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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/08 15:14:09


Post by: Eilif


Not everything in this thread will be a toybash, but so much of my terrain is built of broken and cast-off toys that it seemed the right time for a re-title.

There are additional Mostly-Toybash similar projects on my earlier thread:
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/612801.page

Just finished up 2 Cyberpunk buildings made by combining Mantic Battlezone panels and Dust Warzone Tenements. I've previously built a bunch of structures based on the Warzone Tenement kits, but this combination really brings them further into sci-fi.
Lots of pics and construction kits hints here:
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/06/dust-tenements-mantic-battlezones.html
A few teasers to get you interested. I really think you're going to want to read the whole post...




Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/09 05:13:53


Post by: katfude


Very inventive use of the warzone tenement! Kudos!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/09 06:10:19


Post by: wrinklestiltskin


I like that a lot. Stylewise it reminds me of something, but for the life of me I can't remember what.

I like the colors as well.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/09 06:36:38


Post by: Bottle


Absolutely incredible! I would love to have some of these for my table :-)


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/09 16:01:30


Post by: Eilif


Thanks Folks!

 wrinklestiltskin wrote:
I like that a lot. Stylewise it reminds me of something, but for the life of me I can't remember what.
I like the colors as well.


Glad you liked it. I was thinking of Bladerunner when I made them though I didn't do any reference work.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/10 16:46:08


Post by: Eilif


My second June Terrain project.
A resale shop "Rokenbok" playset provided me with the basis for two more industrial terrain pieces.
More pics, WIPs, and process here:
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/06/rokenbok-terrain-bonanza.html#comment-form

A Storage Tank


A Gravel Elevator


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/16 17:20:34


Post by: Eilif


More buildings from toys and junk to show today. A multi-level chemical facility from a plastic egg box and a smelter from a Creepy Crawlers molding toy.
More Pics, WIP and details here:
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/06/more-toybashing-creepy-crawlers-and-egg.html



Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/17 08:51:40


Post by: wrinklestiltskin


That is just amazingly done. I think my kids used to play with something like that from play-do, never would have figured to make terrain from it.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/18 01:23:35


Post by: Eilif


 wrinklestiltskin wrote:
That is just amazingly done. I think my kids used to play with something like that from play-do, never would have figured to make terrain from it.


Thanks!. It's very possibly the same. Creepy Crawler sets in one form or another have been around since the 60's, though some of the early versions looked alot like easy bake ovens.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/19 19:26:09


Post by: Eilif


Today I've got a little change of pace from my previous sci-fi offerings.

Recently my friend gave me the terrain pieces from the Reaper "Dragons Don't Share" set.
Despite a couple minor flaws, this is a very impressive terrain set that paints up a treat and by virtue of being sectioned should prove quite versatile. Full pics and review here:
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/06/dragons-dont-share-but-mike-does.html




Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/19 20:02:19


Post by: Paradigm


Great stuff!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/06/30 19:39:28


Post by: Eilif


My last terrain projects for the month.

This time it's some very old ruins, a pier and a rowboat.
Full story and pics here: http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/06/fantasy-terrain-bits-and-more-waterfront.html





Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/09/05 01:42:42


Post by: Eilif


A long overdue update. I've long loved the classic Escher miniatures, but never felt I had the painting ability to do the scupts justice. However, I recently had a friend -whose painting style I really admire paint up my 15 woman Escher gang in exchange for me building him a bunch of custom terrain.
And here they are!


Pics of all figs front and back and plenty of details here: http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-exchange-with-mattias-part-2-escher.html
They're all stock figures except for the figure on the left which has an interesting history...

One more teaser to entice you to visit.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/09/09 15:02:10


Post by: Eilif


Just some more terrain that I bashed together from cast-off toys and game pieces.

As always details and lots of pics on the blog: http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/09/shipping-containers-from-micro-machines.html
Also a Truck!



Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/09/12 00:38:43


Post by: Eilif


Another batch of terrain finished up.
This Time I made 2 Scuttles and 3 bridges, mostly from broken O Gauge train cars.
As usual, full details on the blog here:
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2015/09/bridges-and-scuttles-from-o-scale-train.html
Scuttles.

These have turned out to be quite useful pieces that block figures and small vehicles, but with a rather narrow footprint they don't take up too much table space.

One of the Bridges.

I've been building alot of vertical terrain with useable upper areas. These are great for turning those upper areas from simply being towers to climb into a truly multistory battlefield.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/11/17 20:19:22


Post by: Eilif


EDIT: Removed in-progress pics
http://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=82&p=458#p458

Painted pics coming tomorrow.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/11/18 20:05:09


Post by: Eilif


A real update this time.
Here's the finished product:
Every bit of this came from a single broken G-Gauge toy mail car. The rear sliding door actually functions!





