SI's Bonnie Scotland, 17thC: 29/9 parts for the Kirk (church)

[mikedemana]

Great new project! The tartans were not "uniform" in the sense they are thought of today as clan patterns. So, feel free to mix and match and experiment with colors that look good.

Mike Demana

[Silent Invader]

The tartans were not "uniform" in the sense they are thought of today as clan patterns. So, feel free to mix and match and experiment with colors that look good.

Thanks.

As I mentioned earlier, the plaid was an interesting exercise. After experiments with brighter and more complex patterns I found that I prefer simpler patterns of duller colours. Also, although the 12 figures are in 2 units of 6, apart from an under base marking there's nothing to distinguish between the two 'sides': in a couple of cases opposing minis have the same plaid, so there isn't the uniformity associated with a clan tartan. Yes in a single unit there are a couple of plaids the same but I figure folks will have bought from the same weaver/trader but each unit of 6 actually has 4 different patterns/colours.

[Furt]

I’ve desk-topped the various revisions and additions but I’ve yet to test them…. Hopefully soon.

Sounds great. i knew you'd have something up your sleeve. 

[Silent Invader]

Sounds great. i knew you'd have something up your sleeve. 

[Digits]

Great project, love the minis!

I’m interested in how you get the rough stone blocks for your Croft….are they a simple casting or shop bought like that please?

[Silent Invader]

Thanks
 

I’m interested in how you get the rough stone blocks for your Croft….are they a simple casting or shop bought like that please?

They're a DIY thing 

I have a tub of pre-mixed repair plaster that is spread onto cling film laid over an old baking tray, indented with ‘snap’ lines, then sun-dried:



Once set, the slab is broken up into the smaller bricks/blocks:



As it's plaster, once roughly glued (I use exterior grade PVA) into the desired shape it can be carved, etched, filled, etc.

[Blackwolf]

That is very clever SI !

[Digits]

Fantastic idea and great results!   Thanks for that, must give it a try myself!

Very clever.

[Silent Invader]

Thanks chaps

[Silent Invader]

A bit more progress: stones tweaked, tops levelled, roof soleplate fitted, inside lined with PVA and kitchen paper:

[Furt]

Looking great SI! That is going to be an awesome piece.

Interesting process to make those bricks. The indented "snap lines" are cut in after pouring or after it's cured?

[Silent Invader]

It's quite a rough firm plaster that is premixed. I just slap it onto the tray, indent the lines, then let it cure.

[carlos marighela]

I’ll be nicking that idea!

[Silent Invader]

 Good to hear

The cottage build proceeds onwards and, quite literally, upwards.

After much thought, I decided - perhaps controversially - to add a chimney. Less controversially, I blocked in the side and rear windows, and added an extra window to the front.



Why the chimney? In due course I'd like a hamlet and every hamlet needs an elder, in this case the Tacksman who is landlord to the other residents. Obviously being a big man he needs a better house, so he gets a chimney. As the chimney is evidence of additional wealth, he's worth robbing.

Also, I mentioned previously that I planned a house based on that in the Rob Roy movie and this is closer to that, albeit smaller. 



Btw, the gable wall is presently oversized as it will be cut back to meet the roof line.

[NurgleHH]

Wonderful, Steve. A lot of work and talent in it as always. Again an eye-candy. Hope to make some games on all these new (over three years) boards. Maybe you should do the BLAM alone in your local pub.