Specialist Arms Forum
Specialist Games General Discussion => Modeling & painting => Topic started by: Malika on December 12, 2013, 09:17:12 PM
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Finally decided to do some 40k scaled terrain. I've always been a big fan of Philip Sibbering's Ecorium (http://www.philipsibbering.com/wh40k/03-ecopolis.shtml), so I decided to give it a shot at designing some stuff for it. The design is partly based on that, and on the discussions we've been having about it here (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/1709/psidemic-space-hulk-redux).
Here are the first WIP pictures. I need more details and such added of course. Need to kinda figure out what to include... I generally want the feel of this stuff to be rather pre-Imperial, kind of in line to the ships (http://www.forum.specialist-arms.com/index.php?topic=5682.0) I've been designing.
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My heart skipped a beat - as I was hoping you meant EPIC 40k terrain. x-)
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Well, I could do Epic scaled stuff, it's a matter of resizing it, but it would ruin the details and such.
Besides, I'm having a bit of a hard time with Epic terrain, especially considering these guys (http://www.hawkwargames.com/pages/scenery).
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I have noticed them, but despite the detail level, thought that they looked really pricy...
http://www.hawkwargames.com/products/art-deco-building-3
Even the smallest building is ~£30!
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Hmm, perhaps I should revive my Epic terrain project (http://www.forum.specialist-arms.com/index.php?topic=5933.0)... The big challenge is to keep down the costs...
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Well the Hawk buildings could be split into several smaller buildings. I guess what interests me the most is someone making a "sprue" of components that I can buy heaps of and make into a large, low level cityscape of ruins.
The Hawk buildings are absolutely beautiful but I don't think I can make them stretch as far as I'd like.
I'm thinking of seeing if I should be learning blender and modelling some walls myself then getting Shapeways to make them - but the price of the existing models people have up seems to be huge as well!
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Hmm, I should look into that soon then...
In the meanwhile, back on topic! ;)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors008_zpsa4fa3833.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors008_zpsa4fa3833.jpg.html)
Finished the detailing on the wall panels. Next up is adding some details on the lower parts, where the pipes run. :)
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Sorry! Yes, back on topic.
These look fab.
I had been looking at things like this less for 40k terrain but rather from the Space Hulk point of view.
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Well, the scales for 40k and Space Hulk are the same, so that's pretty easy.
The idea behind this terrain is that it's very modular, each of the components consists of 4 parts (2 walls, grid floor, and subgrid pipings). The idea is that each component will be a building block to build your Hulk/ship/Ecorium/whatever.
Once this design is done, I'd love to make different designs (more grimdark for example) that are interchangeable to what I'm working on here. But first things first. :)
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OK, cool - so I'm guessing that you would create moulds for these from Shapeways and then save money by casting them in resin by yourself?
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Plan is something like that. Now I just need to find a caster. I'm not that interested in taking care of the production myself.
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Pipings component finished!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors009_zpsb05a652f.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors009_zpsb05a652f.jpg.html)
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Hmm, think you should have the pipes as straight with no Ts by default, and either print additional ones with the occasional T, or add those by hand after recasting the first masters.
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In the meantime I've tweaked all the components to make them as cast friendly as possible. The lower part with all the pipes for example no longer has any undercuts.
Next up is the beginnings of an L-section. For my own sanity I've decided not to make that component see through. Whilst it isn't so much a problem for the bottom sections (I can quite easily turn the pipes), it's more of a migraine causer for the top grid.
To give you a better picture of how the L-section works, I've also added to corridor bottom components on both sides of the L-section.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/CorridorL001_zps5bf354ad.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/CorridorL001_zps5bf354ad.jpg.html)
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The top grid could easily be sorted by using a completely different grid pattern for the corner section, such as an X pattern, a circular pattern (could also be used for T and + junctions), or an X-based triangle pattern. Personally I expect the pipework would be the bigger headache, requiring T-pieces, bends, connectors and all sorts.
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Hmm, I think that if I would go down that route, all the corridors should have the same pattern, and personally I quite dig the pattern I've already made.
In the meantime I've finished the L-section. Next up are the T-section and cross section pieces. I'll do them either today or tomorrow. After that it's some door sections and variant floor components that will allow you to build rooms.
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Ok, just finished the T-sections and cross-sections, then put them all together.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/CorridorsTest_zps3d9a4ce7.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/CorridorsTest_zps3d9a4ce7.jpg.html)
Just realised that rooms will be really easy to make then, I just take out certain walls (those ones in the middle) and either replace them for other floor panels or pieces of equipment (generations, food production units, etc).
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Looking good. You could do worse than checking out Dwarven Forge for their old sci fi range for ideas and shape types useful for flexible building patterns.
I would echo what others have said here with regard to epic scale sci fi terrain. At the moment, there's a big gap in the market as Forgeworld have foolishly stopped making it. Yes, the hawk wargames building stuff is awesome but it is over priced. They have admitted as much to me when I saw them at a show recently. Why they can't just cast them up as one piece buildings and halve the cost I don't know? They have such a large range that you don't really need to have loads of customisable pieces anyway. I priced up a 20 building city and it came to over £1000.
Now if you could make something similar in scale and detail and 3d print it in one piece, I'm sure you could halve the price! If you made them WH40K style too (without putting anything too overtly GW on them) Im sure you could make some good money.
Dave
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It's not so hard to make something better than the old scifi range from Dwarven Forge I think. No offense to them, but I found their kits to have something...well...it's cool if you're into those old school late 80s / early 90s miniatures.
As for the Epic scaled terrain, please check this thread (http://www.forum.specialist-arms.com/index.php?topic=5933.0) for more on that. I might pick it up again at a later time.
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Hmm, I think that if I would go down that route, all the corridors should have the same pattern, and personally I quite dig the pattern I've already made.
The way I see it, they already have a different pattern. The corners and junctions have 4 plain tiles, while the straight pieces have this funky grate. Since top and bottom floor are already cast as separate pieces, your combo possibilities would increase drastically if you provided various types of top grate, both open and otherwise, allowing people to pick and choose the type of floor they want across their building.