More completed pics, in-progress pics and construction info here:
http://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=82&p=464#p464


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2015/11/19 14:32:10


Post by: Eilif


Part 3 for this week.
Another project today. This began as a plastic toy mountain that -no surprise- I found at goodwill. The top of the mountain had a molded section of track to attach to Brio/Thomas style of wooden track. I covered this in concrete mix. A black spray prime was followed by dark grey texture paint, sprinkling on more concrete mix (a mix from the hardware store with concrete sand and gravel), a wetbrush of brown, a drybrush of tan, and some matte varnish.

Unlike many similar toys this one has some great flat areas for putting figures on. Perfect for Wargaming!


The inside was completely hollow so I just glued in a piece of cardboard and texture painted it to create the tunnel walls.

I really like plastic toys for this kind of thing because they are so lightweight and sturdy. No risk of chipping or breakage that you get with foam. I think this will fit in well with the rest of my rocky desert terrain set which includes big foam hills/cliffs, smaller Playmobile rocks and the bunker made from Thomas and Friends dock. All of which have received similar treatment as seen here.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/04/29 11:48:32


Post by: SlaveToDorkness


Nice stuff....now I'l lhave to start cruising the local goodwill stores!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/04 20:35:10


Post by: Eilif


I'm finally working on the Fisher Price Parking Garage that I've had sitting around for ages. This is for a buddy of mine who is painting up a 15 figure necromunda gang for me.

Here's how it started.




I build most of my terrain with out a base and he was ok with that, so the base came off, it was dis-assembled and the various parts got soaked in purple power to get the stickers off.

Then I got to work. Just yesterday I found a batch of plastic word cards, base 10 blocks and square tokens at the resale shop and I used some of all of them in this along with lots of other bits. They all seem to be made of plastics that will adhere with MEK based plastic glue which makes assembly alot easier. The actual garage levels aren't shown because asside from removing the red crank from the front I didnt change anything. Virtually all my effort went into the elevator tower.


Base 10 bricks, tokens, other bits, etc... Just alot of stuff glued on to make empty space more interesting

The middle of the side is a separate piece which will make it easy to spray it a contrasting color before assembly. Love those word tiles for covering over the spaces formelry occupied by the elevator crank and bell.


Here's what the 3 wall sections look like together.


The elevator car and 3 removable "doors". The car will be permanently parked on the second floor so I put some base 10 bricks around the roof to make it easy to put figs on the "third" floor.


In most parking garages, the passengers ride in the elevator, so the passenger gondola was unecessary. However the bottom section will make a good cover for an AC unit on the roof of the structure. I made the internal AC stuff out of Knex, Mega and Base 10 blocks. I was just throwing it together, but it does have rough representations of some of the major AC unit parts.


Just got finished base coating everything. I should have pics of that up tomorrow.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/05 11:24:48


Post by: reds8n


What a great idea.

As this is something of an ongoing concern I'm gonna move this to the P&M blog section.



Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/05 17:48:44


Post by: Eilif


Thanks!
Yeah, P&M blogs is a good place. I'll probably be doing more in-progress shots for upcoming projects as well.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/05 18:05:14


Post by: endtransmission


Wow, some great work on these toys. I remember having that garage when I was little. I'm looking forward to seeing how you modify it


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/06 02:37:30


Post by: Eilif


No brushwork yet (had a family movie night instead), but here's the base-coated/colored sections. The sections all work pretty well I think and I'm rather happy with the texture on the garage section which was made by flinging powdery cement mix at wet spray paint and then spraying a heavy layer of spray paint over that.






The blue color was a Rustoleum "chalk" matte color spray it came out clumpy on some spaceships and I expected the same (rough texture is good for buildings) here, but on this it was super smooth. I may have to give that line some more attention and possibly use it on minis. The light green on the elevator car is a satin color but it should flatten right out with some matte spray and/or drybrushing.

This week will see alot of wet and drybrushing and hopefully finish this up in the next couple days.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/06 06:06:44


Post by: evildrcheese


Awesome blog. I really like the Sci Fi terrain you've been doing.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/06 13:07:40


Post by: Eilif


 evildrcheese wrote:
Awesome blog. I really like the Sci Fi terrain you've been doing.

EDC


Thanks!
Glad you liked it. There should be considerably more coming as I've got a bunch of Sci-Fi scatter terrain to do for another friend and then I can dig into my personal project the Sci-Fi Train.

Also, I just resized some of the older large pics on this page so it should be an easy read from here on out.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/11 14:06:18


Post by: Eilif


The Garage is Finished!
My buddy decided to keep the 3 sections (ramp, Tower, Parking Structure) separate. I trimmed the tabs a bit, but the parts still fit together snuggly.

First the tower.


With the doors in place.

The Rooftop A/C unit


The Ramp


Parking Structure

Love that filthy grime...


Altogether now!



And now it's boxed up and will be off to my buddy on Thursday. I'm super happy with it except for two minor things. First, I had initially put some faded lines on the parking surface, but they were completely obscured by the heavy weathering job. Next time I'll make the initial lines bolder. Second, I somehow managed to leave a short area on the front of each level -where the passenger gondola docked in the original toy) open with no guardrail. Luckily my next project is a batch of scatter terrain. While building them I'll also make two barriers to cover those spots.

