Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: beefcake on April 06, 2015, 04:03:48 AM
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After looking at Captain Blood's awesome cave sustem I thought I have a go at making a sub-par modular cave system.
I bought some underfloor insulation 50mm thick. It's basically just polystyrene though. I would have liked to have gotten something a bit more dense. It didn't break the bank but driving home was a bit strange as I couldn't see too well out the side window.
It will be 9 sections all with 4 entrance/exits although some of those will lead to nothing.
I've got plans to make up 12ish rockfalls to block off exits that lead off the formation.
Here are the first few roughed out.
I have done a test paint on one of these and the glue/sand/paint mix has worked well. It will be grey but for some colour variation I think I may do the ground in brown.
Each tile is 40cm by 40cm. Great for skirmish games I hope. I plan on making them a bit more interesting than just bare rock though so any ideas would be great. One will have some skulls in some wall sockets (just to make my GW figures feel at home). Comments and criticism welcome.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240423_zpscdq4tfi4.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240423_zpscdq4tfi4.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240427_zpsprzyktl3.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240427_zpsprzyktl3.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240428_zpsrzulwgdk.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240428_zpsrzulwgdk.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240424_zpsinzgekcs.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240424_zpsinzgekcs.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240425_zpszjfbhlth.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240425_zpszjfbhlth.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240426_zpsfkyo3ohe.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240426_zpsfkyo3ohe.jpg.html)
I also plan on making a small underground settlement area and maybe even an insert for castle walls (underground) Some doors as well from popsicle sticks.
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Here's some criticism: I want to see MORE pics, go on, do some more 8) 8) 8)
The modular approach is VERY tempting.
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I did this about five years ago but based mine on 30cm square hardboard tiles - the polystyrene base is just not robust enough and too light to stand up to gaming...
good luck it will be a fun project
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This is looking very good, will follow with interest.
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Good start! 8) 8)
Sitting here watching patiently.
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Good start! 8) 8)
Sitting here watching patiently.
Me too.
:D
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Thanks all.
I've covered the floor in a mix of PVA and sand so hopefully that should stop it from wearing through. I'll also varnish it to keep it a bit stronger. Four more boards to rough out tomorrow then onto the more detailed work.
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A lot more progress. I've finished roughing out all of the dungeons and am now out of Insulation (Except for a huge amount of cutoffs)
Here is a set of undergound ruins. I reckon this one will turn out the best. I've made some wall sections that are crumbling down. Since the photos have been taken I've also put a whole lot more cobbles down on this one and am going to put more on later today.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/P1240430_zpsrifalbta.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/P1240430_zpsrifalbta.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/P1240431_zps7xog5wws.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/P1240431_zps7xog5wws.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/P1240432_zpssx6o1a75.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/P1240432_zpssx6o1a75.jpg.html)
Ignore the bricks over the cobbles in that last photo.
This final photo shows all of them lined up with each other. There are some gaps in between some of the sections but they line up pretty well.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240433_zpsvkccfxoe.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240433_zpsvkccfxoe.jpg.html)
Next up I'll be putting more cobbles down and after that is done I'll then work on putting the sand/PVA/paint mix down. Following that I'll be giving the ground a coat of brown. I plan on sculpting some mushrooms to go on some walls and the ground. The stalamites will be made of the same stuff but I'll dip them in my sandy PVA mix first.
Any ideas for little extras?
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This is grand! I like the mix of cavern and walled underground areas.
Ideas - is there anything going in the middle? Would be nice to have a dragon's lair right there.
That would be a big extra; some little ones could be rings in the walls, for captives; vertical columns or ruins of columns; a pool - or, taking things farther: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_Cistern)
That way you can even have a boat!
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Great ideas. I'll definitely do the rings in the wall (if I remember :? ) with columns I may do them so that they are removable to add to the diversity I can get out of this.
That cistern looks really cool. If I make more I may incorporate that idea. I think maybe in the ruins I may make some wall fountains with faces, thanks for the link giving me some inspiration. I'll need to order some more instamold I think.
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Looking promising 8)
cheers
James
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Beefcake, thats awesome, I am totally planning this as well at some point. I like the modularity you have got going there. A good generic cave has so many uses! 8) 8)
Any plans to incorporate your BuildSomething cave?? Because you totally should. 8)
Cheers
Matt
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I am totally following this. That is a great start.