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Ah, floor variants. Others have also mentioned I should have different walls available. I think that would be after I've finished with all the stuff I want in this style. So first I'm going for a playable table based on the interior of the Ecorium, later on I will develop different styles of walls, floor grids, underground tubings etc. All interchangeable with one another of course. Maybe even go for grid and bottom variants that allow players to enter the grid and fight underneath it. Lets see how that'll work first...
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Ok, I just threw my old designs down the drain! Man...after reading Philip's feedback (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/1709/psidemic-space-hulk-redux?page=6) I got so annoyed. But ok, this is all part of the creation process, the first version isn't the final version, and it's very possible that the version I've made today will be tossed aside as well!
So yeah, Ecorium project 2.0! I had to ensure that all the parts become very easy to cast. At the same time I didn't want to discard the level of detail I've put into the previous model. I love the idea of modularity and fast/cheap production, but at the same time I want this piece to have a quality standard high enough that it's a good alternative to the Mortalis kit. Otherwise I could be buying some old Dwarven Forge terrain and be done with it...
But yeah, here we go: pictures!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors20004_zpsab00c00c.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors20004_zpsab00c00c.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors20005_zps2585d020.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors20005_zps2585d020.jpg.html)
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Just tweaked the wall design slightly, thereby making future production even easier. Instead of two mirrored wall components, you now only need 1 type!
Here's the result!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors20006_zps30fa5ba5.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors20006_zps30fa5ba5.jpg.html)
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It is very nice Malika ;D
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Thanks a lot dude! :D
In the meantime I've built a room, just to show you what can be done with these bits:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors20007_zps25871632.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors20007_zps25871632.jpg.html)
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As you can see, I've started working on the detailing underneath the grid:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors20008_zpsa911a580.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors20008_zpsa911a580.jpg.html)
I can't help but think of those scifi/cyberpunk movies of the 90s when they "jump into the internet" when seeing this, or the Tipharen bio-chips (http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110321010204/battleangel/images/b/b7/BAA09_16_brain_bio-chip.jpg) from Battle Angel Alita.
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Oh very nice!
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Some nice detailing there, kinda makes me want to do something like this too. I echo that it's much better to be able to interchange tiles completely at will, and I'm curious to see what more you'll come up with. I've given some thought to the connectors... I'm just wondering if a dovetail-type joint might not be a better option? that way your tiles won't come apart every time someone knocks the scenery. Just wondering how it'd assemble complex arrangements with the walls etc...
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Dude, that's an amazing idea! Dovetail-styled connectors would be a small modification, super easy to do and the model wouldn't fall over when knocking them.
In the meantime I've been running into a problem whilst trying to print this model. When I try to check/repair the model for holes and such, it fully closes the grill. The only way I can keep the bottom a single piece print would be to make the grill go all the way to the bottom.
If I want the grill not to go all the way down, I'd need to make the kit a two part thing. That in itself shouldn't be a problem, I can either keep the detailed sub-grill thing, or go for a way of going without all that detail underneath.
I'm preffering the latter option as a standard, since it would enable me to print the component in two pieces, then put them together and cast them as a single piece. But then I need to see which way I'll go: separate grill, or separate bottom... Either way should be fine, since I'll be glueing them together for the master...
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Actually yeah, it'd work seeing as your walls don't connect to each other. So if you design your dovetail connectors to slide vertically, any wall could slot into any tile, and any tile+wall combo would simply slot in without interfering with the other walls. A connection between the wall pieces would be useful to avoid damage to the connectors if the walls are knocked or during construction, but what form this would take I don't know. Perhaps a vertical connector sliding into notches on walls? But then the notches would likely cause issues in casting (especially if also dovetailed) and the connectors would be useless on corners. Probably not worth the hassle for the time being, I don't foresee it being too useful.
For the grate (just the grate), would photo-etch or laser-cut not be a better option for it? Remember that it will not cast in one piece without the grate going all the way down (not liking that option myself) even if you can get it to print. 2 pieces all the way. Plus it'll mean one can mix and match grates if desired, and have them missing or damaged, to provide difficult terrain / environmental hazards...
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Actually yeah, it'd work seeing as your walls don't connect to each other. So if you design your dovetail connectors to slide vertically, any wall could slot into any tile, and any tile+wall combo would simply slot in without interfering with the other walls. A connection between the wall pieces would be useful to avoid damage to the connectors if the walls are knocked or during construction, but what form this would take I don't know. Perhaps a vertical connector sliding into notches on walls? But then the notches would likely cause issues in casting (especially if also dovetailed) and the connectors would be useless on corners. Probably not worth the hassle for the time being, I don't foresee it being too useful.
Let me experiment a bit with some variants. I'll come back to you in the coming days! :)
For the grate (just the grate), would photo-etch or laser-cut not be a better option for it? Remember that it will not cast in one piece without the grate going all the way down (not liking that option myself) even if you can get it to print. 2 pieces all the way. Plus it'll mean one can mix and match grates if desired, and have them missing or damaged, to provide difficult terrain / environmental hazards...
Why wouldn't it cast the floor in one piece if the grate doesn't go all the way down?
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Because the inner cavity is larger than any hole leading to it, and you'd never get the mould material out. Unless I'm completely misunderstanding how you want to cast it in one piece.
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If I take the bottom part and grill apart for example, there would be not extra cavity between the grill and bottom part, as you can see on the picture. The cavity is 1.5mm, the grill is 1mm, when the grill is placed on the bottom of the plate, there would be 0.5mm between the plate and edges. No cavity.
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I was under the impression that you wanted to have detail underneath the grate as in the previous pics ^^
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Also there's this to consider:
XIOIOIOIOIX
XOOOOOOOOOX
XXXXXXXXXXX
If X represents your floor, and I represents your grate, then O is the mould on the inside of the grate, and this must then be removed as a single piece.
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I was under the impression that you wanted to have detail underneath the grate as in the previous pics ^^
The one with the details underneath the grill is only possible as a two piece set. I think that one might go into production as a variant, the rest will be pretty straightforward single piece models. Thing is that the details underneath is will be not too easy to see anyways, so having them for every single tile would make the kit a lot more expensive, and also be a lot more labour intensive for modelers. Having the two piece one as an extra is cool if you want to have specific spots on the terrain where units want to investigate something underneath the grill. :)
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Fair fair; at any rate if you want to cast it as a single piece, you need to have no "space" under the grate - the grate will meet the backing plate and be attached to it. If you want actual space under it, it will need to be cast as 2 parts. A photo-etch grate would be soooo nice, but probably not cheap...