These are both pretty modern and don't really affect it's functionality. I don't have any use for a parking garage in my terrain collection, but I liked this enough that if I find another I might buy it just for the tower section which is a very nice looking and compact urban structure.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/06/27 21:47:19


Post by: Eilif


Here's a batch of scatter and small terrain I'm making for a buddy of mine. In exchange he will be painting up 6 or 7 necromunda characters.

All are based on more of the "Base 10" bricks that I also used on my parking garage Once you gouge them up a bit they make great cement floors.

-The first batch is cargo.
Some bogey's from a toy tank and some random gears taken from the inside of various toys. I love these.


Here's some baby food pouch caps, some electric motors (these are in everything!) and two stacks of I-Beams made from Power City (aka Girder and Panel) sets.


-The second batch is general industrial stuff.
Three bits of machinery all made from leftover parts from the $10 Technolog tanks I built a while back.


Here's a battery box from a flashlight with some tank wheel pieces. A section with a game piece, a farm oil tank, a contact case jar and a small bit of pipe from a toy. The green box was the back of some old army-men toy.


Here's kind a neat twist. I made two additional walkway sections so that each batch of scatter terrain can be placed together into a larger terrain piece.


Just primed these up I'll snap a pic this evening and maybe even start on painting.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/07/26 19:32:38


Post by: Eilif


Just finished up a couple of Necromunda style platforms based on platforms from the "Tony Hawk Circut Board" series of skatepart toys.
You can see an example of them here:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/688498.page#8635327

Construction process was as follows.
-Cut ends and center out of one and a side off the other.
-Add two supports to bottom of one (it was a bit tippy) and put a tab on top of each to suggest a hatch.
-Remove Roof and glue back on upside down to get the grid pattern.
-Snip off pegs that originally held roof in place to make a level surface.
-Spray prime black with $1 can of flat black from the hardware store.
-Lightly spray orange or blue from a distance to get mottled finish. I used Rustoleum Satin colored spray paint. Even though it's "satin" when applied from a distance in a light dusting, it dries fairly flat. Also it's pretty cheap at around 4 bucks a can.
-Each side was turned face up, drenched in brown wash (Future Floor Finish and paint) then after it dried turn a new side up and repeat, etc..
-Matte Finish to cut the shine
-Drybrush light tan.

Here's the results:








I was tempted to add more detailing on top, but as you can see in the last pic, not doing so makes for a nice wide space that you can stack other terrain on top of in true Necromunda fashion.

A couple other observations...

-I do wish is that I'd gone with either blue for both or orange for both so they'd look more unified when used together.

-The orange one really looks like rusty metal. I'll probably replicate this in the future as a very fast way to make rusty metal.

-I'll definitely be using these satin colored sprays lightly dusted over black again. I avoided them for years because they are satin and not flat, but it turns out to be an extremely fast way to make worn-looking paint and there's a HUGE variety of colors available.

Coming soon, pictures of the Cawdor gang I just received, two of which are in the pics above.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/07/27 04:07:09


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Great thread and I am very jealous of the paint job on your Eschers!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/07/27 15:40:24


Post by: Eilif


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Great thread and I am very jealous of the paint job on your Eschers!

Thanks!
The Escher are pretty much my favorite miniatures. They might keep that position for a while too.

However, I'm about to send a batch of 7 Necromunda characters to be painted by a buddy of mine who is an equally good (very different style though) painter in exchange for the scatter terrain so we'll see what happens.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/02 15:21:53


Post by: Eilif


Found this Indiana Jones "Jungle Cutter" (missing a fair number of parts) at the resale shop.


Could be a cool crawler or Ork Tank or somesuch, but I'm going to convert it into an industrial processing/grinding center. Like a couple of my recent projects I'm going to try and use almost nothing except for this model itself in the conversion.

The first step was to remove the treads and the bottom/underside piece.


Then I unscrewed and removed every detail piece that I could.


Then I got out my trusty Dremel 543 bit and cut away the lower section of the front so it would sit flat on the ground. I also cut away a few tabs from inside the cockpit area.



I also took the opportunity to start chopping up the track sections, making sure to preserve some long sections of tread for future use. They're mostly one piece with tiny wheels on the bottom, but when cut apart carefully, there's all kinds of great detail you can save.

The piece on the far right is a section of the underside that I'll be using in the next step.
Lastly, I saved the shavings and chunks that were leftover.

I especially saved the tiny melted/grinded bits that the 543 bit leaves on the edges. You'll find out why I saved these in the next installment...


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/03 19:32:26


Post by: Eilif


And now for the next installment of the Jungle cutter becoming Industrial Scenry!

First off, here's two shots showing the input and output ends of the conveyor belt. It's just two pieces of tread, glued together and then held in places with pieces of plastic that I cut from the bottom of the tank hull. Both ends extend just far enough into the structure to give the illusion of a full length conveyor belt and as you can see there's no need to be neat and tidy with the parts no one will see as long as it's nice and sturdy.



