Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Supercollider on February 02, 2016, 10:34:00 PM
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Having been inspired by a few excellent threads on LAF - I dug out a big bag of WotC bendy plastic Star Wars minis (which are untouched, so far) I found at the thrift store a few years back. As I have nothing in the way of Sci-Fi terrain, and being monetarily challenged, I've tried to put some suitable stuff together using the materials I have at hand. I'm planning to set the game in the Clone Wars era (as most figures I have are from that period).
The first things I made were a couple of storage tank style wossits
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1589/24485074000_1ba6ced6b2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DiEpsh)
Made from a couple of large yoghurt cartons, scrap card, florists wire and whatnot. Here's one before paint:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/24662805772_81fe93566c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DznjVb)
Next I used the cardboard center spool of something or other, to make a round building - again, I built up layers of card (hand cut, and using a variety of punches) then painted it - the roof still needs work - it is the bottom of a DVD spool.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1694/24754401986_27defa6f39_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DHsMhf)
The radar dish is made from an old radiator adjustment knob, a bit of a toy, and a spinner from a Chrismas cracker.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1441/24687126431_522d23ceca_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DBvYAT)
I also used the center spools of Duct tape to make stackable elements, and an old Bionicle canister lid for an interesting roof.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/24687114201_021c0cd3bb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DBvUY2)
I've got a few more things to put together, including several repeats of the above, I want to keep it very modular. Any hints, tips or criticism very welcome!
Cheers.
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Very effective! I'm impressed by how much can be achieved by building successive layers of surface detail out of simple, good old card. Nice job scavenging for scratchbuild bitz, too :)
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Looking good so far.
8) 8)
I have a whole stack of stuff waiting for me to have a go at some 'junk' sci-fi scenery myself, so shall be watching with interest.
:D
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Most inspirational 8)
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Very effective :)
cheers
James
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Spectacular work. Looks very, very Star Wars to me. I love all of these buildings, and plan to steal most of your ideas. Thank you!!!
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Excellent stuff!
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This is what the hobby is all about, great job.
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Looks great - very inspirational.
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Junk modelling at it's best - don't stop! :-*
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Fantastic, great builds and lovely paint jobs.
More please
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Excellent work! Lots of folks try it with less-than-stellar results, but this is what card-over-container terrain should look like.
Thanks for the pre-paint picture as well. The paper/card you used seems to have taken a drybrush really well. Did you texture it at all before painting?
I do think the bare black plastic cylinder needs something though. Even if it's just a coat of paint. A couple of walkways and ladders to link the various towers would be cool also.
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This is really awesome.
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Great work! I love scratch built sci-fi terrain, it always looks unique and it's fun making it - and you start to look at the world around you from a new perspective, seeing sci fi structures in every lunch box and piece of trash lol
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Cheers, all! :)
Eilif: I didn't texture the card, just scored it for the panel 'aztecing' - it's just basic card from Staples. The black cylinder probably does need something - I am definitely going for a less is more, minimal approach, but in this case, more would certainly be more!
I was going to experiment with some painted lighting effects... but it's a little bit intimidating, I'm not sure where to start, having never attempted it previously. The black cylinder might be a good test piece in that regard.
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I really like what you have created. I am a big fan of using recycled items for terrain. Keep up the great work.
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Very impressive something to aspire to :)
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I think a torn bit of sponge used to dry-brush an effect on to the black would help, as would some sprue piping.
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Congrats for that scenery pieces!! it definitely catches the SW vibe IMO!!!!!.
building scenery from scratch is a MUST, and you've done very stylish!! ;)
Keep posting!!
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Great inspiring work. Might just motivate me to do something with the bags & boxes of crap in the loft (don't tell the wife! :D ).
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Cool! I love how the pieces look! Amazing result!
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Top notch work. Thanks for sharing. I can never seem to spend my time cutting card for projects like this, but after seeing your work, I might have to give it a go.
I suggest the electrical section of your local hardware store. I've found there to be a large selection of items that can be repurposed for terrain purposes on the cheap; wire nuts, connectors, electrical boxes, fuses, and even staples can be used in different ways. Also check out to different drywall screw plugs.
Also, don't forget to think about scatter terrain as you look for and collect bits for your projects. It is always great to have bins, crates, computer consoles, etc. for models to hide behind.
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Im a big fan of scratchbuilds, and your's are very well done! A wonderful addition to the SW threads around at the moment.
8) 8) 8) 8)
The holepunches make some great shapes, they are nicely considered and implemented in your designs.
