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Hey guys,

So basically I want to model some lightning on my orks. I am about to start creating the bullyboz formation (3x 5MANz units), However I dislike the bulky standard GW MANz models and will be using a praetorian/lychguard kit and combining that with some GS sculpting to create some nice chunky roboOrks. - The 3 MANz units will also be playable as necron units as my Ork allies, but that fact is not really important, except in that I will be using the rods as the MANz weapons - hence the discharge effect

I think this is possibly the best lightning effect I have seen recently, plus it also looks the simplest; Looks like paperclips just bent right?

What do you guys think? Are there any other easier/better looking effects out there?

That's how I did it years ago on a unit of Electro Priests, using the paperclip method you mentioned.

But in the above image I don't think that is paperclips as the curves on some are more rounded (I found from experience you'll get a very angular bend when making the lightning) with a few twists I don't see you can get from that material.

It might be solder or some other thin wire. Another method I have seen (though this was for psychic energy) is to literally drill into the model's hand and use the resulting swarf as the tendrils of energy. I personally would not attempt that one as it seems it would not survive the battlefield and is for display only, but I thought it worth a mention.

EDIT- After reverse searching the image, I think you'll be surprised what the lightning is made from.

I've been trying to model a similar effect, but on a much larger scale replacing all the green rods with a lightning effect. Here's a picture of my first attempt, which I've gotten to look a little better with practice.



I wound up using steel wool, which you can get real cheap at most hardware stores. Just carefully pull out individual strings, it's real thin so it will cut you like a razor blade if you're not careful, and twist them to shape.

Ooh thats cool Unix! I've never seen that done before.

Thin gauge floral wire would work well. It can curve nicely but would hold shape better than the solder wire. Maybe glaze it with some heavy medium for variance.

Grimtuff wrote:
But in the above image I don't think that is paperclips as the curves on some are more rounded (I found from experience you'll get a very angular bend when making the lightning) with a few twists I don't see you can get from that material.
EDIT- After reverse searching the image, I think you'll be surprised what the lightning is made from.

Can't view that site at work, so il have a ponder later Hmm I know what you mean about paperclips being slightly too rigid. However you can get curves, I typically use nose pliers and will twist it around the plier tip to generate curves, your right in that its not always easy and to get it how you wanted would be a struggle. Annoyingly I have a few gauges of wire; really thin (which would flex too much), paperclips, and really thick Looks like im gona have to have a browse for some on amazon. Any gauge you guys would recommend?

Unix wrote:I've been trying to model a similar effect, but on a much larger scale replacing all the green rods with a lightning effect. Here's a picture of my first attempt, which I've gotten to look a little better with practice.
I wound up using steel wool, which you can get real cheap at most hardware stores. Just carefully pull out individual strings, it's real thin so it will cut you like a razor blade if you're not careful, and twist them to shape.

Ouch, steel wool? I've used that before, not the nicest of stuff! serious commitment on your part. Loving how its turned out! I would steal that idea, however I spend long enough converting without having to do that on every cron too!

FearPeteySodes wrote:Ooh thats cool Unix! I've never seen that done before.
Thin gauge floral wire would work well. It can curve nicely but would hold shape better than the solder wire. Maybe glaze it with some heavy medium for variance.

hmm i'll have a look into floral wire again, any gauge recommendations? this will be tabletop, so it either needs to be rigid enough that its not prone to damage, or atleast not lose its painted coat when accidentally bent.

I have a few sizes, I'll look when I get home. The thickest I use for pinning, and the smallest, that I figured would be good here, is smaller than the aforementioned GW razor wire but holds shape well. It wouldnt hold if you crammed it into an overstuffed case but for game related tipping, dropping, and dice attacks it's solid.

Solar Shock wrote:


Can't view that site at work, so il have a ponder later Hmm I know what you mean about paperclips being slightly too rigid. However you can get curves, I typically use nose pliers and will twist it around the plier tip to generate curves, your right in that its not always easy and to get it how you wanted would be a struggle. Annoyingly I have a few gauges of wire; really thin (which would flex too much), paperclips, and really thick Looks like im gona have to have a browse for some on amazon. Any gauge you guys would recommend?

If you absolutely cannot wait...

HAHA! I got home and then opened your spoiler

Hmm, you can't buy that razor wire any more? Hmm maybe i'll have to find an alternative. I have a feelng once i've done one model with lightning ALL my orks are gona want it.

Some nice ideas in here I can use for my Orks later on. Although our Shock Attack Gun comes with some lightining on it already I was thinking our Kustom Force Fields need to be crackling energy too.

I made this trygon prime back when the 5th edition codex came out. The lightning was made from strips of plastic cut from a pepsi bottle. I twisted them into the arcs and then coated them with super glue. I used zip kicker to speed of the process of drying which also twisted and warped the plastic even more. Then I used a blue marker to give it some color without loosing the transparency.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/tag/37638-Tyrgon%20Prime.html

Floral wire come in different gages and can be easily bent and shaped as you wish. It is super cheap too. Might want to consider that. That is what the necron in the first picture is using.

I saw another thread where someone suggested plant roots, dried sealed and painted. It is really one of the more realistic shapes you'd find, but is organic

The strands from household electrical wiring are the right size and soft enough to use to get the size/shape in the OP's photo.

That reminds me - solid core cat5 cabling wire would probably work as well, you could even splice parts of it for additional effects.

You've convinced me, I am stealing some from work.

Solar, the stuff I was referring to is 26 gauge floral wire. I also have 22 gauge which seems closer to the GW wire too. Both work nicely!

Udo wrote:The strands from household electrical wiring are the right size and soft enough to use to get the size/shape in the OP's photo.

kb_lock wrote:That reminds me - solid core cat5 cabling wire would probably work as well, you could even splice parts of it for additional effects.

You've convinced me, I am stealing some from work.

I'll have a look in our electrical stores a little later hadn't thought about striping some wire down. Just a tad worried it won't be rigid enough afterwards.