I wanted this shreder/gridner to be useful in both my urban industrial terrain and my dessert mining colony terrain. To that end I created two different sets of scrap that can be placed on or next to the the machinery. For the Industrial version, a pile of metal junk made mostly from offcuts from the tread sections and for the output a bunch of shredded "metal" bits made of those plastic shavings I mentioned saving earlier


and for the mining colony a small stack of concrete/mortar bits that have fallen off my house (It's 110 years old...) and some ground up rock made from gravel I sifted out of the concrete mix that I use for most ballast and soil.


The outputs are glued to pieces of Mc-donalds cup (a cheap source of flexible styrene sheet) and are stepped so they can lay in the end of the conveyor belt and appear to be spilling over.


This picture gives you some idea of how the stepeped outputs will look on the machinery. As seen in the picture, originally I tried to just glue them together (without the styrene cup base) on a piece of wax paper. That didn't work very well and it used a ton of glue which probably injured my brain, but at least you see how the stepped effect works.


Then I primed everythign with black spray paint. a few of the bits were vinyl and have gotten just a bit sticky but that will be taken care of with time and additional layers of paint. The main structure and the big vents were then sprayed from about 2 feet away with quick bursts from a can of "Rustoleum 2x Cinnamon Satin Spray". Spraying form a distance creates a nice mottled surface that is flatter than satin and looks nice and worn.


The input and output ends of the machinery which also give a bit better impression of the mottled paint effect.


So, this project is chugging right along. Last night I put all the paint on the rest of the parts and the various details and alot of flecks of metalic paint to suggest wear. I'll try and get some pics of that tomorrow. Tonight or tomorrow I should be able to apply the wash and then all that will be necessary is the tan drybrush.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/04 15:12:45


Post by: Eilif


All assembled and with colors brushed on where necessary and two quick and heavy washes. The wash mix is roughly half and half water and Pledge Future Floor Finish with brown paint added to taste.

The difference isn't as dramatic as it would be over brighter colors, but it definitely ups the level of grime and really makes the panels and recesses "pop".













The mounds of before and after junk got the same 2-wash treatment.


I'll try and apply the varnish and drybrush soon and should have the whole thing done and posted by this weekend.


A few notes on process and avoiding a common problem:
Future is cheap and dries very fast, which really speeds up the process of applying washes. I was able to do two heavy washes in one evening. Unfortunately it also dries with a slight sheen. A final coat of Matte varnish at the end of the project makes this go away, but unfortunately a light drybrush ( I usually finish with a light tan drybrush) applied over a hard finish like Future (which is basically liquid Polyurethane I think) sometimes disolves away a bit when you apply the brush-on matte varnish.

The solution therefore is to put on the matte varnish after the future finish (I'll do that next) and then put the drybrush on top of that. The drybrush will adhere well to the matte surface and I probably won't bother applying any sealer/varnish on top of the drybrush.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/05 18:13:21


Post by: Eilif


And the Industrial Grinder is finished!
2 quick layers of Varnish last night, followed by a tan drybrush this morning and here's what we've got:







Here's the two different sets of input and output. Scrap metal Becomes Metal Shavings and Rock becomes gravel.










It's great to find a toy as nice as this one where even the grating inside the exhausts is included!




So that's it for now. One neat thing about this model is that -except for the gravel, rocks and soda cup plastic- every bit of this model came from the original toy. As much as I love having a huge bits and scraps collection, a model like this is proof that as long as you have the tools for hacking something apart (again I recommend the Dremel 543 cutting/shaping wheel) and a bit of ingenuity, you can make great toybashed terrain without any bits box at all.

I probably won't have any terrain to show for a bit. I've got to assemble some marines for a buddy of mine and then I'll be off on vacation, but rest assured there are great things on the horizon for the month of August. It looks like I might finally be able to set aside the time to build my Sci-Fi Train!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/06 22:32:33


Post by: Ruglud


That is a glorious piece and such a great reuse and reimagining from the original toy. My hat is off to you


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/08 15:21:45


Post by: Eilif


 Ruglud wrote:
That is a glorious piece and such a great reuse and reimagining from the original toy. My hat is off to you

Thanks for the kind words!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/08 16:15:01


Post by: Sgt. Oddball


That machine is super awesome!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 05:10:27


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


That is fantastic.

Would adding a corpse to the input section be too grimdark?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 05:43:21


Post by: Wehrkind


Holy crap, I bought that exact toy like 6 years ago, for that exact purpose. Mine is still in a random box somewhere though.

Great work over all, really inspiring. I will be digging through here along with my bits boxes for some time to come.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 05:47:55


Post by: evildrcheese


That grinding machine looks freaking fantastic.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 13:38:51


Post by: Eilif


Sgt. Oddball wrote:That machine is super awesome!

evildrcheese wrote:That grinding machine looks freaking fantastic

Thanks so much! Very glad you folks liked it.