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Hmm, well...I do have some connections with people who have both CNC and laser cutting machines... ;D
However, to do this as a mass production thing, and casting them, would probably be a tad on the expensive side, which would seriously influence its accessibility. I mean, I know many people go for third party stuff because it's cheaper, but if prices are as high or higher than ForgeWorld, I would imagine people would be quicker to buy the Mortalis terrain than this and not because of quality or anything (the casts of the Mortalis kit are/were horrible!!!), but namely the fact that the FW stuff would be 'officially approved' and all that.
Food for thought.
But a variant kit could be doable, so it would contain a few extra bits, including a floor plate with removable grill, but then still a grill of 1mm thick, which should be castable. The etching of brass or something would simply be too expensive to do at this time. However, if the product/setting becomes popular enough...
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Ok, decided to drop the grilled floor as a basic version. Too much hassle trying to make it printable as a single piece. Also, without a detailed subfloor it wouldn't do the model enough justice. So I think it would be cooler to have the grill bit as an extra.
This means that I had to adjust the basic tiles...
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors30001_zpsbaab1483.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors30001_zpsbaab1483.jpg.html)
As you can see I've also removed the round vent like things on the ends of each plate, this will enable me to use the floor plate for a lot more stuff without having to redesign each other component to have those round venting thingies. This will especially come in handy when I want to design large hangar doors which will stretch over multiple floor plates.
In the meantime I started working on the first, more simple, door component. As you can see it's just a variant of the wall design, but it will have a removable door, just need to figure out how to do that...
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors30002_zps5e1cc656.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors30002_zps5e1cc656.jpg.html)
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In the meantime though, a little experiment. Many moons ago, Philip Sibbering designed the layout (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/post/30036/thread) of a Rack Farm room for the Ecorium (http://www.philipsibbering.com/wh40k/03-ecopolis.shtml). Since the terrain I'm working on it also meant for that project, I thought it a nice tribute to put the tiles I've got now together and see how close I could get to that vision...
Original schematic by Philip:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/PSibbering/Psidemic/psidemic-rack-farm-15x15.jpg)
SketchUp version by yours truly:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/HydroponicRoom002_zps8b126030.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/HydroponicRoom002_zps8b126030.jpg.html)
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Ok, I started experimenting a bit!
I increased the walls' height to match the specifications of the Ecorium (4.5 meter ceilings):
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors30003tall_zps91edb1f2.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors30003tall_zps91edb1f2.jpg.html)
The wall is now 7.5cm high, the human standing represents a 30mm model. One thing I really like about this is that the feeling of claustrophobia is back, something I was kinda missing from the original Ecorium design!
I also started working on a first version of the rack farm unit:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Rackfarm001_zps85e3b213.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Rackfarm001_zps85e3b213.jpg.html)
it consists of 4 components, matching the floor tiles and should be rather easy to produce. Now need to figure out how to include the trays and such in there without causing undercuts.
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As awesome as the feeling of claustrophobia might seem, there's 2 problems: 1, it won't really matter much from the human's perspective, as they have an RTS view and it's pretty much impossible to feel claustrophobic - and in first person view if there were one then the tall ceilings would work against you; 2, it's going to make moving the miniatures even more difficult, and increase the lever effect of knocking the top (as well as the probability of doing so) and cause more strain on the bottom edges.
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Thanks for the feedback! :)
1, it won't really matter much from the human's perspective, as they have an RTS view and it's pretty much impossible to feel claustrophobic - and in first person view if there were one then the tall ceilings would work against you;
I agree with you on the third person view. Maybe also from the first person view. Thinking of it, the way the hall is set up might not even be that claustrophobic. Normally houses have a ceiling of 3m high, and offices/schools/etc have ceilings of around 4.5m. That would fit the scale of the model, nothing too weird actually. It's just because the hallway will feel more narrow due to the higher walls when looking through it, but it's not that bad actually.
2, it's going to make moving the miniatures even more difficult, and increase the lever effect of knocking the top (as well as the probability of doing so) and cause more strain on the bottom edges.
This is my main concern. I don't think that moving the miniatures would be that much more difficult, it's only 2.5 cm added there. The main challenge is keeping the walls stable, which would mean I'd have to make the connectors bigger, and definitely move towards some sort of horizontal dovetail like structure for them, which wouldn't be too difficult.
It's a bit of a bummer that I don't have a 3d printed of my own, that way I could have quickly (and cheaply) made some test models to see what works and what won't...
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I don't think that moving the miniatures would be that much more difficult, it's only 2.5 cm added there.
You have to remember that "only" 2.5cm is almost the height of your miniature again on top of the wall. You'll have to reach in between the walls and manipulate the figures with your fingertips, which is far from fun ^^ If you have some lego, mock up a short section of corridors with these dimensions, and see what it's like to move the figures accurately.
As for the dovetails, personally I view this as crucial.
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Good point! I've been getting similar feedback elsewhere as well. Perhaps it would be best to stick to the 50mm height for gaming and then do 75mm for those who want to make dioramas. By the way, Philip started a parallel project, which you can view here (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/2291/modular-floor-tile-mft?page=1). We're both kinda experimenting on the possibilities. Now lets hope it won't become some sort of race between us. :P
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I'll take a look. Just pray it doesn't become a threesome :P
Also, still waiting on your thoughts on my side projects in your RA thread on robots; looking forward to your response!
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There are plenty of peeps out there trying to make this kinda stuff. I think the main challenge for us would be: what will set us apart from all the others? I like the modularity of a lot of stuff that's out there, but the aesthetic quality often leaves much to be desired. My ambition is that I can combine that modular character with an aesthetic quality similar to companies such as ForgeWorld, but with superior casting (the ForgeWorld Mortalis kit has some serious casting errors).
In the meantime I've changed the rackfarm slightly to be a two part kit. Still not fully happy with it. I'm very tempted to take it apart slightly, tweak the standard floor panels in such a way that other components such as rackfarms, generators, etc. can be placed on top of it.
