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Author Topic: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?  (Read 3157 times)

Offline FifteensAway

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Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« on: 19 September 2023, 10:11:52 PM »
So, I have a significant supply of low density cork like this (say six or so packages):

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJZJDssEV1HvXtLiJiuq2ZQiSlA2lddvMrEZl3Rs-IMpnTQlvOennwCnjKU_oAJUo6al6d7l8OZw&usqp=CAE

And I'm wondering how others may have used this product.  Probably use it to create some US Southwest mesas and buttes as might be found in Arizona (not Monument Valley!).

So, please share if you've used something similar and how it went.  The cork is pretty 'crumbly' by nature so will probably require a good sealing of some sort.

Thanks!
« Last Edit: 19 September 2023, 10:14:07 PM by FifteensAway »
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Offline has.been

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #1 on: 19 September 2023, 10:46:59 PM »
Many years ago a fiend (Andy Taylor) made some lovely buildings using such items.
Advantages:-
Light, easy to knock up a village of adobe type buildings, cheap, wood glue holds it well (pin walls
in place until it all sets), very easy to show wear & tear by pinching out a few bits with your fingers,
walls are (if you have the 'wall' rather than the 'floor' tiles) a nice scale thickness, very easy to
cut out doors & windows, & he used offcuts to make nice stairs.
I bought a packet to make my own, I think I still have it somewhere, but as he sold me the ones
he made I never bothered. lol

I would think terrain would be even easier.

Offline FifteensAway

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #2 on: 20 September 2023, 12:45:12 AM »
I've seen people use cork for building but I don't think it was the same as this crumbly stuff - do you have any pictures of what you have.  This stuff is pretty thick.

Offline Cacique Caribe

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #3 on: 20 September 2023, 02:52:27 AM »
How about this?

https://www.flickr.com/gp/9593487@N07/RyNMzNt0L0

https://www.flickr.com/gp/9593487@N07/uoUw38321W

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=172581

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=362216

Dan
PS.  I’m sorry to say the cork terrain pieces no longer exist, after our house flooded by Hurricane Harvey a few years ago.
« Last Edit: 20 September 2023, 03:11:23 AM by Cacique Caribe »

Offline FifteensAway

  • Galactic Brain
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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #4 on: 20 September 2023, 05:04:40 AM »
CC Dan,

That is what I am looking for, especially your first Flickr link - also like the image from Eric the Shed in one of your TMP links (most of the links in those threads are dead now, though - at least for me).

I'm pretty sure I have 20 plus sheets of cork, five, maybe six packs of four.  More? 

Did you actually use this thick stuff for buildings?

I plan to build a fairly large mesa/butte and a couple of smaller ones with at least the large one having access paths for miniatures to get up and down.  And, it just occurred, this might get me my Old West box canyon I've been wanting.  Hmm.

---
and an aside

Many years from now when people explore the internet and find all the gazillions of dead links they are going to think we were all gonzo nut jobs!  lol

Offline Cacique Caribe

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #5 on: 20 September 2023, 10:26:31 AM »
Glad to be of help!  Yes, it’s a pity that so many of the links are dead nowadays.

Dan

Offline Michi

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #6 on: 20 September 2023, 11:25:14 AM »
I think what you've got is natural cork cut to slices, right?
I've used those tiles from recycled cork which are great for concrete, but this is supposedly of no help for you, is it?






Offline FifteensAway

  • Galactic Brain
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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #7 on: 20 September 2023, 01:52:09 PM »
Michi, nicely done buildings.  And, while not pointed towards what I am working on, others will certainly take ideas from what you've shown.


Offline nozza_uk

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #8 on: 21 September 2023, 05:19:03 PM »

Offline Cacique Caribe

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #9 on: 22 September 2023, 01:49:03 AM »
I think he’s asking about the crumbly black-ish cork.

Dan

Offline nozza_uk

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #10 on: 22 September 2023, 09:22:21 AM »
I think he’s asking about the crumbly black-ish cork.

Dan

My bad!

Offline marianas_gamer

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #11 on: 23 September 2023, 12:14:39 AM »
I am a huge believer in using cork, cork tile, and cork coasters that are backed in both plastic and mdf. I typically take advantage of the material by cutting and layering. Glue and often spackle help to harden the cork and prevent breakage.

Here is a yakhchal built of cork.



and the underlying structure


Here is a Polynesian heiau that shows two ways that I use cork. The temple platform itself is built in layered cork and faced with textured plastic card. The rough masonry in front is made of torn cork.


Here it is under construction.


I find cork particularly useful for terrain and building topography. Here is terraced dry rice field using similar techniques.


and under construction


some jungle terrain


A sugar cane enclosure


Cork and corck coasters make great bases providing needed heft for light weight buildings.


Finally cork is an excellent material for roads and paths.


Got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight.

Offline Cacique Caribe

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  • Posts: 1996
  • Gelatinous Legal Alien
Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #12 on: 23 September 2023, 08:50:36 AM »
Marianas Gamer

Wow, I want to see more!  Do you have a blog or a posted photo album?  Thanks

Dan

Offline carlos marighela

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Re: Thoughts on turning low density cork into terrain?
« Reply #13 on: 23 September 2023, 10:34:48 AM »
Same here, that's lovely work, especially the terraced paddies. :-* :-* :-*
Em dezembro de '81
Botou os ingleses na roda
3 a 0 no Liverpool
Ficou marcado na história
E no Rio não tem outro igual
Só o Flamengo é campeão mundial
E agora seu povo
Pede o mundo de novo

 

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