Kid_Kyoto wrote:That is fantastic. Would adding a corpse to the input section be too grimdark?

It wouldn't quite fit the vibe I'm going for, but I think perhaps to really 40k/chaos it up, another set of input/output with pile of corpses on one end and a bloody, chunky mass at the other end would be appropriate. Or maybe the output could be small cases of Soylent Green?

Wehrkind wrote:Holy crap, I bought that exact toy like 6 years ago, for that exact purpose. Mine is still in a random box somewhere though. Great work over all, really inspiring. I will be digging through here along with my bits boxes for some time to come.

Get to it! I'd love to see what you come up with. If you end up making it feel free to put a link to it here so we can see.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 16:50:36


Post by: Wehrkind


Will do! Although more terrain is down the queue past finishing up two armies, and I guess my job and dissertation and kids. I guess. It might be a bit


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/09 17:27:42


Post by: Eilif


 Wehrkind wrote:
Will do! Although more terrain is down the queue past finishing up two armies, and I guess my job and dissertation and kids. I guess. It might be a bit


No worries we'll still be here when you get around to it.

However, it strikes me that perhaps you're giving a bit too much priority to your dissertation and children. Perhaps a revising of priorities is in order?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/22 17:09:49


Post by: Eilif


Last week I was in Portland visiting some friends. One of the guys I spent some time with had been one of the founding members of m local club Chicago Skirmish Wargames. We had a bit of a throwback game, playing "WarEngine" (one of the club's early favorites) on a variety of his urban terrain, much of which I had had built for him years ago. I'm going to take 2 posts to show some of my work from a few years back, most of which never got properly documented. Many of these are pieces that he started and didn't like which were then give to me for a complete transformation.

First off, here's a real wargaming classic, a piece of paper/card packaging transformed into a bunker. When I received it, there were a couple of bits glued to it and a doorway, but I added the rest and painted it. Not going to win any awards, but it's a nice old-school piece.



Though I've mostly moved away from making terrain from cardboard and foam packaging, it's still a great method for quickly making really affordable terrain.

Secondly, here's a whole batch of classic wargaming terrain tropes on one base. A piece of PVC pipe, some bottle caps, a piece of cardboard tube and a small plastic jar.
It's like a 1990's Terragenesis special!
Seriously though, PVC pipe -and some of the other elements shown here- can be a bit of a trap. They are cheap and easy, but really have to be greebled properly in order to keep them from looking like what they originally were. I think I added just enough detail work to achieved that with this piece. A sort of vent/outflow/access-point for an underground installation.

Unfortunately The pics don't do justice to the damp, rusty slime in the bottom of the pipe.


Lastly, here's a couple of additional pics of a piece that I have shown before. This started out as a couple of Halogen bulbs and the tall tank stuck on a desert base. I rebased it, added pipes, platoforms and the I-beam superstructure. This is one of my favorite pieces and one that I often consider building a version of for myself.


It was great to see this and the other pieces getting some use on the gaming table.

Coming next time, a really impressive piece using the now-rare Pegasus Hobbies "Power Plant" set and alot of other bits.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/22 18:11:11


Post by: Barzam


Is that a Girders & Panels set I see being used in there? I've wondered how well those would work for wargaming. Seems they work quite well.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/22 18:45:03


Post by: Private Benjamin


Fantastic article, was a pleasure to read and the photos really helped too!

Love the sense of humour as well when you tried glue on wax paper


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/22 23:12:43


Post by: Eilif


Barzam wrote:Is that a Girders & Panels set I see being used in there? I've wondered how well those would work for wargaming. Seems they work quite well.

It is indeed. For a while they were being included in the "Power City" line of toys and I bought a bunch when they were clearanced out. It's polypropylene so you've got to use superglue or epoxy and a plastic specific paint like Krylon "fusion" but the price was right and the results are pretty good. Here's my initial review of the product.
http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2014/08/terrain-triptych-part-2-power-station.html
Bridge Street toys still sell it as Girder and Panel as well.

Private Benjamin wrote:Fantastic article, was a pleasure to read and the photos really helped too!

Love the sense of humour as well when you tried glue on wax paper

Thank you so much. I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/24 19:20:36


Post by: Eilif


Here's the other piece that I built a few years ago that I got to play with on vacation. It's mostly made of the Tehnolog/Pegasus "Power Plant" kit

When I got it , it was unpainted and mostly unglued, though most of the elements (tanks, LEGO pieces for pipes, structure etc) were there. I largely rebuilt/rearranged the structure and added a power block to the middle of the structure made from a McD's Transformers toy of some sort and alot of other bits. Also arranged a few sets of pipes on the ground to provide more cover, but it was a pretty easy build. The only design goals were to look cool and be able to accommodate squads (not just individual minis) of figures.
Here's the Power Block that ended up inside the structure.

The Transformers logo is still peeking out a bit...

Here's a pic of the structure assembled and painted, but nothing else has been added or painted.