Cheers
Matt
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Thanks again, all! - quick update. Turned the transparent cover of the DVD spool into another building/tank.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24717752052_f651a8a094_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DEdWwQ)
Here it is before paint.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1639/24208789143_453e4156ce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CTfnAg)
It can be stacked on top of the previous building, with or without the black (unfinished) roof, for maximum modularity :)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/24717783802_c1e8c8db7d_z.jpg)
Same method as previous, using punches and scalpel - this time I experimented with a very minimal build to see what I could get away with! (and it was a bugger sticking stuff to that plastic) ;) (https://flic.kr/p/DEe6Yf)
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These are superb! Excited to see more.
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More really nice work. You seem to have a knack for layering card in interesting ways while still keeping a minimalist look on some of them.
Looking forward to seeing more!
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GREAT WORK!
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Quick update - Made another building/tank out of a smaller pot. Pipes made from paper clips and thicker wire, with small beads and bits of paper wrapped around to make valves/joints.
Layered card and some plastic 'bling' stick on gems from the dollar store for detailing, elsewhere.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1613/24742203352_b81ae466bb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DGog3Y)
Before paint:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1533/24860063765_73e4b7cb52_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DSNjR4)
Modularity-wise, it can be used on its own (as above), or it can be flipped, with one of the other tanks placed on top (or use large tank at bottom) for a taller building with a different/more interesting profile.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1467/24492485239_0e6e1dcea9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Djjoyg)
They all sit inside one another for easy storage.
Cheers!
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These all look great 8)
cheers
James
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(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1467/24492485239_0e6e1dcea9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Djjoyg)
THAT works!!! 8) 8)
Cheers
Matt
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Brilliant AND bonus easier storage options.
8) 8)
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Brill! 8) How are you doing your control panels? Scratched and painted or printed?
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Brill! 8) How are you doing your control panels? Scratched and painted or printed?
The before sure looks like scratch-bits, with the real character coming with the paint, but how have I been wrong before? Let me count the ways... ::)
Oh, just to show I'm in line with the majority, the WHOLE looks awesome. ;)
Doug
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Thanks, chaps! :)
The control panels are made with a simple press mold, created in a lego box with some intant mold stuff - I just smooth some greenstuff into the mold and wait for the batch to cure. It was just a test (hence the blank hexagon) - and I need to finish it, and redo it.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24759600362_88365f2dc8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DHVqzq)
Here's another terrain configuration (still need to finish the black parts).
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1683/24877507265_6686f07d3a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DUkJc4)
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Cool! Thanks for that! It looks like I need to invest in some mould making stuff!
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I've found making little greeblies this way has a couple of benefits:
You can make several identical wossits.
You can stick them to curved surfaces more easily, as they are flexible.
you can trim the bits you make into smaller pieces in whatever way you prefer!
you only have to make fiddly control panels once!
:)
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Brilliant idea!
8) 8) 8)
Consider it thoroughly stolen!
:D :D
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Now I am very curious what sort of "instant mold stuff" your using, as this does seem very handy. (and maybe cheaper then using my 3d printer for stuff I want a lot of)
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It's this stuff - drop it in boiling water, then press it onto the shape you want to duplicate, it sets after a minute or two. Doesn't stick to anything (even itself), so you can make 2 part molds if you want.
http://www.amazon.com/Miniature-Accessories-Instant-Mold/dp/B004XT279Q?SubscriptionId=AKIAI6U7POQ2ZYWBW7JA&tag=tps03-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B004XT279Q
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This gets better and better!
Any chance for a pic that better shows the bead/wire/jem detailing before paint?
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I didn't take many WIP pics, and this is about the best view I have of it:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1484/24273319403_70875257c2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CYX7bX)
Thread the little beads on before you bend the paper clips. The thicker wire has sections of styrene tubing on it, or is wrapped with short lengths of paper soaked in PVA, both methods work well. You can just about see the bling jewel things over on the left. They come like this:
http://www.designed2bsweet.com/vibrant-square-self-stick-rhinestones-79-pc.html
You can get all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they look pretty good when painted :)
There's a better view of the jewels in action in this pic: They are on the turquoise skiff.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/367/18457815972_c408eaec7b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/u848Cq)
I'll try to remember to take some better pics when I make more terrain.
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NIce work indeed!!!
i like your skiff design!! :o :o
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Brilliant stuff and loving the skiffs! :-* What's the base for the model?
