My 1st display board

[Twin Cities Gamer]

In March, I'll be attending the US SAGA Grand Melee.  Along with painting up a Rus Prince warband, I'm working on my first display board.  I've got some ideas but I'd appreciate some feedback on them as I don't have a good sense of how this will turn out.  

Version 1: The back of the board is a sloped hill with trees (bigger & better than the ones in the pic). I'll paint some Reaper wolves and have them coming out of the treeline.  The Druzhina and baggage will be in a very slightly sunken road.  Levy bowmen and warriors crowd the front.  

I'm split on my basing theme.  I was thinking winter but now I'm leaning toward fall trees with Secret Weapons orange and red leaf scatter on the board and bases.  Anyway, I need to be confident when I start so I'd appreciate any feedback you might offer.  in advance, THANKS!

[von Lucky]

Option 2 sounds stunning. Layout looks good.

[Twin Cities Gamer]

Thanks so much for the feedback, von Lucky!

I've hit a small bump in the road.  Secret Weapon Miniatures said they can't get the raw material for their fall leaf scatter and it will not be restocked.  There's none on eBay or any shops to be found.  I may need to paint up my own orange and red leaves, 1 by 1.   

This year, the Grand Melee introduced a "People's Choice" painting award.  I'm hoping that a nicely done display board might warrant me a look in that competition.  At the least, I'm going to learn how to do a display board.  And have fun painting Rus Prince.  These Gripping Beast figs (while huge) are quite wonderful. 

[WillieB]

Since the figures you will be painting are quite colourful how about a winter scene instead ?
Exactly the same layout as you planned except for a partially snow covered scene with pine trees, wolves and such.
Would make a very nice contrast with the miniatures.

[black hat miniatures]

Looks nice, but can I just ask what a display board is?  I am completely ignorant of the tournament scene.

Mike

[von Lucky]

Some tournements have a painting competition element. Instead of displaying your army on one of the wargaming tables, you arrange them on a tray or board (as in the original post of this thread) that shows them off. Allows you to have the army in an appropriate setting.

[Twin Cities Gamer]

Willie, good suggestion.  Since the Secret Weapons fall leaf scatter is out, I may end up going with a winter theme. I know from last year there will be some amazing winter themed tables to fight on.  I've never done winter basing so that'd be another 1st for me. Here is a pic from last year's event.



Last year was my first tournament ever and it was such a treat, I decided to attend again.  My friend Eric Hagen's tables and terrain make it a visual feast!  

[dampfpanzerwagon]

I think either option will work well.

Good luck.

Tony

[Twin Cities Gamer]

Step 1 complete!  Thanks to everyone who pitched in. With the layout done, its time for Spackle to smooth out the transitions. 

[Silent Invader]

This is starting to make sense to me know  . Very interesting and I like where it's going 

[FramFramson]

Already looks like a real corker.

[Andym]

I think the fact you're going with a more 3D board should give you the edge in your competition. In your photo it looks like most people just brought a piece of their gaming boards with loose scatter terrain in it. It always helps to have photo reference material of the landscape you're trying recapture.

[von Lucky]

FramFramson - stop it!

Andym - thoses are the gaming tables I think. But I agree, the 3D element will help.

[Twin Cities Gamer]

An update and change of plans.  I've been running my Muttataww'ia warband lately with good success. I've decided to take them to the event which meant I turned this into a desert  display board.  No doubt, I need to jazz the board up as it's a bit bland:

1.  Repaint the rocky outcroppings.  
2.  Add some Woodland Scenic Harvest Gold static grass to break up the board.  
3.  Add a camel supply train behind the mounted fanatics.  
4.  Maybe a tealight & cotton fire to go with the prophet on the hill?


I'm feeling a little underwhelmed as I head to the finish line so I'd love any comments and criticis

[von Lucky]

I think it doesn't need much (because like the snow board it needs to remain neutral to let the colour on the models pop). I'm thinking following points 1-3, with either 4 or an old well or other tiny piece of architectural ruin, etc.