At the moment the rackfarm unit looks like this:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Rackfarm002a_zpsf7c5ea18.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Rackfarm002a_zpsf7c5ea18.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Rackfarm002b_zps68ec821b.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Rackfarm002b_zps68ec821b.jpg.html)
Very clunky, for some reason kinda reminds me of those armored refrigerators that are used to grow marijuana in. The clunkiness (and lead inside) protect it from infrared detection.
I could add 5 drawers in there, as in that you can only see the front panel of the drawer, very much like a server rack or guitar rig. The buttons/etc on those rigs enable inhabitants to control moist/temperature/etc of each tray.
Another possibility, and a personal preference of mine, is that each rackfarm unit contains its own tiny ecosystem. Large plants are the main crop inside, but there are other plants inside as well and also insects, fish, etc. Aquaponics combined with growing plants and a Lepsis (http://www.tuvie.com/lepsis-terrarium-for-growing-your-food-bugs/).
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I think it'd be a good idea to have a "base" tile with points you can slot things into. Then you just need a bunch of base tiles and you can put most components on them. I'm oh so very tempted to try my hand at this... Bah!
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I'm thinking of that now, probably make a sort of a 'reversed Lego' like system on the surface on the tiles, that way you can easily click in rackfarms, generators, etc.
But erm...why don't you give it a shot at making these? I'm very curious to see what you'll come up with. The 'threesome thing' (that sounds very odd btw...) might not even occur, the thing between me and Philip is that we both aspire towards the same goal, at the end we'll most likely adapt our systems to one another, either him doing my way, me doing his way, or the two of us agreeing to a mutual connector design/system.
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Mostly because I've got way too much other stuff on atm. For example there's the 50 Imperial Guardsmen, 2 Manticore missile launchers, a Leman Russ battle tank, and Valkyrie gunship. Which have to be painted by the second of January for a tournament... Humm. Even my dad's helping me paint xD
I'll get to it when I have time, just not in the immediate future.
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Been working on another means of connecting the rack farms to the floors: basically a come back of the floor variant:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floortylevariant001_zps41550097.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floortylevariant001_zps41550097.jpg.html)
Note that the separate tile on the left is just a working model, but it could be a variant for the grill, not a replacement for the standard tile.
This means of building the rack farm unit also enabled me to tweak it a bit:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Rackfarm003_zps56657bca.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Rackfarm003_zps56657bca.jpg.html)
The standard rack farm will probably get some sort of frontplate showing the five different trays/rigs, very much like a guitar rig. However, other frontplates would enable me to add more interior detail, and maybe even have somebody sculpt plants in it.
I'm also pondering a bit if the connecting system I've got now is the best. I'd like to have something that would easily enable me to build higher walls as well, and even include multiple levels in the same structure. Kinda need to play with it, or else design some components which will enable me to do this easily.
In the meantime, a bit of inspiration (http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?218330-Nedius-3D-Space-Hulk-Anphelion-Base/).
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I had an engineer friend drop by at my place yesterday who was very curious what I was up to regarding 3d printing. I showed him our Ecoria projects, he dug the idea a lot, but his main concern was the connectability of the components. He suggested we should go for a system that would allow you to click in the models.
So I started thinking... Another method to connect the panels might be to create holes in the sides of the floor boards and sides/bottoms/tops of the wall panels, and then use connector pins to connect the walls, floors, etc. Very much like how Lego Technic works, like these (http://www.1000steine.com/brickset/images/875-1.jpg).
Made a quick test:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/ConnectorLegoTechnicstyle001_zps961f590f.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/ConnectorLegoTechnicstyle001_zps961f590f.jpg.html)
I think I'll move the horizontal connectors (the only ones on the picture) to the sides of the floor and wall panels. This will then also make it possible to do the same to the floor panels which can be used for variants (floor grids, rackfarms, etc), basically the floors that have the detail underneath.
In the middle of the wall panels I can add vertical connector holes (both on bottom and top of the panel), that way it will become very easy to also build multiple levels on top of each other.
I can of course design the pin in such a way that it becomes an official pin or whatever, or keep that very simply so that users can also use just small pipes of plasticcard/wood/brass instead.
But all in all, it has simplified production quite a bit, you only need the panels and a single type of connector.
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Quick update on experimenting with the pin system and multiple floors:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors40001_zps586a52c4.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors40001_zps586a52c4.jpg.html)
The floor plates for levels higher than ground floor are still very WIP, the holes of the grid will be made bigger so you can see better through them.
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It certainly looks like it's coming along nicely =)
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Thanks! :)
Another test with the multilevel stuff. This is what I mainly have in mind for the multilevel rooms, very much to what you have in factories and workshops. Note that the grid is still WIP!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Roomtest001_zpsa4850c4f.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Roomtest001_zpsa4850c4f.jpg.html)
Corridors that run above each other might need a bit of tweaking in order to make them playable as well.
I've been thinking the tweak the design of the wall panel a bit, the little boxes on the top and bottom of the panel (two rows of four boxes next to one another) start to bug me, will probably remove them and add something more subtle in there.
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Ok I hadn't even considered the possibility of a playing area with a walkway section. That would be amazing for some Space Hulk missions.
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Perhaps some inspiration could be taken from the existing systems that have such capabilities? There was a kickstarter one posted around here somewhere that had awesome platform systems.
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Quickly finished the new grid, and also tweaked the wall design a bit:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Roomtest002_zpsc50af498.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Roomtest002_zpsc50af498.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Corridors40002_zpsce2eaa7d.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Corridors40002_zpsce2eaa7d.jpg.html)
Expect a rail/support pillar component soon! :)
@Islacrusez: There have been many Kickstarters for this sort of terrain lately, was it the cardboard one of the CNC/laser cut version?
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I do believe so; it looked top-notch and the build system looked very good.
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I've encountered this one (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1812955737/bug-hunt-corridors?ref=live) and that one (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1621774283/battle-systemstm-sci-fi-modular-terrain).
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Most certainly the latter.
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They made some very cool stuff indeed. Just such a shame it's all flat. I should however take a closer look at it and see what I can learn from it.
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Ok, haven't spent any time on this for sooooo long, so here I am again!