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Cheers. The skiffs are based on lids from old Bionicle canisters, like this one - turned upside down, with added deck, console, and so on ;)
(http://board.ttvpodcast.com/uploads/db5640/original/3X/5/3/53625a8c461298f3277e3c66acd354c3678d92b5.jpg)
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Now I am very curious what sort of "instant mold stuff" your using, as this does seem very handy. (and maybe cheaper then using my 3d printer for stuff I want a lot of)
You can buy it as Instant Mold where "Cool Mini or Not" have heaped on a huge profit or you can buy it as Oyumaru which is quite a bit cheaper. It is exactly the same material.
You can find it on eBay.
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You can buy it as Instant Mold where "Cool Mini or Not" have heaped on a huge profit or you can buy it as Oyumaru which is quite a bit cheaper. It is exactly the same material.
You can find it on eBay.
Yeah, that Oyumaru is really good stuff. I did a pretty basic tutorial for my simple effort:
http://tewblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/door-molds.html
Not as cool as supercollider's, but I will be stealing his ideas asap.
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This stuff is all sickeningly good! Very clever indeed.
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Yeah, that Oyumaru is really good stuff. I did a pretty basic tutorial for my simple effort:
http://tewblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/door-molds.html
Interesting.
I hadn't realised you could pour resin into Oyumaru. All the reviews I've read said that the heat given off as the resin cured would ruin the mold.
I assume that you didn't have that problem.
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Interesting.
I hadn't realised you could pour resin into Oyumaru. All the reviews I've read said that the heat given off as the resin cured would ruin the mold.
I assume that you didn't have that problem.
No, I didn't know that was supposed to be an issue.
Maybe it depends on the resin. I ended up with some clear jewellery-style resin, coz it was the only one in the shop.
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I took a break from far future style buildings, and had a bash at creating another sci-fi/modern staple - a Shanty Town! (I've always wanted to game Cursed Earth/Hotdog Run/Long Walk Dredd at some point).
This is what I've come up with so far.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1520/24293070414_905154a67f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D1GktC)
Each building folds flat (inspired by a post I saw here, a few years back).
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1717/24625725020_942d8b3b7d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dw6h6S)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1642/24827857271_a8a2112be0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DPXfYF)
All the bits fit into a large sandwich bag, for easy storage.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/24827845191_3dbfd1bf62_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DPXcop)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/24294282373_3f1277f655_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D1NxKt)
While not strictly Star Wars style terrain, I'll probably mix it in with some adobe buildings I made a few years ago, plus the new stuff I am making, when I want to create a 'fringe' style world.
Serving suggestion:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1624/24921216625_93e214e7bd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DYcKsH)
Cheers!
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They look good and neat idea on folding them up too.Getting a nice selection of terrain.
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They fold flat and look that good o_o
BRILLIANT!
8) 8)
I agree that Adobe and shanty looks fine together.
"Hover skiffs, move out" in the fringe world colonisation.
Cheers
Matt
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WHOAAAAAA :o :o :o :o
The whole scenery match incredibly!!
WOW you could do a whole board inspired on Raxus Prime!!! ;)
Congrats again!!!!
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Thanks for the compliments. The Shanties were a lot of fun to make, and very quick to throw together. I'm going to make a few more when I can get my hands on additional corrugated cardboard stocks ;)
Also thanks for the Raxus Prime tip - Never heard of that planet before! Inspirational background material! :)
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You can buy it as Instant Mold where "Cool Mini or Not" have heaped on a huge profit or you can buy it as Oyumaru which is quite a bit cheaper. It is exactly the same material.
You can find it on eBay.
+1 :D :D :D
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Again, too clever! And they look superb too. This really is a great thread.
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Man, those buildings are shockingly cool!! :-*
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Can you provide us lowly mortals with a tutorial (or at least the basics) on how you put together the folding buildings?
This stuff is fantastic.
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Here is a quick breakdown of how I put them together, I'll try and do a step by step when I make some more.
First step is to flatten out a sturdy cardboard box - I used one of the small ones I got from mini shipments.
Cut two wall strips from the flattened box - I used the box's 'natural' corners wherever I could, where I wanted my corners (the two corners without the white hinges). It's reasonably important that the wall strips are measured, and they have 90 degree corners, so they match when assembled. You can also add window holes and other details at this point. You can also make slanted roofs, etc (I've made pitched roofs for other buildings using this method)
For the open corners, cut some thick card hinges to join them up (White, in the pic), fold them, then carefully glue them to the inside of the sturdy box strips (using PVA), making sure everything is lined up. I did it one corner at a time. These hinges allow the finished product to fold flatter. There will be a gap on the outside of the building - which looks fine for shanties.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1469/24848012321_9f7e2f768f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DRJynx)
Then go bonkers with the outside - use PVA to stick card, coffee stirrers, lolly sticks, etc. Superglue for plastic. This all adds detail, and importantly, some additional strength to the walls. You can disguise the gap where your hinges are to some extent - by overhanging stuff on the outside.
