Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: oldskoolrebel on November 01, 2016, 08:31:44 PM
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Hello all,
After seeing so many wonderful games at BLAM and with my aborted attempt last year to start some new terrain boards, I decided to give it a go. I'm looking for an 6' x 4' playing surface, which should be more modular than my last attempt. My last board can be seen here (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=24400.0)
I found some 25mm thick blue foam cut to 600mmx600mm some where online and made the purchase. Albeit this was a couple of years ago and it's sat quite literally collection dust since then. I've decided that I'm going to buck the trend and work in metric! The quick sketch below shows the sample board layouts which I'm going to go for.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_28_37_0.jpg)
One photocopy and some colouring pens later...
As you can see I've cut each tile out, and had a play around with the different configurations. This is very unlike me, as I usually rush straight into building without any planning. Perhaps I'm learning patience. This is a pretty important step, as I felt that my previous terrain board wasn't anywhere near as modular as I've have liked. As you can see this allows for some interesting combination.
Incase it isn't obvious the brown is a 5cm wide 'road' or track and the blue is a 10cm river. I've not planned any of the topography on the individual tiles yet. I'll probably do that later this evening. I'm also pretty limited in the fact that I've already started to create one of the boards.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_28_37_1.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_28_37_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_28_37_3.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_28_37_4.jpg)
The 25mm foam doesn't seem very sturdy, I had a look to see what other people have done. Hu Rhu mounted this board on 12cm MDF. Being a clutz I decided to go for something a little heavier. Cue a trip to B&Q for some cut 18mm MDF. Even I shouldn't be able to cause much damage to it. The image below is the individual tiles glued to the MDF- my task last weekend.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_29_17_0.jpg)
This is the tile that some of you may recognise. It was created last year at some point. Upon playing around with the plans I realised that the configuration wasn't the most modular. I've put filler over one of the sections of road, allowing for greater modularity. Unfortunately this solution isn't ideal... I'm not going to be able to place trees anywhere along this road. You live and learn.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_29_17_1.jpg)
Another technique that I was keen to try last time was sanding a 3mm depression to allow the bases of my buildings to sit flush with the board. I'm not convinced that this is particularly effective- so it will appear on just this one tile. It seems madness to go to all of the trouble of making a board modular to then force yourself to place buildings in the same locations.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_29_17_2.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_11_16_9_29_17_3.jpg)
I am aware that it doesn't look like much just now. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks you'll see a bit of a difference.
Oh and the table will simulate everything from North America/Canada to fantasy worlds. I've got some trees to repair and some new ones to prepare. And a large quantity of woodland scenes to play around with!
PS I'm sorry Bibbly, I know it's not bricks but they'll come... I promise.
Edited for spelling and added links.
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Still waiting o_o o_o o_o
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There we go Colin!
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PS I'm sorry Bibbly, I know it's not bricks but they'll come... I promise.
I sincerely hope so lol
Looking promising so far mate 8)
cheers
James
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Ahhh the age old wargamers dilemma of modular or not modular.... ;)
A good start to your project - it's always best to plan and plan, but you only learn from your mistakes.
8)
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Good to see that are back at it with a vengeance, mate.
8)
I look forward to updates.
Regular ones.
:D
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Good start Andy! Looking forward to seeing what you ckme up with! The board you took down to BLAM a few years ago was really good, so no pressure! ;)
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Yay! 8)
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Good start Andy. I used 6mm mdf for my base tiles and it's fine for the 300mm x 300mm and 600mm x 300mm ones but it doesn't work so well for the larger tiles or the 600mm ones where I've used water effect resin. They go a bit warpy. 18mm won't move though!
Storage is always the big thing for me along with the balance between modularity and detail. I can store 6 flat grass tiles for one river tile with relief.
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Looking like a good start.
How are you going to do the trees?
Are they going to be free standing or pushed into the foam?
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Thank you for all the kind comments guys.
Good start Andy. I used 6mm mdf for my base tiles and it's fine for the 300mm x 300mm and 600mm x 300mm ones but it doesn't work so well for the larger tiles or the 600mm ones where I've used water effect resin. They go a bit warpy. 18mm won't move though!
