NEWS

 

 

 

 

[top]

 

April 2024

YE OLDE SPROUTING SPUDE

 

Taking inspiration from Max Fitzgerald’s post-apocalyptic wargame Turnip28, Savanh, one of the 4D team, built this model he called Ye Olde Sprouting Spude.

Built at 28mm scale, the design draws influence from late-medieval architecture, featuring elements of masonry, wattle & daub and Tudor-era timber framework.

The groundwork's masonry was meticulously crafted by sketching and carving the desired layout into four separate sheets of 5mm styrofoam.

Intricate details such as the windows, doors & timber framework were fashioned using balsa wood strips, balsa sheets and some steel mesh for window leading.

The chimney's brickwork achieved its authentic appearance through individually laid styrofoam bricks of varying sizes, lending a haphazard and asymmetrical aesthetic.

To enhance texture, the bricks were placed in a tupperware container with small jagged stones and shaken.

The roof tiles & lead flashing were cut from 1.5mm finnboard and 360gsm white card in a range of sizes & placed slightly askew to add further character to the piece.

The building was then painted with black paint & fine sand, to give a muddy base, then highlighted with a range of coloured acrylics & rust effect paint.

Finishing touches included hand-sculpted milliput barrels, green texture, grass tufts, Graean stone and a hand-carved pub sign to complete the immersive ambiance of Ye Olde Sprouting Spude.

 

Materials used: 5mm foamboard, blue styrofoam, balsa rectangular rods, balsa sheets, PVA glue, CA120 superglue, steel mesh, finnboard, 360gsm white card, black paint, fine sand, light bronze green paint, System 3 acrylic paint set, rust effect paint, Milliput, mid green texture, grass tufts, Graean stone, obeche sheet & black chain

 

 

[top]

 

March 2024

HOME DECAL SYSTEM

 

Our dry transfer technicians recently put the Microset Home Decal System, currently available from our shop, through extensive testing.

The Home Decal System offers the flexibility of utilising existing artwork from books, magazines, clip art or original creations to craft personalised decals using either an inkjet or laser printer.

 

In our test, we used the Clear Laser/Photocopy Printer Decal Paper, though white versions are also on offer.

Following the manufacturer's instructions, we printed the artwork, cut out an individual design, submerged it in lukewarm water for 30-60 seconds, positioned it and slid out the backing sheet. A gentle dab with a damp cloth removed any bubbles and the decal was left to dry.

 

While we didn't use them in our test, there are additional treatments available to enhance the durability of a Home Decal System transfer:

• Liquid Decal Film - applied to protect printouts from smudging.
• Micro Set - enhances adhesion and conforms to the surface when applied before placing the decal.
• Micro Sol - softens the decal, allowing it to conform to more complex shapes or textures.
• Micro Flat - applies a protective layer, akin to a lacquer, over the decal.

 

We also created a similar set of 4D Dry Transfers to compare the two systems of decal production.

 

We found the positives of the Home Decal System include its affordability, quick production time, ability to produce multiple colours on a single sheet and versatility in creating decals with gradient, blended and multi-tone colours. Being a waterslide, the decal is also very forgiving during the application process, allowing repositioning until the it dries.

However, there are negatives, such as quality dependency on the printer being used, the lower resolution decals with less vibrant colours, the difficulty producing a white colour, loss of fine details and a visible raised border around the decal edges.

 

On the other hand, 4D Dry Transfers offer very sharp details and edges, the ability to produce fine details down to 0.1mm thick lines, strong solid colours and various finishes like matte, gloss, metallic, or foil. They can easily produce solid white artwork without borders or raised edges, providing a crisp painted or printed on appearance. Application is also quick and easy, with no drying time.

Drawbacks include the longer production time, higher cost, limitation to block colours, need for precision during application and the difficulty in applying larger single pieces.

 

Choosing between the Home Decal System and 4D Dry Transfers really just depends on the specific application. You certainly get a more professional finish with 4D Dry Transfers, but the accessability of the Home Decal System makes it ideal for mock-ups, prototypes & the hobby market.

 

 

[top]

 

February 2024

HOT WIRE CUTTER

 

We have set up a space in our shop for customers to use our Proxxon Hot Wire Cutter.

Whether you would like to practise cutting, cut components for a project, cut up larger sheets for easier transportation or give the cutter a try before you buy, the Hot Wire Cutter is available to you.

You will find plenty of options for purchasing model making grade styrofoam and polystyrene in the shop.

We have fitted the area with adequate extraction and produced an information sheet for it's safe use.

To use our Hot Wire Cutter, simply ask a member of staff next time you are in the shop.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Hot Wire Cutter is used at your own risk.

 

 

 

[top]

 

January 2024

MODULAR TRENCH TERRAIN

 

This modular trench terrain was crafted in 29mm heroic scale by our workshop technician & gaming enthusiast Ben.

He meticulously designed the units with Games Workshop’s Kill Team in mind, though they're also suitable for any number of skirmish tabletop wargames.

Simplicity was key to construction, ensuring minimal interference with models on the tabletop, while providing ample artistic liberty for weathering and intricate detailing.

Everything used is readily available from the shop, with our laser service cutting the bespoke wooden elements from plywood, sparing hours of laborious crafting by hand.

Versatile in function, the boxes serve as exceptional scatter terrain, capable of being stacked for cover, scattered across expansive gaming tables for added intricacy, or utilised as strategic elevation in games incorporating such mechanics.

For gaming setups where a fully customised table might pose challenges, these modular pieces offer a unique touch to every game layout, enhancing the gaming experience.

 

Materials used: Dark grey styrofoam (main structure), 1.6mm plywood (boxes and laser cut parts), Zap-a-gap (assembly), 1.0mm clear PETG (bases, cut by hand and sanded matte for adhesion and to avoid sharp edges), Sandpaper (sanding foam and PETG bases), Fine dried 'silver' sand (for texture paste), Granulated cork (for texture paste), Fast tack glue (for texture paste + assembly), System 3 acrylic paint set, Satin black spraypaint (undercoat), Mid green flock (grass), Yellow green flock (grass).

 

 

 

[top]