I added a removable brace inside each building, so they sit square on the table. This is just a piece of sturdy cardboard cut to size.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/24915065216_4a5248b670_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DXEdRW)
The roof is a single piece of thinner corrugated card, strengthened by lolly sticks on the underside, and detailed on the top. I tried to make it look like loose sheets of metal were being held down by various items (I used stones, plastic cogs and other stuff, elsewhere)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1496/24915050786_996bec3e59_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DXE9z9)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/24941338195_c7cd9ffc87_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DZYSUk)
I painted them with an undiluted mix of Burnt Sienna & Black acrylic paint at first, to seal them to some extent, and to provide a dark base coat to shade up from. This lets you use some washes for rust effects (don't go mad though - you don't really want to soak anything at this point - it might twist or warp).
The building with the balcony used the same method, just took a little more measuring and planning.
Once all is layered, glued, painted and dried, the end result is surprisingly sturdy! :)
Hope that helps!
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More great work.
Thanks for the close up shot and the jewel examples. I'd previously looked past jewels which I assumed were mostly 6 sided. I'm definitely going to get a bag of those 4 sided jewels. Super useful!
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Also thanks for the Raxus Prime tip - Never heard of that planet before! Inspirational background material! :)
RAxus Prime appeared on Battlefront PC game and also on The force Unleashed videogame. You'd find lots of youtube walkthrough tutorials in which get insipred
Aprox. minute 19. and there's a tower quite interesting on minute 21
https://youtu.be/pnfoEyWLZTk
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I really like the folding shanty buildings. I'm on a zombie kick at the moment, so see a shanty town in my near future. The fact it'll fold flat is incredibly handy :)
I have been known to order one or two things from Amazon, so their boxes should make a useful base for this ;D
I had thought you'd stripped off the outer paper layer to give the corrugated look, but it looks like you stick stuff to the outside of the whole box. Where do you get the single sided corrugated card?
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Most impressive, what you show us here!
Most impressive! :-*
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Thanks all.
Zemjw - The core of each building isn't stripped, but the various sizes of outer corrugation are (as well as the roofs). Easy to do, just slightly dampen one side, strip what you can, whatever is left can be painted over to smooth it (and adds to the slightly rough rust effect) :)
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Thanks for the tip :)
I've never actually thought to dampen the paper before removing it, which probably explains the utter mess I end up with. Simple (and blindingly obvious when someone points it out)
I built a quick test box tonight to work out dimensions, so once I've got a couple of things out the way, this could be my next project (I say could, because I'm in serious squirrel mode at the moment)
Thanks again
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I have seen single-sided corrugation for some kinds of shippage, but had really bad luck with strip-your-own, as well. I shall give it another try!
Doug
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Looking forward to seeing your folding shanties :)
Made another yoghurt tank, yesterday. Here's a couple of more detailed pics of the pipes/jewels/beads before and after paint.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/24377693953_c6b01784c9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/D9b47a)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/24911207601_aabf2f03e3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DXjs8k)
I had a go at painting a light into one of the small recesses - probably needs to be redone - any tips very welcome.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/24978180566_97fca4fb26_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E4eGRC)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1544/24636894649_340ac3da4c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dx5wrF)
Starting to come together!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1458/24911215701_062f255d3f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DXjuwZ)
Cheers.
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(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1458/24911215701_062f255d3f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DXjuwZ)
Cheers.
So I was wondering when you do this. The top just sitting on top and hope it don't fall off or use magic holding them together?
I was thinking a rolled up plastic inside for both to cling to.
But the project is looking aces.
Grimm
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Such a great project and very well done.Need to get to a hobby shop for some beads and gems ;).
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So I was wondering when you do this. The top just sitting on top and hope it don't fall off or use magic holding them together?
I was thinking a rolled up plastic inside for both to cling to.
But the project is looking aces.
Grimm
They are just resting at the moment - I've pondered adding some magnets to the inner rims, and will probably get around to it at some point. I also like your idea...
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I had a go at painting a light into one of the small recesses - probably needs to be redone - any tips very welcome.