Storage is always the big thing for me along with the balance between modularity and detail. I can store 6 flat grass tiles for one river tile with relief.
Storage was an issue for myself at one point. I've now got accesss to a loft space. It's floored, light and I can stand in it! Storage shouldn't be much of an issue. That said I am decluttering. I'm being fairly strict with it getting rid of anything I haven't used in a while.
I'm pretty confident in the 18mm mdf-it's got a nice weight to it. Not too heavy, but heavy enough that it will stay in place.
Looking like a good start.
How are you going to do the trees?
Are they going to be free standing or pushed into the foam?
I am not sure. I am considering pushed into the foam, but the jury is still out. My only concern is long term durability.
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Great start. I need to do the same but as i don't have the space just now, the mrs will freak if i start :D
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Looking good ;D
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Good start Andy 8)
May I refer you to my own F&IW terrain project which started off in a similar fashion to yours?
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12619.0
(Not saying it's perfect, but there may be some ideas you could use?)
I went for the spike-in trees and I still swear by them. Works very well. (See p7 of that thread)
Cheers
Richard
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A little update today. Managed to get a lot of the very messy work out of the way.
I always forget how messy this part is! In the picture below you can see the rough sanding of a road. This is definitely not finesse work, and the dremel is your best friend. However beware, this causes a lot of dust. Don't forget a dust mask.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_02_11_16_6_52_09_0.jpg)
From the above rough cut, I then start to sand the foam to a finer finish. I've found that foam sanding blocks are the best for this. I'll then touch up any stubborn areas with a small piece of sand paper. Please note that the contrast between the track and the surrounding foam isn't that great so it can be a little hard to make out. Oh also the small indents will all disappear when I apply Captain Blood's patented basing gloop (TM).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_02_11_16_6_52_09_1.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_02_11_16_6_52_09_2.jpg)
And the entire play out sans any topography. I'm pretty happy with how this is looking just now. I really like the island. I suspect it will add quite a bit of tactical play to games. Please excuse the uneven loft floor.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_02_11_16_6_52_09_3.jpg)
As you can see I'll need to modify the original board to allow it to better fit with the new boards. The lift at the bottom is cause by the uneven floor.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_02_11_16_6_52_09_4.jpg)
Good start Andy 8)
May I refer you to my own F&IW terrain project which started off in a similar fashion to yours?
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12619.0
(Not saying it's perfect, but there may be some ideas you could use?)
I went for the spike-in trees and I still swear by them. Works very well. (See p7 of that thread)
Cheers
Richard
Cheers Richard. I spent quite a bit of time studying this tread when I created my first board. I'm refreshing my memory by having another read of it.
Having already got a number of pin trees, I suspect that I will continue with this. You've found the durability fine?
Kind Regards
Andy
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Yes. I just keep them in a box and pop them into the various boards as and when needed. You can't really see the pin holes in the terrain unless you're really looking for them. The trees do shed fragments of clump foliage every now and then, but not so much that you'd notice...
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A bit of work on the topography. As Captain Blood points out in his thread this stage always looks crap. It's only once we've got the icing and the gloop does it begin to look good.
So my first board. The curved corner road section, a cliff with a buff leading up to it and a very small hill. In from of the cliff there is a small body of water. So what do you think? Should I add anything to it?
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_04_11_16_8_07_58_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_04_11_16_8_07_58_1.jpg)
Below is the split river section. I really like this. It start to make more sense with the exposed rock. I'm assuming the the river hasn't been able to erode the rock and so it flow around the rock. One side of the river has a little uneven ground, however the other side will be largely plain.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_04_11_16_8_07_58_2.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_04_11_16_8_07_58_3.jpg)
So there we have it, still quite a bit of work to do, but getting there.
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Coming together 8)
Might I suggest (although you're not at that stage yet) that the small hills and really blended into the surrounding landscape. Plenty of gentle slopes; will look more natural and allow better placement of figures :)
cheers
James
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Coming together 8)
Might I suggest (although you're not at that stage yet) that the small hills and really blended into the surrounding landscape. Plenty of gentle slopes; will look more natural and allow better placement of figures :)
cheers
James
That's my plan James, I will be taking a scalpel and sandpaper to them, before applying filler. I find it quite difficult to get the slopes right until the foam is glued down... I tend to end up cutting the end of the foam off!