Here's the final result. My only wish now is that I'd either glued down squares of card or drawn on lines to make the appearance of concrete segments on the ground. A small quibble though on what has turned out to be a very useful piece of terrain.




The top and bottom levels provide good cover and both are big enough to fit a whole 10-man squad and there's enough cover and space for a smaller squad on the side between the tanks and the structure and a few other areas of cover as well.




Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/24 21:16:10


Post by: Wehrkind


Wow, very nice and impressive!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/25 03:03:30


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Very cool.

For people looking it looks like the walls of the power plant are in available (if you don't mind ordering from Russia) but not the pipes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142089665962?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/25 06:05:35


Post by: evildrcheese


Very cool. Nice seeing your old pieces, still very cool.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/25 13:26:25


Post by: Eilif


Wehrkind wrote:Wow, very nice and impressive!

Thanks!

Kid_Kyoto wrote:Very cool.

For people looking it looks like the walls of the power plant are in available (if you don't mind ordering from Russia) but not the pipes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142089665962?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Good to know! It's a bit more expensive than I'd pay, but they do look cool and there's two nice doorway sections in there that didn't come with the original set.


evildrcheese wrote:Very cool. Nice seeing your old pieces, still very cool.

EDC

Thanks Doc,
Glad they still hold up!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/27 00:56:27


Post by: Eilif


Haven't put up anything on the minis front in a while and I forgot to post these when I got them back from my buddy a few weeks ago.



My buddy painted these up for me in exchange for me painting up a box full of Dungeon decor. This is the latest installment in my necromunda project where each of my gaming buddies paints a gang for me and I make some scenery for them. He has a style that uses alot of bright colors and he definitely brought that to these guys. Metallic yellows and blues abound and it's a really fun look. Let's take a closer look...

Leader (has bolter on back), shotgunners and a close combat ganger. Close combat gangers are hard to find in this range, so the figure on the right is a conversion.


Flamer (converted from autogun) and Sniper/Hunting rifle (converted from lasrifle)


3 Heavies. Stock except a new barrel on the middle figure. Allows it to be differentiated and used as an autoslugger. I might use the guy on the right as a leader.


Juves. Guy on right is converted with sword and a RT Ork bolter clip added to his pistol. Given the dearth of CC guys, he may serve as a ganger also.


Autogunners. All stock.


Lasgunners. Also stock.

How about a group shot?

And there you have it, one more gang for the collection! I like the look of these guys and once again the Champ Industries plastic bases prove their worth and value. I think these guys may also have use as cultists in games of "In The Emperor's Name".

As it happens my other buddy just gave me the Slick Delaque that he painted for me so I'll photograph them and have another gang to share shortly.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/27 17:49:52


Post by: Eilif


And the Train rolls on with another Necromunda gang.

As before these are my figs that I converted/rebased/etc and had painted by a buddy of mine in exchange for buildng some terrain, in this case the Fisher Price Parking Garage I showed a while back. The only request I made was for the dark red trenchcoats. It's hard to see, but he even painted tiny liver spots on some of their little bald heads!

This Delaque Gang is made from East Riding Minaitures "Slicks" line.
http://shop.eastridingminiatures.co.uk/corporate-wars-55-c.asp
These figs are pretty simply sculpted, but have a nice unified look and are REALLY cheap, coming in at less than $2 each! I bought two of the gang sets and one additional figure from their "Enforcers" line. I removed the very thick integral bases and in the process lost quite a few feet/legs which I replaced with parts of Heroclix figures. Almost all of these guys got new weapons and they were mounted on Plastic bases from the Sedition Wars boxed set. Over all, I was going for a bit of a cyberpunk vibe and I think it worked out quite well.

Here's the leaders. I'm really happy with the old metal Warzone Chainsword. It's nicely undersized compared to 40k versions. The old Ork Bolt pistol on the left is also a nice in-between size that could work for a bolter or bolt pistol. The guy in the middle with the shotgun is the "Enforcer", the only non-Slick figure,


The Heavies/specials. The Flamer and tanks is one piece and comes from a Reaper weapons sprue. The Grendade launcher (IG bit) and Heavy Bolter (Leftover from a Van Saar heavy Conversion) conversions were actually quite easy since I just bent the arms downward/outwoard pose so I wouldn't have to do any green-stuffing, though one or two hands snapped off in the process and I did use some superglue for gap-filling.



Lasguns and Autoguns. I acquired a few necromunda weapons sprues in a bag of random bits and I've put them to good use in this gang.


Stub gun and Autopistols. The gun on the right is stock and the left just got a new muzzle on his gun.

Two of the 7 poses are notably shorter than the rest, which makes me wonder if maybe the sculptor had Necromunda a bit in mind. Not so short that they would have to be juves, but it certainly makes the set an even more attractive option for the budget necromunda player. Of course, alternately you could also just chop the shins out of any of these trench-coated figures to make the more like Juve-size.

The rest.

Never ran a ganger with a hand flamer before.

