Denzark's Scrapheap Challenge - 40K Terrain on a budget.

[Denzark]

Evening All

This Christmas I decided to use my time off to do a bit of terrain building. With a lot of new Stronghold stuff coming, GW does some awesome kits - there are even other firms out there (battlefield in a box looking at you) however you may not wish to lay out a gazillion pounds. So, this thread will be a step by step of how to get terrain for bargain much cheapness - I will also detail how I plan and do it in case it helps people who are not terrain experienced and may want a steer.

[Denzark]

Something I have had in mind is a broken old Chemical tower. Combining it with a chance spot in the aquatics department of a local shop, and so it began.

First of all you need inspiration - I saw this, and combined with GW's new effect paints, wanted to use the rust and the toxic gloop, so bang - £10 later...

http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/1_zpsa8c8d2d2.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/1_zpsa8c8d2d2.jpg.html)



I got one of these...



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/2_zps13787c7c.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/2_zps13787c7c.jpg.html)



Had saved this tube after decanting...


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/4_zpsadfbef10.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/4_zpsadfbef10.jpg.html)



Had kept the thermostat box when the heating was upgraded...


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/3_zpsf0dd4050.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/3_zpsf0dd4050.jpg.html)



And have a massive bitz box...

So it began.

[Denzark]

First of all, I thought about basing. I wanted about 10mm MDF as it is sturdy. I cut out a shape with an electric jigsaw and then went to chamfer the edges down. After nearly cutting of my fingers with a craft knife, I took the base back to the garage and used an electric sander. Tip: Careful with tools - not just for yourself but if you slip you may trash your design, especially when using an electric sander instead of the fine control of a knife. Also make sure you have ventilation when dealing with MDF.



Before:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/5_zps973f3417.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/5_zps973f3417.jpg.html)


After:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/6_zpsb1ab2c1d.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/6_zpsb1ab2c1d.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

Next, I tidied up the pipes. A general word on using fish tank scenery. It can be great, but some of it will look really pants so you have to be picky. There will often be mahoosive mold lines, and when you start hacking it, it is some form of resin or really nasty plastic. You need to check a serious guide to working with resin if you have never done so before, and be prepared to rough up the surface to take paint decently.



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/7_zpsfaf54c2c.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/7_zpsfaf54c2c.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

Next is the main bit of the tower itself. Now I sometime harp on about ergonomics in 40K tanks (more worried about room for the breech in a LR than 10 marines in a Rhino but I digress).

This applies to your building plans. You must try to make things look like they actually fitted together properly. In this case, where the pipe system has broken away from the cooling tower, I measured the broken bit, added that to the top of the still standing bit, and therefore placed where the join would be. I decided that just having a big hole in the tower would not look the best so I shanghaied the thermostat as you can see. The arrowed line shows the height the pipes would have been were they still standing. The red dots (hopefully visible) shows where I went back with my pin vice and drilled holes so it actually looks like the pipes were riveted in.



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/8edit_zps3fc738e2.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/8edit_zps3fc738e2.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

When you plan terrain, you need to consider battlefield effects before you start. Will it be impassable, will it block LoS? Will people need to get in or on it? If multi story, how do they get to the top?

I decided I wanted multi-level platforms, big enough to hold infantry 25mm bases. The material I used was some left over cross hatched metal-effect I got from the model railway section of a model shop. It comes in sections that can be scored to cut to size, with a modelling knife. The platforms would be linked by ladders. So, when talking about realism, if you use cross hatched metal effects (check plate I have also heard it called) make sure it is a small scale - too big will look silly. Also consider ladders - I know that GW is a mad scale but think proportionality - even some GW ladders would need the miniature to be able to lift its legs like the ministry of silly walks. Also think about what any given platform will be held up by - unless you are deliberately doing some high tech anti grav or some such, it will need substantial brackets.



The check plate plasticard:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/10_zpsddc26e9c.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/10_zpsddc26e9c.jpg.html)



The brackets: For most of mine I used some Gale Force 9 Girder effects I had left over. I also pinned these into the tower for added strength - they were then butt-joined and super-glued.



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/11_zps6dd70dcd.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/11_zps6dd70dcd.jpg.html)



This is what they looked like:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0363_zps7d0a41d5.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0363_zps7d0a41d5.jpg.html)




for the top floor I went a bit more substantial:



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0364_zps92bfda20.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0364_zps92bfda20.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

This last post before schlafen, is a progress shot and scale comparison with a handy cultist. You will notice some fence gubbins in the bottom corner, but I will come onto that in a later instalment.

As a look forward to, I have decided even in the grim darkness of the 41st Millenium, there is still 'Elf N' Safety'. As such I will be into town to look for some fencing material to make the platforms look a little safer...


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/13_zps06610f6c.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/13_zps06610f6c.jpg.html)

[scadugenga]

Lookin' good, Denz! I like the creativity and using recycled bits rather than throwing about larges piles of money for the pre-made stuff.

[Deadlift]

This is awesome creativity matey. Following this one with interest.

[euansmith]

Tip top work. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[Denzark]

Hello chaps, thanks for the positive feedback so far. Well, I went into town to get fencing. I spent £3.80 getting some fencing sprues that are supposed to be model train stuff - I am happy with the effect. I superglued to the base for a quick cure, then went over all gaps and linked to adjoining fences, with liquid poly for a strong bond. Now, I could have fashioned something maybe with 1mm steel rod and picture wire - but I was feeling lazy so splashed the cash as a short cut. This is the result:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0370_zps994baa82.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0370_zps994baa82.jpg.html)


I then went on to add a little inspection hatch to the top of the tower. This is actually one of those plaster of paris castings I got in a bits lot, but with a bit of google-fu you can find the molds and make 'em yourselves.