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Me too :D
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Looking good so far, mate.
8) 8)
I wouldn't add the 'small body of water' in front of the cliff, though.
It looks to me that it would be higher than the road and would look wrong.
I would just go for making it into a dell as that would still provide a nice 'tactical' location during gaming.
;)
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Perhaps a boggy area in the low area? You could model some marsh.
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I would vote for the swamp under the bluff too mate. I'm sure Silent Invader did something similar on his GOT board.
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This is coming on nicely. I second the bog/marsh idea.
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Thanks for the advice everyone.
I'm not sure about the bog/marsh idea. I think it would look at bit strange. Especially with the depression. Can I ask why not a small water feature? Is the basin too high? I'll be using varnish instead of water effects so I didn't want it too high.
Any way, I've not made a massive amount of progress with this. It'll not probably be next weekend before I get the chance to spend anymore time on it.
I have been playing around with the board with the river bend on it. My plan was to have one side as being more upland than the other. Again I'm open to comments and critiques here... should I add more uneven ground for example.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_10_11_16_5_59_50.jpg)
I like the valley that the two hills have created. It will look even better when smoothed out with filler. Ambush, do I hear you say?
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_10_11_16_5_58_03_1.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_10_11_16_5_58_03_0.jpg)
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I was thinking about a marsh because it would still give you gameable terrain rather than a water body which often tends to be avoided by players. I thought it could look good too, though I'm sure you would make a cracking job of a water feature too.
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Andy, if you want to make a pond, make a pond :)
You can always make an additional tile with a marsh too - or fill in the pond and turn it into a marsh if you need to...
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Andy, if you want to make a pond, make a pond :)
You can always make an additional tile with a marsh too - or fill in the pond and turn it into a marsh if you need to...
Indeed.
But, if you do make a pond, you know the rules: Ducks or fish are compulsory.
;D
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Indeed.
But, if you do make a pond, you know the rules: Ducks or fish are compulsory.
;D
Like these??
(http://war-bases.co.uk/image/cache/data/Figurines/DSCF2654%20(600x432)-350x350.jpg)
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looking pretty good to me...
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Andy, if you want to make a pond, make a pond :)
You can always make an additional tile with a marsh too - or fill in the pond and turn it into a marsh if you need to...
Absolutely! :)
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Got to ask, who makes the ducks, or are they scratchbuilt?
As always, having terrain board envy over here, good luck with this project!
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Got to ask, who makes the ducks, or are they scratchbuilt?
As always, having terrain board envy over here, good luck with this project!
I am not sure, they're distributed by www.war-bases.co.uk
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Like these??
(http://war-bases.co.uk/image/cache/data/Figurines/DSCF2654%20(600x432)-350x350.jpg)
I see that you have already done your research, sir.
:D
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I've not been inactive... I'm just waiting on the filler drying. It's been about 24 hours since I put it on and it's still a bit spongy. Infairness I did put more than a regular skim on!
In light of this I decided to make some progress on the trees.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_18_11_16_9_31_56.jpg)
Here you can see a little pile of trees that I'm working on; 24 Conifers and 10 deciduous to add to my existing collection. They're woodland scenics, I think they are some of the best tree armatures on the market although they do need a little work. I've spend some time removing the plastic basing pins, cleaning up the mold lines and twisting them into a shape. During the next couple of days I'll be drilling and adding a metal pin.
In clearing out, I also discovered another 6 painted deciduous trees without any foliage.
...I suspect that I may need some additional clump foliage.
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A picture of the boards taken earlier tonight. It shows some of the progress.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_23_11_16_10_51_20.JPG)
The filler on the hills is finally dry! I took a trip down to B&Q last weekend and got them to cut some edging for the board; 6mm thick MDF.
I'm a clumsy bugger, coupled with the fragile edges on the foam, this could prove a recipe for disaster. I've glue the stripping on the protect the board. Some rudimentary sanding later and everything seems to fit together nicely.