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Beefcake, thats awesome, I am totally planning this as well at some point. I like the modularity you have got going there. A good generic cave has so many uses! 8) 8)
Any plans to incorporate your BuildSomething cave?? Because you totally should. 8)
Cheers
Matt
I've thought of using the Build Something as the entrance to it. I guess the next Build something should have me make a whole mountain to go over the top of this lol (that won't be happening).
I am totally following this. That is a great start.
Cheers, now to keep the enthusiasm flowing! :)
Tomorrow I'll start on the texturing I think.
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Excellent start.
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(that won't be happening)
Depends what the topic is ;)
cheers
James
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Great ideas. I'll definitely do the rings in the wall (if I remember :? ) with columns I may do them so that they are removable to add to the diversity I can get out of this.
That cistern looks really cool. If I make more I may incorporate that idea. I think maybe in the ruins I may make some wall fountains with faces, thanks for the link giving me some inspiration. I'll need to order some more instamold I think.
Cheers, I thought you might like the sculpted features used as column bases - I visited the place twice, it's incredible.
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Hey, that's really impressive! :o
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Thanks :)
Can't see too much from these pics but i've added some height to some pieces and also painted with the first coat and added some rubble which will also later be painted. just 3 more board sections to add paint/glue/sand to. Then it will be onto painting the ground in a muddy look. Washes and drybrushing. After that it will be adding the pretty details. In the second pic at the bottom right you can kind of see the stalagmites. They don't look great at this distance.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240464_zpsrzjgj5z1.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240464_zpsrzjgj5z1.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240465_zpsrl41y0gr.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240465_zpsrl41y0gr.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240466_zpsensbmj42.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240466_zpsensbmj42.jpg.html)
Also today in the post I received a tyrannosaurus skull (roughly 10cm long) so I may be tempted to make it into some large skeleton in the dungeon and make half a ribcage out of airdry clay or maybe not, lol
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That's really coming a long nicely. Can't wait to see it all done.
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I've worked at creating some wall mounted fountains. Here are a couple. I'll use instamold to make more of these. Pretty basic looking but will do the job.
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The modular cave system is a nice idea and is already looking great.
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I've done a wash of black (with the cheapest craft paint I could find) just to bring out some of the texture. Unfortunately it's pouring and cold today so drying time is taking quite long, yesterdays painting is still quite wet in places. Here are the pics of the first board I painted with the wash. I quite like the grey floor but think it may be too monotonous on 9 boards.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240467_zpsultcjgfm.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240467_zpsultcjgfm.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240468_zpszsjbrbhh.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240468_zpszsjbrbhh.jpg.html)
I plan on paint/Sand /PVAing the sides as well to protect the sides too but will do that at the end. I may also put heavy duty tape around the corners. The bottom I may use those adhesives you cover children's school books in to protect it. I'm pretty happy with the texture of the cave at the moment. I'll have to drybrush this white to give it a better look and it should lighten the whole cavern up considerably as it is really dark at the moment.
Thanks for the comments and thanks for looking :)
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Cool! 8)
What about having water spout from some of the fountains? I made a wee waterfall recently for a Robin Hood thing using clear silicon sealer.
I'm afraid all I had to hand was a bit of paper and pen to show you what I mean bud!!
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a605/andymac2105/Mobile%20Uploads/20150409_082349_zpsgeelwr9w.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/andymac2105/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150409_082349_zpsgeelwr9w.jpg.html)
1.Using something that the silicon won't stick to, run a small bead of silicon.
2.Before it dries, using a tooth pick to rough up the surface. Pull the silicon down to give a running water look.
3.Once dry, peel off, cut to size and glue in place.
You can even put a wee bit of clear varnish over it or in the basin to give better shine!
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Thanks Andy, I'd imagined them not working being in ruins but still great to know if ever I get around to making proper unruined stuff :)
I've drybrushed that first one. The black wash seemed to just soak into the paint/sand The others are still not dry (It's meant to be sunny tomorrow so I may put them out to dry)
Photos with flash and photos without.
Orcs and chaos Dwarfs clash in a cavern.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240476_zpstkademrp.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240476_zpstkademrp.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240477_zpsxsjjzw6r.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240477_zpsxsjjzw6r.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240475_zpscpgif3ha.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240475_zpscpgif3ha.jpg.html)(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240474_zpskmt5iomx.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240474_zpskmt5iomx.jpg.html)
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Apart from fountains you could have water coming in through cracks in the cave walls.
