s completely cool, before you pick it up and handle it.  If it’s moved while still warm, it will cloud up.  But, if that happens, don’t chuck it.  Just add a little heat from a hot air gun and you might be able to restore some of the clarity.  Weird medium.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51024602373_23197ad499_4k.jpg)

By the way, I found these other things that can be done using hot glue:

https://www.angelfire.com/mech/jinsaotome/WorkspaceSetup/HotGlue.html

Dan
PS.  Even the Lost in Space family crew also seem to have had problems with “gelatinous” creatures:

(http://pulpcovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/37227095-Space_Family_Robinson_16_.jpg)
https://pulpcovers.com/space-prisoners/
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: War Monkey on March 15, 2021, 05:18:44 PM
Dan those look GREAT!

Can you give them a purple wash of sorts might add some extra details to your creatures!
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on July 06, 2022, 06:18:28 PM
WM

As a matter of fact I just bought some washes for that exact purpose!

http://doctormerkury.blogspot.com/2011/10/glob.html

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: BeneathALeadMountain on July 06, 2022, 07:24:57 PM
The hot glue blobs look great. The only thing I could think to add (not that they necessarily need anything else, maybe on a different type of blob) would be some cilia (hairs) around potential mouth parts/or anywhere that may need sensory receptors - this could be done using pre-formed grass tufts, especially as they’re now available in some bright non-natural colours (although a dull brown would be fine). If I was feeling particularly masochistic maybe adding some old rose thorns (I know they’re technically prickles) to represent teeth or just hooks on limbs and the like.

That’s a really interesting project, lots of potential there,

Andrew
Balm
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: frd on July 07, 2022, 12:00:18 AM
This topic really makes me want to make some blobby enemies for my 15mm pulp. I'm currently working on bit of Innsmouth inspired set, so I could definitely make some kind of shoggoth this way.

Also, what are the minis in your shots? I'm currently working on expanding my "pulp hero" roster and the guys in those shots would fit right in :)
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on July 07, 2022, 06:12:49 AM
This topic really makes me want to make some blobby enemies for my 15mm pulp. I'm currently working on bit of Innsmouth inspired set, so I could definitely make some kind of shoggoth this way.

Also, what are the minis in your shots? I'm currently working on expanding my "pulp hero" roster and the guys in those shots would fit right in :)

If I’m not mistaken, the fellow with the shotgun is a Highlander Studios figure.  He no longer has a web store though, so I can’t provide you confirmation nor a direct link at the moment.

If you go ahead with the project and make “blobby enemies for my 15mm pulp”, please post photos.  I’d love to see what other people make using the method and materials I used.

Dan
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: frd on July 08, 2022, 04:28:55 AM
If I’m not mistaken, the fellow with the shotgun is a Highlander Studios figure.  He no longer has a web store though, so I can’t provide you confirmation nor a direct link at the moment.

Thank you - I know of Highlinder Studios. In fact, was emailing with them earlier this year to request photos of their pulp heroes and should have recognized the shotgun guy. Planning on getting an order from them later on, as I had my eye on their pulp selection and their legally distinct Tarzan ;)

If you go ahead with the project and make “blobby enemies for my 15mm pulp”, please post photos.  I’d love to see what other people make using the method and materials I used.

Will do. I'm slowly building stuff for my New England table. Once I finish some of the bigger projects on that will start on adding some blobs to roam it :D
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on July 26, 2022, 03:27:27 AM
Should the blobs experience some sort of mitosis right after a human-sized feeding?  Thoughts?

Also, if anyone here needs additional literary inspiration …

Dan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMhi8-DMZf4
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Khusru2 on August 06, 2022, 05:04:05 PM
I'm thinking the Tyranid Spore Mines from GW would work for germs of something extra-terrestrial. Or something from caves systems, melting ice sheets/glaciers or from beneath the earth
Title: Re: How Would You Represent Giant Germs?
Post by: Cacique Caribe on August 12, 2022, 09:06:16 AM
Or something from caves systems, melting ice sheets/glaciers or from beneath the earth

Maybe that’s what’s melting some glaciers, darn giant alien germs!  Lol

Dan