I've seen boards with this style of construction, and one thing that I noticed was the gap between the striping and the foam. Since taking the above picture I have ran a very fine layer of filler around the edges of the board. I've also repaired any scratched or marks on the board using it. With any luck it will be dry tomorrow.
Next step is the gloop. This will provide a texture and also lots of additional protection.
Cheers
Andy
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Coming along nicely matey :)
cheers
James
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GLOOP! :D
The answer to all terrain questions... ;)
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looking very very good indeed
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very handsome
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Getting there. Its great to be able to share the begining, middle and hopefully end of the build, it feels like we're all involved and on the journey with you. :)
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And don't forget to put up the recipe for your gloop, always interested in gloop lol. Can't wait to see these finished btw :)
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Like the progress so far, looking forward to seeing how this develops.
And don't forget to put up the recipe for your gloop, always interested in gloop lol.
+1
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Thanks for the kind comments guys.
Getting there. Its great to be able to share the begining, middle and hopefully end of the build, it feels like we're all involved and on the journey with you. :)
I found Richards threads very useful. I hope that others might find mine useful. :) Also the wagons arrived. They look great! Thanks again!
Like the progress so far, looking forward to seeing how this develops.
+1
Richard is the man who brought it to my attention. I've ended up with two recipes for the gloop, one of model bases and one for terrain boards.
I use 1 part PVA, 1 part paint and 1 part sand. For models I use a variety of grain sizes, up to some larger pieces that are maybe 5-6mm.
For the board I don't use such a wide variety of large grains. I did in the past and I have found that individual terrain pieces don't sit on it well. I'm currently experimenting with Kiln dried sand from B&Q (I think I'd used sharp sand previously). We'll see how it goes!
In the image below you can see the results of the filler and PVA glue. It's hopefully help to strengthen the boards and prevent it from damage. The PVA will help to make sure that the boards don't absorb as much paint, and I should now be able to spray paint them.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_25_11_16_7_11_42_0.JPG)
As you can see the gloop goes on quite thickly. All six boards have been covered now. I've deliberately left the depression untouched- this means that I can finally decided whether to turn it into a marsh or a small body of water.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_25_11_16_7_11_43_1.JPG)
I won't be able to work on them over the weekend. I'm in two minds about the next step- I'm not sure if I should give them a spray undercoat to 'bind' everything together and add extra protection, or just start painting.
Kind Regards
Andy
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Take care with a spray undercoat - I've covered foam with two heavy layers of paint only to watch it dissolve when I sprayed on the top :'(
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I've been adding sand to pva and then painting the top coat. Do you still get a gritty surface...?Might try this gloop method.
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These look fantastic...one question on the spray paint. If the spray paint hits the unpainted sides won't it melt the foam?
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I've been adding sand to pva and then painting the top coat. Do you still get a gritty surface...?Might try this gloop method.
This is what the texture is like. Sorry it's maybe not the best of pictures. I quite like the texture. Although I think the ratios are slightly wrong... next time round I'll probably put in extra paint. This should thin the mixture allowing better coverage.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_32_01_0.jpg)
These look fantastic...one question on the spray paint. If the spray paint hits the unpainted sides won't it melt the foam?
Eh, the sides are protected by MDF and sealed with filler and PVA. I would need to be very unlucky for there still to be any 'raw' foam left unexposed.
Take care with a spray undercoat - I've covered foam with two heavy layers of paint only to watch it dissolve when I sprayed on the top :'(
So far the ground work has had a heavy coat of PVA, a coat for gloop mix. The gloop mix goes rock hard. I take your point though. I think Captain Blood managed it without any ill effects.
So I had a bit of a chance to work on the boards today. It was spent mostly just adding detail ahead of undercoating. Here are the four boards which I added this detail to.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_32_03_3.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_33_18_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_33_17_0.jpg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_33_19_2.jpg)
I've been using aquarium gravel and more sand to represent rock fall and scree. I think that I'll need to add some more gravel in between the size of sand and the red stuff to provide a bit more of a transition. In addition to this small pebbles act as rocks/boulders. I quite like the small cairn.
The process was pretty simple, PVA with a tiny amount of water painted onto the board. I then scattered gravel, followed by sand. Leave it 10-15 and then shake the excess off.