Got back to the design and went for [ur=http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/2291/modular-floor-tile-mft]Philip Sibbering's modularity[/url].
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-001_zps028e9277.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-001_zps028e9277.jpg.html)
However, if you look at the gaps between the tiles, they're quite noticeable, especially between the different wall components. I've got a solution for the wall gaps, I'll come up with something for between the floors in the coming days.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-002_zps84689fe6.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-002_zps84689fe6.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-002components_zps5d590873.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-002components_zps5d590873.jpg.html)
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Always good to see project updates. =3
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Thanks a lot! :)
I realized that the component I designed to fill the wall gaps, also make amazing pillars when combined with the long connector:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-003_zpsce0d85c1.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-003_zpsce0d85c1.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-003a_zpsfba6f70d.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-003a_zpsfba6f70d.jpg.html)
Ive quickly added some color to give you a better feel of what they would look like once painted.
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I like the look of those pillars. In 40k city terrain the one thing they are rubbish at is a lack of ladders and pillars in order to make Necromunda style sky bridges.
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Hmm, what about regular stairs or elevators? Making a staircase component will also be a lot easier using this method of connecting the components! :)
By the way, just for you, a close up on the inner workings of the pillar:
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Started working on a blast door:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-005blastdoor_zpsdc76693a.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-005blastdoor_zpsdc76693a.jpg.html)
As you can see the blast doors are as thick as a wall, with the mechanism around it being thicker, just to give the whole thing a more chunky feel.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-005blastdoorclosed_zpse9b659f7.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-005blastdoorclosed_zpse9b659f7.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-005blastdooropening_zps68258f90.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-005blastdooropening_zps68258f90.jpg.html)
This is a rather standard and thin door. I am planning on making some door variant parts, allowing you to make really wide doors.
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Humm. Looks like it's gonna be pretty... fiddly, no? Highly recommend getting a prototype sorted to play around with.
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It's not that fiddly actually, unless you had a hard time with K'Nex or Lego Technic when you were younger. :P but I should do a test print to see if it all stays together. Just need to wait until I've got some money coming in...
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-006_zpse4b3ebc6.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-006_zpse4b3ebc6.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-006components_zps03c6c23e.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-006components_zps03c6c23e.jpg.html)
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Started working on some stairs, quite a tough nut to crack. I've built the frame for the stair case, which consists of more than 30 parts, but considering that a single floor tile in a frame also consists of 9 parts, it might not be that crazy. One option is to fuse some of the parts together, making it easier to put together, but at the cost of losing modularity.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-007staircase_zps5e4c03e9.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-007staircase_zps5e4c03e9.jpg.html)
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Sadly enough I don't have a cool looking Sketchup Face-Me (human model used as a basis), used to have some Imperial Guard units in the past from the Anargo Sector Project, but I lost them. This means I found somebody else's Cadians, who seem to have more realistic proportions rather than the typical heroic scale stuff. I also armed them with my rifle design to see how they fit.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-008scale_zps95f373fe.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-008scale_zps95f373fe.jpg.html)
So this is what my terrain would look like with 32mm tall models (I know GW is officially 28mm scale, but most miniatures tend to be 30-32mm tall) running through it
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Looks really cool and well detailed .
Stuart
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Thanks a lot! Actually it's not THAT detailed. I mean, the smaller details are about 0.5mm, which is bigger than the stuff I've done before. However, there's also stuff that's like 0.53874159145 (long numbers). So the more detailed the printer, the better those details can come through. Not that you'll really notice it though.
Here a little update:
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Slightly bigger update:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-011a_zpscda1bd89.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-011a_zpscda1bd89.jpg.html)
As you can see, the slope isn't a staircase anymore. I thought this more fitting, in case tracked/wheeled units would need to move up and down. I am planning on making a stairs variant of the slope component eventually. First I need to finish the detailing of the sides.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-011b_zps43ae3f62.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-011b_zps43ae3f62.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-011components_zps0601fb0f.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-011components_zps0601fb0f.jpg.html)
At the moment I've got more than 30 different components, almost all of them (except one) have been used in the above pictures. I guess when this is 'done' (as if that'll ever happen!), I'd imagine you'd have hundreds of different components that allow you to go really crazy. It's like Lego almost, but then with actual cool looking terrain!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-011c_zps5cee557f.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-011c_zps5cee557f.jpg.html)
Sort of random backshot.
Next up would probably be another version of the rackfarm unit, some different wall panels and some door variants that will allow you to build wide hangar doors.
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Another revision in the design. I've removed some of the details of the wall panels. At first I was worried that they'll become too bland when losing the details, but I think the design looks more powerful now. What do you think?
Also, I started working on some window components, it's still WIP since I need to add some more details here and there, and also a means of shoving a piece of see through plastic into it.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-012_zpsf370a40d.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-012_zpsf370a40d.jpg.html)
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In the meantime, a quick update on the windows:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-012windows_zps8dabe6a0.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-012windows_zps8dabe6a0.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-012Windowmechanism_zpsf2d1f0cc.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-012Windowmechanism_zpsf2d1f0cc.jpg.html)
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I don't think the design of the wall pieces is appropriate for such an oft repeated piece... If it is to have a vertical central feature (light) it should probably have at least one other piece to alternate with (and should then be assessed with both side-by-side) or have horizontal and thus more continuous features. At any rate I do not think it is appropriate for the "default wall" piece.
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Dammit, you're right! Now that you mention it, the wall design is starting to annoy me now. Which means I'd need to have another detailing in the center. Lights would then go in the ceiling (bottom of the floor tiles). This means that light will have to be redesigned so that the tile can be placed in any angle without it looking off compared to the rest.
Back to the drawing table I guess! :)
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Ok, so I removed the details of the wall panels. Didn't like them too much anymore, the lights seem too dominant and those side speaker things looked a bit silly, especially in that size!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-013a_zpsbf40dd30.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-013a_zpsbf40dd30.jpg.html)
I need a new detailing pattern for the walls. Not sure yet if that's going to be a vertical or a horizontal one. More on that later I guess.