Then if you have a cave with a wet floor, players have to find out is it shallow or deep?
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Excellent idea. I do have one section with a pool in the corner.
After looking at the ones I just added the "mix" to the other day, I may need to go over it again after it has dried to thicken it some more and add more texture to it.
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Nice build!
I have a hexagonal slab of plywood (I think) en route from Litko for cutting out hex-shaped bases for a modular cave system, so I am eagerly watching to steal borrow any cool ideas from projects like this!
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Very convincing beefcake! 8) 8) 8)
"They have cave trolls!"
I'd be tempted to go lots of curvy tunnels as well as the "caverns" to make a more maze like system. You do seem to have a few tunnel modules I see.
Cheers
Matt
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Nice build!
I have a hexagonal slab of plywood (I think) en route from Litko for cutting out hex-shaped bases for a modular cave system, so I am eagerly watching to steal borrow any cool ideas from projects like this!
I'm looking forward to seeing your work. So I can also steal borrow ideas ;)
Very convincing beefcake! 8) 8) 8)
"They have cave trolls!"
I'd be tempted to go lots of curvy tunnels as well as the "caverns" to make a more maze like system. You do seem to have a few tunnel modules I see.
Cheers
Matt
If I ever get around to buying another slab of polystyrene I'll definitely make some more mazelike tunnels, but I'm also thinking about making some more ruin areas, a big square and so on.
Next update:
All the floors are now brown. Thematically they would look better stone colour but the single colour tone gets quite boring so this helps add some variety.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240539_zpshf8jpb1n.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240539_zpshf8jpb1n.jpg.html)
And here are the passage blockages for the edge of the board. I should have put the stone colour texture on the backside as well so they could be used in the middle of the board as well. I can still do this though as I need to do something to the backs of them to make them stronger. The fit really well with the boards as well. Occasionally you need to find the right one to fit the spot but it's not that hard.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240540_zps8dchyt9o.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240540_zps8dchyt9o.jpg.html)
Next is tidying up the brown paint where it went on the grey walls. Not a hard job. Then onto the drybrush and washes (although the washes don't seem to work very well on this texture)
After that it's all the small details. Mushrooms and so on. 1 week left in my term break (with 2 days work during that time and a Birthday) so I should get the main part complete :D
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This is comming along nicely.
If you havent already, you should think about painting the white sides of the tiles a black or grey colour. As the white just screams. I know it should hardly be visible once you push the tiles together but somehow it always ends up being visible anyway.
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This is comming along nicely.
If you havent already, you should think about painting the white sides of the tiles a black or grey colour. As the white just screams. I know it should hardly be visible once you push the tiles together but somehow it always ends up being visible anyway.
:) planned already. Mostly to keep all the polystyrene together, but the colour will work well also, thanks :)
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inspired by Mr Beefcake - thank you sir
I decided to use my modular cave system built 4+ years ago...
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/bug%20hunt/b22_zps3mtfmgiw.jpg)
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/bug%20hunt/b12_zpsjzempkzd.jpg)
more on the latest blog post
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Right, that's it, mine's coming out now too!
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Bet mines bigger than yours Dean...64 tiles built and only used three times !!
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I can equal the number of times it's been played on ;)
Only designed to cover a 6x4 though so not as many tiles. It's hex based though so more possibilities :D
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It's hex based though so more possibilities :D
Clever...but somewhat more difficult to construct ::)
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Come on guys it's not how big it is it's how you use it. Which I guess makes me a virgin then... lol
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I can equal the number of times it's been played on ;)
Only designed to cover a 6x4 though so not as many tiles. It's hex based though so more possibilities :D
What did you use as template for cutting the bases, please?
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What did you use as template for cutting the bases, please?
Nothing that worked to satisfaction, so in the end I paid to have them lasercut.
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Nothing that worked to satisfaction, so in the end I paid to have them lasercut.
Argh... What size did you use?
I was thinking of using a lasercut plywood template to cut foamboard bases with my thermo cutter.
(sorry for the partial thread hi-jack, but I am just in the planning phase for a modular cave system, too)
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300mm flat edge to flat edge, not quite 1' hexes but easier for the machines and materials.