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0371_zps8f520bf1.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0371_zps8f520bf1.jpg.html)



Finally, just to change it up a bit and add to the dilapidated state of the tower, I added a broken bit of fencing - I bent it by melting it in a flame. If you are going to do this don't hold it in too long! And don't burn the house down - unless you mean to. I think it looks like tortured metal so was pleased:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0372_zps82237992.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0372_zps82237992.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

Next, I considered the top of the tower. I thought about just leaving the end of the tube free - but didn't want to waste all that paint on the interior - you can see all the way down. So, top on, I considered my options:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/9_zps5e36b1b3.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/9_zps5e36b1b3.jpg.html)


But actually I wanted chimneys. So, back to the bitz box:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0366_zps371135f4.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0366_zps371135f4.jpg.html)


A berocca tube - not only is berocca a hangover cure of the pros - but it gives you a hard plastic 20mm tube. The orange piece is the top of one of my boy's toy guns that got broken. Nothing goes to waste! I then found an AT-AT foot that came from an old revel kit (most of it went into my Brass Scorpion build). I then used the pin vice to drill around a circle, which I then cut out:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0367_zpsaa26a6ec.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0367_zpsaa26a6ec.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

Top tip - if you are going onto a high gloss surface, like this metal, or the berocca tube, it merits roughing up the surface so it takes the glue better - will also help paint take better. Like so:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0368_zps27f2eb55.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0368_zps27f2eb55.jpg.html)


I then drowned the top in quick cure superglue and left them on. The berocca tube is slightly on the hur (as we say in Norfolk) - but I was happy with this as the tower ain't in best of health. You can see the scoring on the berocca tube in this shot.

http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0373_zps51794310.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0373_zps51794310.jpg.html)



Now, back to the base. You can see a fenced in area. This will form a sort of overflow area for the goop coming out of the tubes. The gaps are where said tubes go. I have deliberately done this in 3 parts as I will be painting the parts separately - the tubes, the tower and the base. I was going to use a resin/water effect for the goo pond, but looking at the GW tutorial for the new Nurgle's rot paint, it can be used on its own by layering up. So will try that instead. Next step will be spraying, and then to paint job.



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0369_zpsaf207640.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0369_zpsaf207640.jpg.html)

[Denzark]

Evening all, herewith a bit of an update. Progress abounds.

First, the pipes. I undercoated these with a Humbrol Spray 'Gun Metal'. it is a low metallic content, a bit like a newly blued firearm. then the obligatory wash of Nuln Oil - I love that stuff. Those stages self explanatory so no piccy necessary.

Next, I used the new GW technical paint 'Typhus Corrosion'. Genius. It is really watery, put it on in recesses and draw downwards. Looks a bit like this:

http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe1_zps2c85a731.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe1_zps2c85a731.jpg.html)


Now, I can't give any better direction than the GW Youtube video, so herewith a linky (PS don't think this breaches site rules so please cancel if does -not an intentional digression):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN1tu4pSSig



Next stage, rust for the rust God. Now again, I used the new GW technical - 'Ryza Rust'. You basically dry brush it on top of the Typhus corrosion patches. There is a touch of grit in the Typhus that gives a lovely texture - I would say these are like using weathering powders ready mixed. Anyway let the results speak for themselves:


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe3_zps89c5efd7.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe3_zps89c5efd7.jpg.html)



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe4_zpsa0ab4ef9.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe4_zpsa0ab4ef9.jpg.html)



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe5_zpsc7e2d1b8.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/pipe5_zpsc7e2d1b8.jpg.html)


A linky to the Ryza Rust tutorial:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px18NSorf1g

[Denzark]

Next, to the tower. I undercoated with a Humbrol 163 - dark green satin. I wanted a sort of military feel to the building. Et Voila:



http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0381_zps2bbec2c8.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0381_zps2bbec2c8.jpg.html)



Next was boltgun metal (or is it leadbelcher - for me depends what pot I grab at first) with obligatory Nuln Oil wash, onto the walkways, barriers and chimneys.


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0382_zpse3590a18.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0382_zpse3590a18.jpg.html)


Lastly, prior to weathering, I went for a template I had of an Aquila, left over from a separate project. I wanted it to look worn, so used an old Skull white spray at range. I can't have shaken it properly, cos it started to do funny things lifting the paint. So I sprayed it back to green and drybrushed it bleached bone.


http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy257/denzark/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0383_zps94afb754.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/denzark/media/Scrap%20Heap%20Challenge/IMG_0383_zps94afb754.jpg.html)


Hope this is still of some interest, I am into the final stages of weathering etc so onto the board next few posts. Ta Ta For Now!

[Haighus]

Looking good :) It is still of interest to me at least.
I'm thinking that some blast marks could look good, particularly around the damaged railings on the top platform and also on the breaks in the pipe. Gives it a reason to be destroyed.

[Denzark]

Well this is mostly finished now so will take some shots and put up on here!

[Haighus]

Well this is mostly finished now so will take some shots and put up on here!

Any chance of seeing the finished product? ;)
Also, will you continue this thread with other future budget terrain projects? I'm always interested in seeing new inspiration :)