...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1544/24636894649_340ac3da4c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Dx5wrF)
Okay, now you're just getting snarky. 'Maybe it looks like shite from another angle...' Do I sound bitter much? ;D
Doug
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Okay, now you're just getting snarky. 'Maybe it looks like shite from another angle...' Do I sound bitter much? ;D
Haha! lol
I guess I'm being over critical - but to me it just looks like a bright blob, with a ring of colour around it, when others' illumination effects are much, much better! ;D
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Been a bit busy this week, but managed to put these terminals/shield generators/doodads together today. Really simple build - an old gaming chip, with a Heroclix base stuck to it, with a shampoo bottle top stuck on top of that, and a green stuff panel stuck to that :)
Should make decent game objectives.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1635/25038397402_96cb7c57a2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/E9ykdW)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/24529821513_fef3347309_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DnBKk8)
Cheers!
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Yep, still looks like shite. All shite. Every bit of it.
Now, I'll go and have a bit of a weep...
;)
Doug
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Way cool! the lighting effects on those buttons look good :-* :-*
Cheers
Matt
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The stuff you do with complete junk!
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Thanks guys :)
I used hot glue to stick the main items together - and superglue to stick the greenstuff to the outside.
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Those are cracking wee pieces! :-*
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They do the job :D
cheers
James
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Love those objectives.
Now I have to decide whether to start making a huge junk collection or stay married.
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Now I have to decide whether to start making a huge junk collection or stay married.
Is your wife gaming with you...? :D
@Supercollider:
Great idea to use bases of HeroClicks minis! I think I'll borrow it when I start to make terrain myself (in a future far, far from now, Im afraid).
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I didn't take many WIP pics, and this is about the best view I have of it:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1484/24273319403_70875257c2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/CYX7bX)
Thread the little beads on before you bend the paper clips. The thicker wire has sections of styrene tubing on it, or is wrapped with short lengths of paper soaked in PVA, both methods work well. You can just about see the bling jewel things over on the left. They come like this:
http://www.designed2bsweet.com/vibrant-square-self-stick-rhinestones-79-pc.html
You can get all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they look pretty good when painted :)
There's a better view of the jewels in action in this pic: They are on the turquoise skiff.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/367/18457815972_c408eaec7b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/u848Cq)
I'll try to remember to take some better pics when I make more terrain.
Those skiffs would be so good for a John Carter Of Mars Game. I would love to see some good models for that in 15mm.
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Inspirational junk modelling Supercollider! Might try my hand at similiar modelling now I have Imperial Assault.
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This is great stuff! So simply so good looking.
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Great job on these
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Thanks all :)
Those skiffs would be so good for a John Carter Of Mars Game. I would love to see some good models for that in 15mm.
The skiffs were made for a Space 1889 setting, here's one of them loaded up with some Brits, from a previous game :)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8871/18274299918_0ec1199bda_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tQQyGw)
Love those objectives.
Now I have to decide whether to start making a huge junk collection or stay married.
Hehe - I try to keep the hoarding to a minimum (one medium sized box in the game closet), and she actually brings me lots of stuff these days!
Cheers.
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Thanks all :)
The skiffs were made for a Space 1889 setting, here's one of them loaded up with some Brits, from a previous game :)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8871/18274299918_0ec1199bda_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/tQQyGw)
Hehe - I try to keep the hoarding to a minimum (one medium sized box in the game closet), and she actually brings me lots of stuff these days!
Cheers.
I thought they might be for Space 1889. I am tempted to make some though, if I can find some suitable figures. I am guessing they are based on a cross section cut through a suitable bottle. That or a complete scratch build from plastic and?
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From Bionicle canister lids - there's a pic on page 3 of this thread ;)
You've given me an idea with the bottle section thing!
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Simply stunning.
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From Bionicle canister lids - there's a pic on page 3 of this thread ;)
You've given me an idea with the bottle section thing!
Apologies, I am getting all the Star Wars threads muddled. I missed the bionicle package! If I have given you an idea that is the least I can do. Thanks.
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Quick update - found a little time this week to throw a couple more objectives/walls together.
Made from a tofu carton thing, containing two portions (sixty portions!)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/25615446171_507750912f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/F2xRHD)
This is what it looked like prior to painting - very simple to make. I trimmed the flange at the bottom to make it look neater on the table, then filled in the recess at the top with a bit of styrene and a couple of green stuff gribblies. Then glued a control panel on it and covered the embossed recycling logo with some more greenstuff (as it was too messy to remove it).
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25589449792_bea94ce6fb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EZfBUd)
An added bonus is that its sides are the same angle as the yoghurt carton storage tanks I made earlier, so you can create a nice seamless barrier if you need one.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1526/25589459832_42222d3d80_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EZfETj)
Cheers!