Just got it out, needs a bit of repair but survived going up and down the country pretty well. The small bits of wall off to one side slot into any turns that don't go anywhere. You can see a couple in the setup. Just put it out, didn't try very hard to make it all 'flow'.
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OK, thanks!
A bit bigger hexes than I have in mind, but nicely executed.
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Smart idea there Dewbakuk!
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Great to see all these other types of caves :)
That's very impressive Dewbakuk, hexes look great.
Here's my next installment. (Although since taking these photos I have finished the rest of the modules.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240578_zps8xfjnjsz.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240578_zps8xfjnjsz.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240580_zpsrmawmkw2.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240580_zpsrmawmkw2.jpg.html)
I put my ghould warband on there to show it with some minis. It still needs detailing on it but this is the basic colour scheme finished. Brown dirt was just the cheapest craft paint I could find washed with a mix of the same brown and black, mixed, then drybrushed with brown and white, mixed. I'm happy with the results. Now onto the more fun parts. I found my supply of skulls to fit into the small hole I carved out of one of the cavern walls. I may pop a few extra around as well under some rubble to show a grizzly demise. Thanks for looking. And also I must get onto protecting the sides and bottom so they stop flaking!!!
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Cheers.
Over white foam, good old gaffa tape is rather effective.
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Love those hex versions Dean...
Beefcake yours are so much nicer than mine..I only painted mine black so they need a refurb...
As to protecting them I think the gaffer tape (black of course) would be perfect
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I thought of doing tape but then thought if I did the rocky looking mixture it would tie it all together nicer especially if you see gaps (which will happen) then they could look like fissures. Il probably do the bottom an easy way though,
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You might find it difficult to butt the pieces against each other with textured edges.
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Good point. And with my holiday drawing to a close I may just do the taping. That lets me focus on the details. The tape will be a lot quicker and as it is freezing here today (metaphorically) drying time for the mix will be probably about a week as its now starting to feel like winter. Off to buy some heavy duty tape!
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Tape bought. Polystyrene taped. Kids playing with the build.
So all the main parts are finished now. I still need to put in the details to make it really look great. Mossy walls, skulls in the little alcoves, water in the little lake, fountains.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240591_zpsaac4d7zw.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240591_zpsaac4d7zw.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240598_zpstgj9yqny.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240598_zpstgj9yqny.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240600_zpsqqcdnjh6.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240600_zpsqqcdnjh6.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240599_zpsmardcbfn.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240599_zpsmardcbfn.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240597_zpszu2hz7f4.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240597_zpszu2hz7f4.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240593_zps4jadv08l.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240593_zps4jadv08l.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240594_zpsmbujvfxo.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240594_zpsmbujvfxo.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240592_zpst0jbc3lf.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240592_zpst0jbc3lf.jpg.html)
And this photo (with the giant) is where the alcoves are for the skulls to go.
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240596_zps3nwz3ibh.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240596_zps3nwz3ibh.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240595_zpswtcbesid.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240595_zpswtcbesid.jpg.html)
And my kids playing with it :)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240602_zpsrsg0cukz.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240602_zpsrsg0cukz.jpg.html)
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They could almost fit in there! :o
Nicely done Beefcake! 8) 8) 8)
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looks brilliant :)
well done sir
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Very nicely done, a great little project. Hope it gets plenty of use.
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Great looking terrain and obviously being enjoyed by the young gamers.
Tony
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Thanks all. Yes, I have well and truly set my kids along the path of geekdom. lol
Just painted up the skulls. Will put them in tomorrow.
I'm makng plans now for what to do with the off cuts. Maybe a pyramid or something like that.
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Skulls added into holes (in the wall ::))
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240610_zpsky3zyijq.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240610_zpsky3zyijq.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240608_zpscaw2ttfk.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240608_zpscaw2ttfk.jpg.html)
(http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr309/kminis/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240609_zpsqaxsjh6y.jpg) (http://s494.photobucket.com/user/kminis/media/sculpting%20and%20creations/P1240609_zpsqaxsjh6y.jpg.html)
PVA is still drying on some in these photos. The effect looks good enough. I still have 24 Skulls left from Ral Partha but don't want to make it look like a GW Hobby Store so I may lay off a few of them.
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Well you didn't hang around! lol
Looks great. And very practical and flexible.
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Thanks. Being a teacher I tend to cram the majority of my hobbying into term breaks. One day left :'(