However, I did build the some lights, now they're underneath the floor tiles. Meaning you could see them if you have multiple levels.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-013b_zps6d23e6dd.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-013b_zps6d23e6dd.jpg.html)
Maybe it's the colours, but right now the design really feels like some sort of scifi prison to me, which in itself isn't such a bad thing I guess! :)
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New version of the standard wall:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-014a_zps623f1a79.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-014a_zps623f1a79.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-014b_zpsc2255848.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-014b_zpsc2255848.jpg.html)
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Blast shuttered windows!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-014blastshutters_zpsee06f87e.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-014blastshutters_zpsee06f87e.jpg.html)
It's not a variant on the whole component, but a separate piece you can add on to the windows you want closed down. Left is the window with the blast shutter placed on it, right is a normal window.
On the bottom you can see the new version of the standard wall component
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I think part of the problem might be the connection system you've opted for - it separates the segments and enforces the grid.
That said, why not use the "blank" panels as the default wall, with the others as optional details? One thing you could try on them is to replace the top pipe set with long vents of similar dimensions?
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(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-014needtochargeyourrifle_zpscd2dad34.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-014needtochargeyourrifle_zpscd2dad34.jpg.html)
Little extra bit. The component containing the rifles can be removed, meaning I can also make other components such as screens, consoles, etc.
@Islacrusez: Let me ponder a bit on that one. :)
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Started working on an elevator:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-015lift_zps823364e3.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-015lift_zps823364e3.jpg.html)
The thing still needs a lot of work, insides and platform need detailing, the platform will also need some sort of control panel. The block that pushed the platform up will need more details, but will also be cut in two pieces, enabling you to make the elevator look as if it's moving between two levels.
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Here's the second version of the elevator. I removed the silly ramps and the block pushing the platform up and down. The insides have also received some detailing.
The only real problem I'm running into now is how to keep the platform stuck where ever I want. It's also rather difficult to move the platform up and down, especially if the elevator is deep inside a structure. But then again I really wonder how often who would move such a bit. It's not like you'd constantly open up your transport vehicle's hatches every time you unleash your cargo during a game.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan50-015lift20_zpsb26e4f7d.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan50-015lift20_zpsb26e4f7d.jpg.html)
Just realized this could be pretty cool terrain for Necromunda as well!
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Here a bonus picture by the way...
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/6c053ca97cd4fc61658b4da1a4cbd833/tumblr_n10567mZqB1qmsrmwo1_1280.jpg)
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Hmm, I'm seriously stuck and it's really frustrating me. At the moment we're pondering about a new version (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/2302/mtf-mark-ii) for the connectors:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan70-001_zpsde841dd5.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan70-001_zpsde841dd5.jpg.html)
It's castable, but it would mean I'd need to redesign the walls, and we'd lose a lot of its modular character: multiple floors become rather difficult, splitting up rooms will be impossible. However, it does mean (a lot) less parts and easy castability.
But on a personal level it then makes me wonder, why bother with this then if I can get a kit by Hirst Arts, Spacestation X or Battle Systems? Or even better, spend that extra buck on a Zone Mortalis table!
It basically means I need to get back to the drawing table and come up with a connector system that (a) maintains the modular character of what I've done so far, (b) doesn't look too obvious and (c) is easy to cast.
In the meantime, to maintain my own sanity, I put some Half Life characters in my previous modular system:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Keepingmyselfmotivatedpart2_zpsbc123936.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Keepingmyselfmotivatedpart2_zpsbc123936.jpg.html)
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Philip Sibbering and I have been experimenting with different means of connecting the panels, check it out here (http://trollsforge.proboards.com/thread/2303/tmft-mkiii).
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(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan110-001_zps02985c17.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan110-001_zps02985c17.jpg.html)
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(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan110-003_zps170666cf.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan110-003_zps170666cf.jpg.html)
I'm considering this design finished for now.
The floor component is 10.75mm thick whilst the wall component is 12.5mm thick (counting the connector and bottom part as well).
The detailing has been kept rather simple. Extra stuff will be separate components that could be added later on. One lesson I kinda learnt is that terrain shouldn't outshine models, which can sometimes be a challenge. :)
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Just to say i continue to check what you do every day, and like what i see every day.
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Thanks! :D
Here a shot of a whole bunch of these two components put together:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Floorplan110-004_zpsad1a0af0.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Floorplan110-004_zpsad1a0af0.jpg.html)
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Took a little break from the weapons and robotic hounds and went back to one of my old loves: Space Hulk terrain!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001d_zps6ts7cnup.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001d_zps6ts7cnup.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001a_zpsaaewdvze.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001a_zpsaaewdvze.jpg.html)
Wall component and floor piece:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001b_zpsbenwuzgh.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001b_zpsbenwuzgh.jpg.html)
Corner component ('front' and 'back' views):
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001c_zpsiegnm4ke.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20001c_zpsiegnm4ke.jpg.html)
The system allows for easy creation of corridors and rooms. The clunkiness makes sure that you won't need connectors or anything like that, at the same time it kind of adds to the whole claustrophobic vibe of the design.
The main challenge is the size of the wall and corner components. Note that each component is 40mm x 40m (length and width). This is where the clunkiness of the walls becomes a bit problematic. You can't shove a tun of them in an envelope or easy sprue. Weight might also become a problem.
A possible solution for this is to cut the walls in two, but it would mean more parts if you want something complete. Also, the corner piece can't really be cut in two.
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Looking good!
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I agree that it looks good.
If you really want those thick walls able to be posted I'd go drastic- cut it onto 5 sections (walls and ceiling). That can be done for the side and corner walls just as easily. You'd need to design a tab system for easy assembly though.
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Here's a little update:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20002_zpszaksn8fx.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20002_zpszaksn8fx.jpg.html)
I've managed to break the repetition of the pattern a bit by removing the middle vertical pipe. One other thing I'd like to include here is a separate part that could be added into the middle square of the wall component. That part could include different types of control panels, closets, giant fans, etc. I would perhaps make 3-5 of such different components, allowing you to customize the wall parts and make them more unique.
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(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20003_zps0vwrb3ju.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20003_zps0vwrb3ju.jpg.html)
I've removed the 'half' rivets on the sides of the wall pieces. They might have proven to be a potential castability problem. I've also started working on one of the panels, as you can see in the centre wall piece. You can simply stick those in the existing wall pieces, thereby allowing some variation on your wall designs. Will be doing a few more of those to create some more variation.