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Wow! That is sooo brilliant! Simple, yet extremely effective! I think your paint job makes it really work! :-*
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Amazing what you have done.
I have used yoghurt pots and mushroom containers for scenery in the past, but its always looked a bit naff.
The greeblie panels and recessed lighting effects have really brought it to life. Consider both ideas stolen.
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Cheers, chaps. glad you like!
I'm trying to keep things really simple at the mo', as I don't have much time to make stuff. I've got a few mushroom punnets I might have a go at next :)
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A good addition, the painting really makes it work 8) 8)
cheers
James
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There's several items here that have inspired me to consider doing some scratchbuilding. Outstanding work, well done. And those fold-away shanties are really clever.
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Having entered the build it contest, with plans to make a sci-fi cargo carrier, I realised I have no suitable sci-fi type cargo. While we can't start the main build yet, we can make a start on props, right?
I had a bash of making some crates/barrels from what I had in the bits box. Here they are almost finished (I want to to a bit more weathering, and add some decal style stuff to some of them).
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/406/32008598071_5e95bbe6c5_z.jpg)
Here's a quick how to - I collected the lids from soup/milk, primarily because they had a recess in the top, and relatively interesting side details. Snip the internal tabs down with some nail clippers (makes it easier to line up the side). Then use hot glue on one side then leave them inverted while they cool, so the glue drips to the lid on the other side. Next use a load of circle punches to make various sized discs, and some crafty scissors to cut the top section in two, in an interesting way - I tried to make them more versatile by having a crate type opening on one end, and a barrel style top on the other, so you can mix them up when using them on the table. Finally, glue everything on with a glue stick (strong enough to hold until the paint/PVA mix, applied next, makes sure they won't move).
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/333/31752186270_52aaf5763c_c.jpg)
It took about an hour and a half to do all these.
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/407/32008622031_9984c155d3_b.jpg)
Then I painted them in a 50/50 mix of dark grey paint and PVA, gave them a thorough drybrushing of lighter grey and or white, then washed with various base colours. I've just tried some powders/pencils on a few, which will be the final step after I paint some decals on.
Now I need to make some square ones! :D
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Excellent idea and perfect execution! 8)
Consider it nicked! :D
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You have done a cracking job on those crates, sir.
8) 8)
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Brill idea! :o
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This thread is awesome, thanks for sharing!
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That really takes the bottle-top barrel to the next level. Clearly I need to be on the lookout for whatever kind of soup you eat!
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Those are very clever!
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Thanks all! I think these crates could also be made into passable wheels for a space rover type vehicle, using a different cut/layering pattern in the recess.
I also discovered that there is a brand of coconut water (best hangover sure!) that has similar tops, but they are a bit larger (23mm recess, compared to 19mm in the smaller ones). They would make even better wheels). So it looks like I'll have to find an excuse to buy some of that! *cracks open a beer* ;)
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Brill :D
cheers
James
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I used the same hot glue trick to join together electric wire nuts (the ones without the "wings" on the side), like these:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Wire_nuts.jpg)
They make some really nice sci-fi containers, albeit smaller than your lids containers.
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Those cap containers are nice. I've seen alot of bottle cap containers and they always seem to show their origin clearly. Your mod really takes the idea to a better place.
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Only just seen this thread and am well impressed with your work. Am definitely going to do some yoghurt pot buildings.
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Another quick update. I made a few more doodads/terrain pieces.
The first is a red variant of the tofu packaging I did a while ago - feels little more 'Sithy' in these colours :)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/631/31860749890_8d26e6ef26_b.jpg)
Then I made some versatile objectives/obstacles from a card tray I found in a thrifted board game (can't remember the game).
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/330/31860748480_861de0d146_b.jpg)
Before paint:
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/274/31426366023_399b345c4a_b.jpg)
They started out life looking like this. Large enough to hold half sized cards (about the size of X-Wing upgrade cards). I changed the cutout atthe back of the pice so they can sit flush against curved surfaces, as well as flat surfaces.
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/744/31395330924_36349c1374_b.jpg)
About halfway through building them, I realized that if I added detail to all their sides, they could be used/put together in a number of versatile ways. So I added consoles and stuff to their hidden facets, and ended up with this:
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/546/32087882902_65945a5a67_b.jpg)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/499/31395341394_99d3c7ce86_b.jpg)
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/763/31426396383_62b53f1483_c.jpg)
I've got a couple more of the card trays to detail and paint, I think having four pieces like this will be a very useful addition to my sci-fi terrain. Also, I might repaint the light grey bits, they were an experiment in minimalism, and I'm not sure they work.
