"Super City" work in progress

[sundayhero]

Hi,

Today I started my City building project. The goal is to build an entire town on a 120x120cms gameboard in a couple of weeks. To be able to do that, I'll use molding and casting. TO save money, the molding will be done in latex, and the casting in plaster.


First, I need to build masters for front walls, floors, etc...This is my first set, for small/medium buildings (walls measures 160mm x70mm).

So I started building 4 ground floors walls (Home main door, store, backdoor wall, and restaurant/warehouse front door), 2 upper floor walls (round windows and square windows) and a "all around" plain bricks wall (for ground and upper floors).





Here's some current progress pictures :

Front home door (with a future little stair)




Back door




Of course a lot of details has to be added. Bricks, windows, etc...

I will also build a set of separated accessories (cornices, etc...).


More progress coming soon




 

[Papa Spanky]

Those look great so far! As far as saving money molding with latex... Don't. You will waste tons of time waiting for them to dry, they shrink, and dont hold their shape. The one place i would spend a little money on is the molds. Get the silicone. I would hate to see the casting come out less than spectacular, especial since they look promising already.

[sundayhero]

 

Those look great so far! As far as saving money molding with latex... Don't. You will waste tons of time waiting for them to dry, they shrink, and dont hold their shape

Actually, it works pretty good, I used latex for other projects in the past. My most complex latex molding creation is this one :











about 10 or 12 diferent molds, if I remember correctly. Casted in acrylic resin in multiple parts, then glued together, gate doors can be opened and closed.  I believe I still have the molds 


The key in latex molding is the counter mold you need to create (a plaster "guide" keep the mold in good shape), and the fact you have to divide your work in multiple parts, to avoid too complex shapes. But it works. A lot of work, but you can't beat the price. Of course, it's not perfect, you have to fill gapes, sand, etc... But once you'll get used to use that product, it become faster (because you think on how make the molding work and assembly easier).

[Papa Spanky]

You seem to have a handle on it then, carry on! 

[Marine0846]

Look forward to see how this project turns out.
You look like you have and good plan and are off to a good start.

[sundayhero]

THanks,


Sadly I didn't make any progress for now, I'm currently trying to fix my brother computer since yesterday 


I'll post progress as soon as possible.

[leonmallett]

I will be watching this with interest!

[Sangennaru]

it looks REALLY promising... will keep an eye on your worK!

[sundayhero]

Hi there,


I didn't make big progress unfortunatly, but here's some pics of the current work:




A pic with "3d preview"...sort of...




I completed the bricks walls. Bricks are not really on scale, but...


The "bars" I added on the tops of the elements (and bottom of the 1st floor ones) will be masked with some cornices (wich I'll create separatly).


Of course, finally it will not be a "Lego" kit. It will need to add fixes here or there (like on the building corners. ). But it will be easy to make the details in the plaster.


to be continued

[Papa Spanky]

Bricks are not really on scale, but...

 Pffft! scale, schmale. It looks great so far.

[Mason]

Ah, sundayhero, it looks like there is to be another project of yours that I must follow.

It is looking great so far!

(Your example of a previous project, the Temple(?) looks fantastic, too. Do you still have the moulds, as there may be some on here who may wish to buy them?) 

[leonmallett]

I will be checking in for any updates; this could be a brilliant project in time.

[sundayhero]

thanks for the comments. I believe I'll use a hybrid technic : plaster detailed front walls, and all the other ones in foam, cork or whatever. It will allow me to work really faster, and as you can see on the other topic concerning cork city, it works really great.


For the dungeon/temple entrance, I've got the molds. Maybe I'll cast 1 or 2 in 2012 

[dijit]

Looking good. I'm looking at using a simple latex mould for a current project, so will be looking forwards to see how you do yours. Any chance of expanding what you mean with 'counter-moulds'?
Duncan

[sundayhero]

Hi,


I had no extra time to make new progress in my project, unfortunatly. But concerning latex molding, there is 2 keys :

First, always create a counter mold in plaster. For big pieces, you can use some plaster bandages, you can find it in creative craft stores.


2nd: always think about your project in multiparts assembly. It's the only way to keep a good amount of details.


Personaly, I'm still thinking on how I'll work on my city project. Certainly a "hybrid" project, with detail fronts walls, and cork or foam side and real walls.


I hope my schedule will allow me to post new things soon.