One thing that I realize now is that I have a dearth of melee weapons on these figs. Though all gangers are considered to have a knife on them, I may at some point go back and add a few CC weapons. Perhaps a maul or a Scabbard or somesuch. That's probably a ways off though and for now I'm super pleased with the way these have come out.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/31 14:15:56


Post by: Eilif


I was holding off posting the finished products of my modular scatter terrain project because I ended up entering them in a competition at a different forum. The competition is now over (don't know if I won anything yet...) so I feel I can share them more generally. I'll do three posts. Cargo Terrain, Industrial Terrain and then some cool combainations.

First the Cargo Terrain:





I do wish I'd used a brighter color like blue or orange to distinguish the blocks that are under the gears from the base/flooring.



One think I didn't mention earlier is the neat detail (often with raised printing) that small electric motors usually have on the backside.

The individual blocks have a side with a round indention. That, along with using a different color paint lets you differentiate them enough to use the base 10 blocks for supports and chocks as well as the bases.


And here's the stacks of "Girder and Panel" I-beams that aren't technically part of the project, but are super useful as scatter terrain.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/31 15:36:27


Post by: evildrcheese


Cool, but simple terrain. I really like the machinery and I beams.

Cool scheme for the gangers, my SoB are painted in a yellow and blue scheme and always enjoy other minis rocking the combo.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/08/31 15:56:33


Post by: Eilif


 evildrcheese wrote:
Cool, but simple terrain. I really like the machinery and I beams.

Cool scheme for the gangers, my SoB are painted in a yellow and blue scheme and always enjoy other minis rocking the combo.

EDC


Thanks!
As much as I like chopping apart a toy into something really detailed and unique, there's something really satisfying about simple terrain that can be replicated by just about anybody.

I like the Cawdor colors also also though I can't take any credit. I only asked my buddy to give them a shared color scheme and he did the rest. One of my favorite things about this project - which has my buddies each painting a necromunda gang for me in exchange for me making terrain for them- is seeing each of their own unique styles reflected in the figs they paint.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/01 17:35:51


Post by: Eilif



Here's the second half of the finished scatter terrain.











Tomorrow we wrap it all up with some sweet combos!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/02 13:23:26


Post by: Eilif


And, now we arrive at the end of my Modular Scatter Terrain Odyssey .
The individual pieces are nice on their own, but I deliberately designed the layout to be combinable into larger segments. To this end I also made up a couple of flooring sections with nothing on top.

The pieces can be combined thematically to make an industrial mechanical piece and a Cargo piece. The stack of crates on the left can be used to take the place of the piece of flooring where the the ferocious Necromunda anti-hero Mad Donna is standing.


A bit of Industry


Some Cargo awaiting transport. Looks like it's been waiting a long time.


But of course you can also combine them to make an even larger section of terrain.

This kind of thing is especially good for Necromunda where a good game requires lots of terrain and sometimes you have open areas between larger terrain pieces that you want to fill.

This combined piece is 20x30cm (about 8x12 inches)

Hope you enjoyed this project. I won't post it here, but if you want to see a step-by-step tutorial for the entire process from assembly through painting, you can see my comp thread here:
http://www.beastsofwar.com/groups/painting/forum/topic/hobby-challenge-modular-urban-terrain-a-how-to-log/#post-166613
Like most of my stuff, it's actually a very fast-and-simple process that anyone can replicate easily.

Lastly, if this kind of terrain is your thing, I can't recommend highly enough that you check out one of the original master's of the genre, Sean Patten and his website www.ironhands.com . The whole site is amazing, but check out the Necromundicon, Votoms and Galactic Heroes sections first. He's been at it since the 90's and most everything I do has some connection to that site.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/03 17:28:27


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Lot of good ideas on your link, especially the Base 10 Blocks.

Thanks


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/03 17:33:01


Post by: Eilif


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Lot of good ideas on your link, especially the Base 10 Blocks.


Thanks! I'm very glad you found it useful.

I found a huge quantity of the Base 10 stuff at my local resale shop. I haven't decided whether to use it for more modular terrain (a large modular chemical plant seems like an awesome idea to me) or to use it to make bases/sidewalks for all my city buildings.

Even at retail though, the Base 10 blocks are a worthwhile solution for really sturdy basing of terrain.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/11 13:28:40


Post by: kestral


You do great things! I particularly like the "Indiana Jones vehicle to ore processor" conversion. It is not that hard to come up with vaguely mechanical terrain, but much harder to get it to really look like it has a purpose. Hats off!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/17 14:10:03


Post by: Eilif


I've got a new Orlock Gang.
Some of these guys are conversions and a few are non-GW figs.

A couple of years ago my buddy painted these 5 Orlock up for random post-apoc gaming. Some neat conversions in there.

About 2 years ago he sold them to me.

Before he moved away we worked out an exchange whereby he'd paint the rest of a gang in exchange for me making him some terrain. Last week they arrived!
Here's some pics of the whole gang. You can tell the new from old by the basing scheme. I'll be repainting the tan bases to match the others soon. He pulled some colors from the original batch (red, green and blue especially) to bring to the new figs.


