Thursday, July 25, 2024

Scatter Terrain with White Tanks Hobbies

White Tanks Hobbies offers a variety of 3D printed details in 28mm and similar scales. Using various bits from the WTH range I created a few pieces of scatter terrain for use in modern tabletop games such as Infinity, The Walking Dead: All Out War, and others.

When making terrain I use 1/8th inch chipboard for a base. I cut out pieces and shape the edges with a utility knife. Next I pick and place my pieces and, once I'm satisfied with the positioning, using super glue, I fix them in place. 

Next comes the "dirt". I brush diluted PVA glue onto the board and drop sifted fine sand over the glue. After everything is dried I prime everything in black with a zenithal highlight in white. Everything gets a base coat in acrylics followed by several layers of weathering in acrylic washes.

Another round of diluted PVA glue (this time thinned further with IPA to reduce surface tension) is brushed into all the areas where I want foliage. Flocking is dropped in place and excess is shaken off. Leaves are placed paying particular attention to corners where leaves would accumulate. Finally a wash is applied to the leaves. Multiple coats of matt varnish help to hold everything in place and protect the paint from wear during tabletop games.

Now for the glamor shots! 28mm miniatures from Anvil Industries used for scale.









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Sunday, April 28, 2024

Großer Hund Upgrade

I recently finished a project I had started some time ago, the Machinen Krieger Großer Hund in 1/20th scale. This bench queen started as a submission for the Plastic Posse Podcast group build for the 2023 IPMS National Convention. Although I had completed the majority of the assembly process it never did get finished. 

Several other projects took priority, including 4 sets of Mandalorian armor for my 2023 family Halloween costume, but that's for another post. With other projects finished I mustered a bit of mojo and sat down to finish the Großer Hund.

I replaced most of the tubing which came with the kit with a variety of handmade and aftermarket alternatives. Anticipating it's inevitable demise I also replaced the plastic "chin" bar with steel wire and brass tube and  I added a thin high strength wire for an antenna.


Various surfaces were stippled with Mr. Surfacer for a cast texture. Where I felt it appropriate I added weld seams using green stuff two part epoxy putty.

With all of the added details I didn't feel like I could stop there. So next I hopped into Fusion360 and designed a new weapon for him. I wanted to stick with the retro-future aesthetic so I felt that a rocket pod was in keeping with the spirit of the genre. 




The rocket pods are available as a two pack at www.WhiteTanksHobbies.com

With that designed and printed it was time to paint. The model was painted by airbrush with Vallejo acrylics. It was then weathered using multiple techniques including oil, acrylic, and enamel washes. Chipping was completed using sponges and a brush where needed.

I used a variety of decals both from those included in the kit and from my stash, all were applied using Micro Sol / Set. 

The base was a wall hanging I found at a second hand store. I removed the hardware and added a couple of layers of cork to the top. The surface of the "asphalt" section remained relatively unchanged and I covered the "concrete" sidewalk in plaster of Paris. 

The chain link fence is window screen mesh and styrene tubing. The vines are braided wires and birch seeds. I made the "Warning Dog" sign in Adobe Illustrator, printed it, and glued it to thin styrene sheet.

The storm drain was also modeled and printed. Is this something you would be interested in? Either as a 3D file or as a printed product? If so let me know in the comments.

Overall I had a real fun time working on this project. Once I got the ball rolling again I couldn't stop until I was finished. I hope you enjoy! If you would like to replace one or more of the Panzerschreck on your Großer Hund with a rocket pod stop on www.WhiteTanksHobbies.com, and/or you would like to see additional custom parts for use with this kit let me know in the comments!