I really like the first board pictured, the one with the small valley between the two outcrops. I've spent the most time on this adding additional rock fall and detailing. The idea is that the valley floor itself will be scree laden difficult ground.
I'd like to get peoples opinions. Which of the two layouts below do you prefer? I know which I prefer.
1) (http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_32_03_3.jpg)
2)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_33_20_4.jpg)
The ultimate plan is to have areas with steep topography/added features and then areas which are much flatter. This should allow quite a contrast in different set ups.
And finally one last picture (because I like it)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_01_12_16_5_34_09_1.jpg)
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The close ups of the textured finish look good. I think that'll work really well.
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Looks good Andy. Looks like you've got a good finish there.
Yes, provided the foam is completely covered in gloop and or PVA (including PVA'ing the sides) you can spray paint it to your heart's content.
But if you've left any tiny bare bits of foam, the paint will slightly dissolve the surface. All adds to the interesting texture :)
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Looking good, mate.
Very good!
8) 8)
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Hi there - this looks very promising, my first thought was "I like the lava flow looks very effective"
Imagine my disappointment when I realised they were only red stones for texture and you will cover then with paint.
Looking forward to seeing this finished :)
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It's been so long that this thread ended up on the second page!
I've still been working on the boards. The ground work has mostly been finished. I'm currently just finishing the rocks. After this it will be turning the boards green.
I've set up a wee test board. This is what it's currently looking like (The PVA is still wet and it's not been sealed yet)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_06_01_17_7_24_16_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_06_01_17_7_24_16_1.jpg)
I'm using a mix of woodland scenics in the following ratios:
WS Green blended turf (1 cup)/WS Dark Green Static Flock (1/2 cup)/ WS Burnt grass fine turf.
Hopefully some pictures of the final boards to follow.
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That looks great Andy 8) :-*
Well done on recording your flock ratio!
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That looks absolutely great Andy. Well done 8)
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Yes, nice work, really nice effect.
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Fantastic!
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Two posts in on day!
I'm just after finishing tidying after a big session. During this session I managed to get all the rocky outcrops painted, and all the ground flocked.
Just a couple of teaser pictures I'm afraid.
I pretty much started with this earlier on today.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_07_01_17_1_16_03_0.jpg)
I'm pretty happy with the mix that came up with for the rock. It reminds me of a weather gabbro.
I then applied my flock mix to get the following.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_07_01_17_1_16_03_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/26/2367_07_01_17_1_16_03_2.jpg)
I'm pretty happy with it so far. However I do worry if the grass is a little bright? It feels a wee bit too much like goblin green to me.
Any way, I've still to paint the river, ink the road and add clump foliage/undergrowth etc. All the wee jobs that actually take quite a bit of time.
Any C&Cs are appreciated.
Cheers
Andy
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In regards to bright green flock, I have found that the colour is toned down / darkened a bit after hitting it with a spray of watered-down PVA to seal it as the last stage.
Also, looks like you've got some very neat grass verges. Have you considered roughing them up a bit? You can hit them with a stiff brush to work away flock to give them a more ragged edge. You could also do this in patches to break up the green turf look. Make sure the PVA has completely dried first. Bits of the texture underneath will start to show through, giving you nice areas of drier, harder earth.
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That'll look really good when get some scatter terrain on it mate! One suggestion may be to add a wee bit more flock? Grass, plants and stuff tend to grow in cracks and things that the seeds get blown into and stuck. Maybe add some longer tuts in those cracks? But these are minor things, you're doing a great job!
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Looking really good, mate.
:-* :-*
As suggested, a few random, longer bits using tufts here and there will really help to give it a proper wild and natural feel.
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nice indeed
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You're doing a great job Andy. 8)
I echo what previous posters have said about blending the three distinct groups of colours: the green grass, brown mud and grey rock; feathering the edges and adding odd patches of flock and tufts to the mud/rock will definitely ease the transition. The grass is most 'stand out' as it is the brightest element but if it represents what you're aiming for - it reminds me of a summer walk out of the mountains in the approx locale of Loch Maree (beautiful but damn those midges!!!) - I wouldn't try to change it. However, if it's still too stark for you, then there's the options of breaking it up with different flock/tufts, patches of gravel/mud, or just some patches of gentle dry brushing to subtly change the colour.