Next up would be the hollowing out of the wall pieces and corner pieces, which will be a bit tricky. However, it would make it a lot cheaper to cast and transport.
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Looks good. Will some of the stick-on bits be covering more?
You could also make a sprue of smaller bits- pipes and things that will go over the centre areas, but just act as more details, not actually covering them.
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Thanks for asking!
I have been pondering about designing some computer consoles that should cover a big chunk of the wall component. Top screens and console would be 'plugged' into the round holes on the top and bottom.
The idea of a sprue has really got me thinking. I really love what Maelstrom's Edge did with their ]url=http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/810/644194.page#7779147]terrain sprue[url]. Might try to do something similar that would be compatible with the wall and floor components I'm designing. However, it's a bit lower on my priorities list since I'd first need the basics to be working. :-)
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I've been postponing hollowing out the wall components. Not because I don't want to hollow them out, but mainly because I got distracted by other things...
Very much inspired by this little snippet (http://www.dezeen.com/2015/05/24/architect-modelling-system-arckit-posh-lego-damien-murtagh/) I got intrigued by the idea of making separate bits that you could put on the existing model. So that you'd have the basic kit (walls and floors) but then can add all sorts of extra components on top of that. Rather than having to produce tons of different walls and such.
So first up, another wall panel variant:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004c_zpsgdudmftn.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004c_zpsgdudmftn.jpg.html)
It's supposed to be a safe, or a secret tunnel or something. I feel that it might need some more detailing though...
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004a_zps5wvkybe0.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004a_zps5wvkybe0.jpg.html)
Pipes have always been a soft spot of mine, my first versions of these type of constructs included all sorts of advanced pipe systems running underneath the floors. This is sort of my tribute to those old versions. At the moment the pipe system consists of two components, allowing to connect to sides of the wall to one another. However, I might do some variants in case people make broader pathways and such.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004b_zps1lzjnfyo.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20004b_zps1lzjnfyo.jpg.html)
Computer consoles are always a must in this sort of project. Here are two components, still very early WIP. The control console (the one on the bottom) still needs a whooooole lot of detailing and stuff added to it. The top one is almost ready, a few details here and there. However, both still need to be hollowed out to reduce material cost (both for printing and casting) and weight.
Of course there would have to be a wall panel variant with some larger screen and controls on it, but that'll be up next!
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Great stuff.
That screen on the upper computer console made me think of a large pipe. That'd be a simple thing to add- put a cover over it like the one on the safe door and it could go on the top or bottom of a wall angle (dispensing something, or as a waste bin).
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In the meantime I continued working on the safe:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005a_zpsh24ul3on.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005a_zpsh24ul3on.jpg.html)
Added a lot of detail to it. Got rid of those giant bolts on the sides, replacing them for smaller ones. Also added some other bits here and there, and fixed the doors, felt they were missing something...
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005c_zpsatylw9lp.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005c_zpsatylw9lp.jpg.html)
Also continued working on the computer consoles. The 'console' component on the bottom part will probably be a separate bit, which will allow me to make a few variants with different buttons/handles/etc.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005b_zpslsbp0erh.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005b_zpslsbp0erh.jpg.html)
And yes, I've built a new pipe component... One thing of note, since I've taken this screen shot I've added a wide 'ring' around the beginnings of the pipes, where they connect with the walls, to make it look better. I think you call it a 'coupling' in English?
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It's Friday night and I'm lacking a social nightlife... :P
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005d_zpsxv0ifnar.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20005d_zpsxv0ifnar.jpg.html)
I've been toying with the idea of a wall component variant for a window. The tricky thing is that I don't like it to be just a big hole. Meaning I'll have to design an actual window component. Sadly enough that's not the difficult part, the tricky part will probably be the casting, but I think that shouldn't be impossible to solve. :)
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If you don't mind the odd look from the outside, hollow windows with domes over them can be great. If you paint the inside of the dome with the required scene (stars etc.) It'll appear to 'move' in a fairly realistic way as you change your viewing angle of the window. Lighting can be a problem though.
Good idea on the pipe couplings.
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Very nice malika, as always ;)
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hard to do but i love the idea of the ship seen by the window.
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It could be done through hi-res printed pictures, something like this (http://www.antenocitisworkshop.com/infinity-computer-screens.html). :)
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Been putting together the components I've got:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006a_zpskf1dwgwl.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006a_zpskf1dwgwl.jpg.html)
The new wall component variant (the light grey ones) allow for walls to 'end'. I'd imagine that these would be a later addition to the set if/when these things would go in production. The basic kit would basically only include the floor tiles, straight walls and corner pieces. Others bits are 'expansions' if you will.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006c_zpsvucpmoxc.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006c_zpsvucpmoxc.jpg.html)
No, I still haven't updated the ventilation grill front piece yet. It will need some work to match the level of detailing the safe has. The grill will also be sharpened up a bit. The computer components are slowly evolving. The 'keyboard' bit will be separate and I have been working on a few variants, more on that soon!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006b_zps2c2bokgt.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20006b_zps2c2bokgt.jpg.html)
However, the biggest change so far must have been the floor panels. There was something about the small panels that didn't feel fully right. Also, the gaps in the previous version's edges would have been tricky with casting (one tiny miscast the the parts won't fit anymore). So I made them clunkier! No worries though, future variants might once again include smaller tiles and such, but they are lower on my priorities list at the moment.
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Excellent aspect. Completly in the 40K style.
One interrogation. Don't you think the walls will be a little bit too high to mainpulate figs inside them ?
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40k but then without the whole gothic/skulls angle. It's one of the things I dug about the old Space Hulk and Necromunda aesthetic. Very techy, but crude looking, but not immediately some death obsessed cathedral. (don't get me wrong, I love the 40k aesthetic, but not for this project)
As for the walls, from the top of the floor tile up, the wall is 54.5mm, the floor panels are 40mm x 40mm. I doubt it would be difficult to manipulate the figures inside.