Thanks for looking :)
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Brilliant!
And so many ways to use them too.
8) 8)
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Really creative work!
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The versatility of those card trays is pure genius.
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Fantastic! And extremely well executed idea!
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Brilliant again! The versatility is a real bonus.
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Just a quick post showing something I recently discovered - you can buy C3PO bobble heads (made for McDonalds) for cheap on ebay (mine was 79c).
They start off looking like this (not my picture):
http://d2ydh70d4b5xgv.cloudfront.net/images/b/f/star-wars-bobble-head-mcdonald-s-2008-happy-meal-toy-c-3po-8e1ac3ea0aa63936158be5f1e408f2c3.jpg
With a bit of snipping, I managed to put some simple seats in it, and after a a bit more tidying and a quick paint job I reckon it will look the part! It's about the right scale, and a lot cheaper than some of the alternatives.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/585/32189025021_607c7ae765_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/R3raG2) (https://flic.kr/p/R3raG2) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/15220207@N06/)
Would also be good for quick wreckage/clutter if you didn't want to bother with the interior :)
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Good find! I'm sure with your painting skills you can make that look the part!
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Scale looks good 8)
Off I go to Ebay then ::)
cheers
James
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The card-shoe pieces are amazing. You're definitely capturing that Star Wars feeling of having lots of futuristic stuff of slightly unclear purpose. They look great.
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Yeah - the unclear purpose came mostly from watching the Clone Wars animated series, very inspirational in that regard. Also useful from a gaming POV, with so many panels buttons and gribblies, you can designate which are the important ones according to the type of game you want to play :)
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I love the idea.
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This thread is awesome :o ! Your attention to detail spins rubbish into scenery gold!
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guttering and Maelstrom Edge building accessories.
(http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2016/8/25/822779_md-.jpg)
(http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2016/8/25/822780_sm-.jpg)
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What a brilliant thread. I'm trying to get some fantasy skirmish/dungeon crawler type models done, but tempted by sci-fi with Rogue Stars coming out. This kind of stuff would fit perfectly!
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Very nice find. Unfortunately it seems to just be a US promotion as UK eBay highlights with the postage rates. Great idea though.
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Wow, the inspiration to be taken from this thread is an armful, at least... great work!
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Finally finding some hobby time after a busy Summer, planning to finish off a few more things for a decent sci-fi table.
I got a cheap entry level 3D printer earlier in the year, mainly to see what all the fuss is about, and to learn the ropes.
I've printed out a few things, but these are the first I have painted and finished - I re-purposed some sci-fi barriers (From Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2626696 ) to make some 'holo' type signs. I scaled them up slightly to match the width of the signs.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/30705734418_fcedb08062_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NMmV57)
I undercoated the prints with plastidip, which evened out some of the layer lines. The signs themselves are made with thick baseball/trading card protectors (trimmed to fit), with some acetate print outs inside them. All signs are removable/changeable. I think I'm going to make some broken versions, for when folks shoot/throw each other through them.
Time to finish off a few more things!
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Lovely thread. :-* :-*
Full of good ideas. :)
Keep it coming.
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I undercoated the prints with plastidip, which evened out some of the layer lines.
This is incredibly clever. Some folks will be disappointed by a loss of detail but I can think of alot of situations where it's worthwhile to sacrifice a bit of surface detail in exchange for a smoother painting surface.
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Been making steady progress with the cheap sci-fi terrain over the past couple of months.
I finished and weathered the catwalks, stairs and ramps made from recycled coat hanging brackets and basewood. Can see them here in a Super Mission Force game featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy Vs the Universal Church of Truth (Headed by Adam warlock) on a floating space platform. The guardians lost a very close tussle.
The Painted walls made from Jenga/kid's blocks have served to be very versatile addition to my terrain collection. I made walls, crates and other configurations. They're holding up the platforms, making walls, LOS blockers, etc.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4860/46494444072_f9e358b2a2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2dQybo5)
A couple of (BAD) WIP pics ;) - Simply made. Layered card over the basewood, prior to painting. The coat hanger brackets were tidied up with files then superglued to the wood. I used hammerite as undercoat, then did a salt effect directly over that.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7916/32673699358_40088c4fe7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RMgfu7)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7866/32673703858_524c248130_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RMggPG)
Also used here in a Star Wars game on a desert planet, set in the age of the Old Republic. Been using a mash-up of Super Mission Force and Void Pirates for rules, plays fast and great!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/45822515104_5bd898d0bb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2cPbniS)
Here's a speeder I 3D printed - I tested out a mismatched panel look to give it weather-beaten appearance.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/46546258941_ec94d9438f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2dV8K8T)
The Clix have been repainted - when the vibrant neon tones of the female figure's original paint job are covered she make a decent Jedi padawan figure.