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Also, looks like you've got some very neat grass verges. Have you considered roughing them up a bit? You can hit them with a stiff brush to work away flock to give them a more ragged edge. You could also do this in patches to break up the green turf look. Make sure the PVA has completely dried first. Bits of the texture underneath will start to show through, giving you nice areas of drier, harder earth.
Agreed, a bit of rubbing off flock here and there especially where the grass meets the bare areas will give it more continuity etc.
Its looking great though. ;D
I hope you are pleased with what you have achieved?
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Looks the biz matey 8) 8) 8)
If you're not sure about the colour you could also mix in a little dark green or brown paint into the pva for when you seal it.
cheers
James
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In regards to bright green flock, I have found that the colour is toned down / darkened a bit after hitting it with a spray of watered-down PVA to seal it as the last stage.
Also, looks like you've got some very neat grass verges. Have you considered roughing them up a bit? You can hit them with a stiff brush to work away flock to give them a more ragged edge. You could also do this in patches to break up the green turf look. Make sure the PVA has completely dried first. Bits of the texture underneath will start to show through, giving you nice areas of drier, harder earth.
Thanks for the advice. I've now taken a brush to 'feather' the transitions. It's looking a bit more natural. I suspect you're also right about the tone change.
That'll look really good when get some scatter terrain on it mate! One suggestion may be to add a wee bit more flock? Grass, plants and stuff tend to grow in cracks and things that the seeds get blown into and stuck. Maybe add some longer tuts in those cracks? But these are minor things, you're doing a great job!
Cheers pal! That would be the plan. It's the bit that take a while. I've got a variety of scatter to use; flowers, tuffs, small bushes, reeds/grass etc. It's the fun bit but also the bit that also takes the longest.
You're doing a great job Andy. 8)
I echo what previous posters have said about blending the three distinct groups of colours: the green grass, brown mud and grey rock; feathering the edges and adding odd patches of flock and tufts to the mud/rock will definitely ease the transition. The grass is most 'stand out' as it is the brightest element but if it represents what you're aiming for - it reminds me of a summer walk out of the mountains in the approx locale of Loch Maree (beautiful but damn those midges!!!) - I wouldn't try to change it. However, if it's still too stark for you, then there's the options of breaking it up with different flock/tufts, patches of gravel/mud, or just some patches of gentle dry brushing to subtly change the colour.
Brilliant, thanks for the advice. Your boards always look amazing, looking at both Captain Blood's and your older threads for advice.
With regards to Loch Maree, Wester Ross (Not to be confused with Westeros!) is renowned for it's midges. They're especially vicious up there. My first wild camping experience was up near there. It's beautiful.
Agreed, a bit of rubbing off flock here and there especially where the grass meets the bare areas will give it more continuity etc.
Its looking great though. ;D
I hope you are pleased with what you have achieved?
Thanks Nick, I'm really happy with it. I feel that I've learned a lot during the processes. I also feel that the quality of this build is much higher than the first set of boards I created.
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Nice, Andy. Great boards. For FIW?
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Nice, Andy. Great boards. For FIW?
What a great idea lol lol lol
Bought anymore figures recently ;) lol
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They look great Andy,been enjoying following your progress :)
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It's been a long time coming but I've finally gotten around to putting some ground cover on. Before I started I picked up an old tooth brush and blended the edges of the grass. I'm pretty happy with the results.
Also sorry for the wet glue, and the uneven eves that the boards are resting on.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_18_01_17_7_13_24_0.jpg)
I spent about 20-30 minutes with each board placing woodland scenic bushes (forest blend, light green), clump foliage (dark green) and some more static grass. In addition to this I used Silfur tufts (mid autumn, desert and summer) and Silfur spring blossom tufts. What do you think? Got enough coverage?
At first I wasn't going to put much, but as I play skirmish games I though it wouldn't get in the way of any big terrain. or large units.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_18_01_17_7_13_25_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_18_01_17_7_13_26_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_18_01_17_7_13_26_3.jpg)
Next steps are to paint the river, and varnish it. I'd also like to apply a wash to the road, and then add some tufts directly to it.