I started working on a gun turret. It's a two part bit, allowing you to move it into different positions. I'll probably also be doing a variant based on the energy pistol (http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Energy%20weapons%201.0%20-%20001_zpsc90vl26o.jpg) (bottom one):
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/e9fa20e3-8917-42ed-92fb-e30c28f257cc_zpsbnpvglf9.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/e9fa20e3-8917-42ed-92fb-e30c28f257cc_zpsbnpvglf9.jpg.html)
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Great idea, though I think some kind of camera sight should be added (on top or on a side). Even if fully automated, it needs to detect things somehow.
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I imagined that the round thingie underneath the barrel would be some sort of sensor that tracks any potential targets. No need for actual camera. I am however interested in also doing some sort of CCTV like system, but kinda have to ponder how to do that...
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(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20008%20equipment_zpsz2zstyix.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20008%20equipment_zpsz2zstyix.jpg.html)
Lots of little things done. The holding mechanism of the gun turret can also be used to carry other equipment. I've included another weapon (a variant on my original energy pistol) and also a screen. Expect more stuff to appear soon. Would love to do some robotic arms and whatever else I can come up with...
The computer console has also received some attention. Still need to add some detailing on the top and build the mechanism to hold the keyboard component.
Also, the floor panels and ventilation grill wall variant have also been updated slightly.
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As you can see, I've continued working on the computer consoles:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground20facility201.020-2000920consoles_zpsfh7udc76.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground20facility201.020-2000920consoles_zpsfh7udc76.jpg.html)
The major update is the removal of the round screen at the top mounted console. I've replaced it for a smaller screen. This also allowed me to make another top component variant which contains two screens.
The existing 'computer' box has been updated as well, mainly some detailing. I'm currently working on making a mechanism for it that allows players to put different keyboards/controllers on top. At the moment I've got two types of controllers, but there will probably be a few more just for the cool factor.
The bottom bit (bottom left, light grey device) has been completed as well. I guess it'll be some sort of plug hub, allowing other devices to be connected to it or something.
I still haven't made a wall plate that contains a large screen. So for now the walls are covered with the wall plates I've already had (the safe and ventilation shaft).
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That's looking great.
Do you intend to make any kind of scatter terrain- barrels, etc. not affixed to walls?
If you want to follow an idea from Space Hulk, you could make air vents- exactly the same as corridors, only smaller and higher.
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Do you intend to make any kind of scatter terrain- barrels, etc. not affixed to walls?
I did work on a container last year:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Container10-001_zpsa53d0234.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Container10-001_zpsa53d0234.jpg.html)
Looking back at it, I feel I can come up with something better. Also, I'd like to design some smaller crates and barrels.
If you want to follow an idea from Space Hulk, you could make air vents- exactly the same as corridors, only smaller and higher.
Might be an interesting idea, might play with that in a later version of the system.
Right now there are still two major things that need to be done, and I've been postponing both of them:
Hollowing out the wall components
The wall components are currently solid pieces. Whilst that in itself might not be that bad, it does increase the print costs greatly. Not only that, it also means more material is needed to cast the models. That isn't such a problem since the material doesn't cost too much, however...weight will pop up here. If we can decrease the weight of the models, shipping costs will greatly decrease!
But hollowing out the components is a very time consuming thing, and I've been postponing it for a long time now. Will have to look into that shortly though...
Doors/gates
I've been wanting to do them for a while now. I really love the idea of those very heavy hangar doors. I'm a big fan of what Forge World did with the Zone Mortalis doors (http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Images/Product/DefaultFW/xlarge/zmlargedoorsset.jpg). However, I'd like to do something a bit more modular in nature, meaning you could easily conect multiple doors to one another to make it look as if you've got these super wide doors.
The 'minimum requirements' for a door system would be:
-new wall variant (one that can support the door)
-door component(s). Not sure if it will be a single piece or a two piece bit that allows for other doors to be placed in between if you'd want to make it wider
-new floor variant. I'd love the idea that the doors have "teeth" on the bottom and the floor has holes for those teeth to enter. Just looks a lot heavier and more intense. Will try to play with this asap.
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Nothing really new, just copied the floor and wall pieces a bit to get a more complete view:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20010_zpsym9khscm.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20010_zpsym9khscm.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20010a_zpsg0njizvf.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20010a_zpsg0njizvf.jpg.html)
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I tweaked the floor panels a bit...
Here's the 'normal' ones, so without the grill:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20a_zpsklgmmi1p.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20a_zpsklgmmi1p.jpg.html)
Here are the ones with the grill:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20c_zpsbp28nbsm.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20c_zpsbp28nbsm.jpg.html)
And when combined:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20b_zpsjsliraao.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/Underground20facility201.020-2001120floors20b_zpsjsliraao.jpg.html)
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Is the grill just a texture, or do the holes go all the way through? Depending on floor thickness, some where the holes go all the way through may be a good addition. It'd probably be best as a two-part floor piece- one with the usual boundary and a deep-set series of pipes, over which can fit the see-through floor panel. Maybe that's too much effort for a floor?
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For now the grill is just a texture. However, I've always loved the idea that you can see the pipes and such underneath it. Look at my first version of the system in one the first page of this thread (http://www.forum.specialist-arms.com/index.php?topic=5997.0).
What I could do is to make the holes go all the way true, with the floor tile being hollow in the bottom. That way it could be used as normal. However, I could then at a later time make a component with pipes and such on it that can be shoved inside on the bottom of the normal floor tile.
One thing that might be tricky is the casting of the grill component, this because that part is 0.5mm wide. This means it is rather printable, but also quite frail, which might mean it will get damaged a lot. Would need to experiment a bit here...
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I've been restructuring my Photobucket, which means the pics might not work anymore. However, you can still check them all out over here (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/library/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility).
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The CNC/laser cutting option is still open for the floor tiles. However, in the meantime I've also started working on some little components that can add a bit of flavor to the floors:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012a_zpshed4yj5a.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012a_zpshed4yj5a.jpg.html)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012c_zpspdwhou8e.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012c_zpspdwhou8e.jpg.html)
I've also continued working on a smaller console device and a possible wall/door variant (not the big main doors yet):
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Stefmanovic/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012b_zpspqefdkgn.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Stefmanovic/media/3d%20modelling/Underground%20facility/Underground%20facility%201.0%20-%20012b_zpspqefdkgn.jpg.html)