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Brilliant, especially those hanger brackets!
:-* :-*
I have just started embarking on my own sci-fi terrain so I shall be going back through your thread to steal all of your ideas now....
:D
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I've been inspired to create a modest Trek setup for gaming, after seeing some of the latest minis painted, elsewhere on up on this forum (which I don't own... yet!) and watching Star Trek: Discovery (Which is decent).
To keep this setting manageable I plan to do a 'small ship lost in a distant galactic quadrant' with a handful (5-10) starfleet crew types, and an ongoing plot to get back home (or similar). Maybe in one of the 'runabout' ships that featured in DS9/TNG - I've been playing with the proportions of that model, to create something that looks right on the table, but isn't a huge thing I have to store.
I'm also going to print out some small 1200? scale ships to depict the situation in space, as required. To complement the ships I'll also be making some modular bridge/corridor tiles and associated doodads (warp cores, doors, control panels, etc.) so my crew can get into scrapes aboard Klingon, Romulan, and other ships.
Onto progress so far... I've got some WOTC bendy Trek figs, though I haven't got around to painting them yet (debating whether to just get the Modiphius ones). I plan to paint them in TNG livery.
I also 3D printed a Type 6 shuttle, and after much wet and dry sanding I got around to painting it and blocking in the main color areas.
After filing/sanding and undercoating with a hammerite like product - a quick once-over with fine grit paper smooths out the finish, afterwards.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7865/40284261803_535e8f22b5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24nMnxZ)
Blocked in with main colors - I'm usually not bad at weathering stuff, but I'm a bit stumped with this one. Most vehicles in the TV shows are shown in spottlessly maintained and pristine condition, so it kind of suits. Any suggestions?
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7843/46334720615_609741b1e7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2dAryan)
I've also been thinking about getting some inkjet printer decals, rather than doing the numbers and lines by hand/stencil. Anyone got any experience or recommendations with those products?
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7900/40284261173_8095f9b9f2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24nMnn8)
Thanks for looking.
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That shuttle is very nice. Great work.
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Nice job.
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That is a nice addition to your collection.
8) 8)
I look forward to seeing what you do regarding the weathering, as I would be tempted to really dirty it up but I understand why you are not so keen on that idea.
:)
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The shuttle looks great. I agree that weathering might be a bit too much and isn't really in line with classic Trek (i.e. DS9 and before), but if you are going to print decals anyway, you could consider doing some panel lines in the same go.
The main issue, in my experience, with inkjet-printed decals, is that you have to be extremely careful with cutting them out since it's commonly a single foil. Apart from that, I've had good results in the past, making sure to follow the instructions - i.e. print in high resolution, let dry for a couple of days in a dust-free environment, then coat in a durable varnish, and apply over a coat of satin varnish.
I suspect the last part might be very important in this case since the surface seems to still be a bit rough (it looks great in the pics, mind, but applying decals to a pitted surface is notoriously tricky).
In any case, I'd suggest using a slightly darker grey to shade the steps and where components meet (as a pin-wash, applied sparingly)? The silver metallic areas might pop a bit more against the cream body.
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Thanks, all :)
@Chris, many thanks for the suggestion - I really like the idea of some subtle panel lines along with the transfers. Should serve to break up the surfaces a little, without destroying the minimal vibe of the old series stuff.
It's not until you come to make something like this that you realise the stuff on screen is a bit odd looking! lol
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I've also been thinking about getting some inkjet printer decals, rather than doing the numbers and lines by hand/stencil. Anyone got any experience or recommendations with those products?
For shuttle decals, have a look on ebay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NO-MODEL-Star-Trek-Starships-Collection-EAGLEMOSS-TNG-SHUTTLEPOD-DECAL-SET/222687552875?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NO-MODEL-Star-Trek-Starships-Collection-EAGLEMOSS-TNG-SHUTTLEPOD-DECAL-SET/222687552875?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649).
Also, is that shuttle available to buy from Shapeways at all? Like you I've been looking for one, unlike you I do not have a 3d printer.
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Thanks for the tip.
The shuttle is s free model from Thingiverse:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1658809
There's a ton of Trek stuff on there.
There's also a button to order a print of the shuttle on the lower right of the page, you may have some luck with that?