Nice, Andy. Great boards. For FIW?
FIW and everything in between! :)
Bought anymore figures recently ;) lol
Shhh! lol
They look great Andy,been enjoying following your progress :)
Thank you very much!
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It is all looking great to me, mate.
You should be very happy with them.
:-* :-*
As for the 'is it enough?' question: That is simply a matter of personal taste. I would say just add enough until you are happy with the result. Everyone is likely to prefer something slightly different.
They are your boards, so you decide.
;)
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That's looking very good.
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Coming along a treat mate, you've done really well and I can't wait to see the trees and river completed :)
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The boards are great, problem is the crack between the boards. Maybe some hedge to hide the cracks? I still wonder how to solve this with my own boards
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That's looking the biz Andy! :-*
As Mason says, it's enough when you say it is mate. Too much and it'll get in the road of your scatter terrain! :?
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Cheers for the kind words guys.
That's looking the biz Andy! :-*
As Mason says, it's enough when you say it is mate. Too much and it'll get in the road of your scatter terrain! :?
What sort of things do you recommend for scatter terrain?
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Walls? Fences? Trees? A wagon?
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The odd ruin; an orchard or olive grove (location specific); fallen trees are always good etc. Actually some fallen trees would look good on that set up, particularly for FIW. I've made mine from scraps of plasticard for a base, a suitable piece of twig and some flock and shrubbery. They can be useful for cover as well as hiding joints, etc.
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Hedges are always useful. I'm experimenting with different sorts of hedges, of which there are many! Whenever I am in the countryside and see a hedge I think what it would be like as a battlefield obstacle, and how I could make some miniature ones. For example you have sparse hedges which you can walk through just ducking your head.... and huge massive things that will be completely impenetrable. Some and short and neat, others with great big tall trees.
Also, have you considered some reeds / rushes as part of the river, before you apply the water effects?
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Cheers for the kind words guys.
What sort of things do you recommend for scatter terrain?
If you're wanting scatter terrain specific to the F&IW then you should make yourself some snake rail fencing and some nice cornfields :)
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Andy, these are some examples of cheap fallen tree scatter terrain.
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Just a small update. I've been pretty busy and not had a chance to work on the boards until today.
So today I managed to paint the water. Next stage is to gloss varnish it. A few layers should make it look pretty decent.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_11_02_17_11_53_39_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_11_02_17_11_53_40_2.jpg)
Once I've completed the glossing, I'll probably add more foliage and vegetation to the river banks.
Below you can see the ochre wash I've applied to the roads/tracks. I'll check this once its completely dry but I'll probably end up washing a second time. After I'm happy with it, I'll add some silfur tufts, and possibly a little burnt grass fine turf 'ruts'.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/27/2367_11_02_17_11_53_41_3.jpg)
I also ran out of clump foliage when making the trees. I've still got another 16 or so to do. I'm going to have the option of putting down a fair number of trees!
Andy, these are some examples of cheap fallen tree scatter terrain.
I really like that, I'll have a go at making something like that. Best part is that once I take a trip into the garden I should have all the bits I need.
Hedges are always useful. I'm experimenting with different sorts of hedges, of which there are many! Whenever I am in the countryside and see a hedge I think what it would be like as a battlefield obstacle, and how I could make some miniature ones. For example you have sparse hedges which you can walk through just ducking your head.... and huge massive things that will be completely impenetrable. Some and short and neat, others with great big tall trees.
Also, have you considered some reeds / rushes as part of the river, before you apply the water effects?
Good point. I'm not sure that I've seen hedges that I actually like. I'll have a wee look though. I also fancy the idea of making some snake fencing for when I eventually get FIW miniatures painted.
If you're wanting scatter terrain specific to the F&IW then you should make yourself some snake rail fencing and some nice cornfields :)
Good call! I really like what yourself and James have done with your fields.
Kind Regards
Andy
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With the water, if you want to end it less flat than gloss tends to leave, get some of the clear mod podge and stipple it on with a wall brush