The two on the left are the same base fig. The gas mask is from Victoria miniatures. Easy to use and awesome for quickly making two identical figs look different.
The guy on the right is from AlphaForge/Megaminis and is stock except for two new weapons. He'll probably be my leader.


All Stock GW stuff except for the helmet/head swap.


More of the same.


Two juves and the ganger on the left is another Alpha/Mega fig with an added sword.


Another pair of identical figs made different with a Victoria gas mask and sword swap. The guy on the left might also be used as a starter leader.


Another Alpha Forge fig with a head from a Warzone mini, a Vintage Rogue Trader era "trooper" (one of my favorite figs in the gang) and a stock Orlock.

Another thing I like about these guys is some of the gear and packs they have.



The whole gang.


Very happy with this group. Once I match the bases of the older figs, they'll be very well unified. I'm also very glad that there are just enough alternate figs and minor conversions to give it some unique character. This batch of figs was acquired on a very small budget as I traded or bought for whatever I could find cheap and then supplemented with non-necro figs.

The fellow who painted them also posted them on his blog. If you'd like to read his thoughts on the process and see some very classic-necromunda-looking action pics, I highly recommend a visit.
https://comradewargames.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/fully-painted-necromunda-gang/
Just a teaser...


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/17 15:06:24


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Really cool stuff. Those original Necromunda metals are some of the best GW ever made. The Goliath plastics were DIRE but the Orlocks were passable.

I like the Alpha Forge guys too. They're still around from whatever Megaminis is calling themselves these days.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/17 15:56:24


Post by: Eilif


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Really cool stuff. Those original Necromunda metals are some of the best GW ever made. The Goliath plastics were DIRE but the Orlocks were passable.

I like the Alpha Forge guys too. They're still around from whatever Megaminis is calling themselves these days.

Thanks. I definitley agree. Necro figs really hold up even today, 20 years later. The Orlock plastics are not great for an entire gang, but they're fairly easy to convert and they fit in well with the first generation metals.

Megaminis is rebranded Johnnyborg now. You can still get a set of 20 "Salvage crew" minis here:
http://johnnyborgcastings.blogspot.com/2015_06_01_archive.html
Alot of great figs in there for Necromunda, General sci-fi and post apoc and $50 shipped is a pretty great deal. I had some already and I got them again in the KS. I think 4 of them have made their way into my Necromunda gangs so far and another will be making an appearance in the necromunda characters that another friend is doing for me now. I've also got a few of them in my various sci-fi warbands.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/26 16:22:38


Post by: Eilif


Just finished the construction phase of my Sci-Fi Train. Like almost everything I build it's a Toybash of resale shop toys. I've been wanting to build something like this for years and I finally got the right selection of cars, bits and engine.

More pics and construction details here:
http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2016/09/26/sci-fi-train-before-paint/





I'd apprecaite any suggestions regarding paint. Not sure of which colors to go with (I want it to be useable in different settings) and whether to make it all matching or each painted differently.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/26 17:22:12


Post by: Barzam


The engine looks like a Tomica train. We have a lot of Union Pacific in my area. Their yellow and black/dark gray with red trim gives a nice industrial look.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/26 18:12:19


Post by: Eilif


 Barzam wrote:
The engine looks like a Tomica train. We have a lot of Union Pacific in my area. Their yellow and black/dark gray with red trim gives a nice industrial look.


It does have that kind of Tomica "Chibi" look doesn't it. Just blown up about 4x.

Union Pacific is a good one. We've got so many trains here in Chicago, maybe going with a tribute to a known rail line (minus the actual logo) would be cool. BNSF has the orange/yellow or maybe the classic BN green scheme?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/26 18:46:26


Post by: Wehrkind


Looks awesome man! That will be great for some blocking terrain, and non-standard building type things for games. It would be cool to write up some rules for moving the cars on the rails (for big models) as manipulable terrain.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/09/26 21:03:29


Post by: Eilif


 Wehrkind wrote:
Looks awesome man! That will be great for some blocking terrain, and non-standard building type things for games. It would be cool to write up some rules for moving the cars on the rails (for big models) as manipulable terrain.


Thanks!
I'm actually planning on having some basic automatic movement rules for the train when I use it in our annual 28mm Mech Attack game at Adepticon. It'll already be on elevated tracks, so as it moves across the battlefield it should provide full blocking even against our mech models which are about 6-9 inches tall. I haven't yet decided whether I'll make it destroyable or apply any victory points for it.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/10/04 01:31:05


Post by: Eilif


I finally finished off my Maersk Tesla Corporate Marines Platoon project. It's made of nearly all the "Vangaurd" units from 3 game boxes of "Sedition Wars Battle for Alabaster". 55 figs and 3 drones in all!

The figs are all cast in restic and there were assembly issues for some, but considering the ridiculously low price of the game and the good quality of the sculpts, I'm more than willing to put in the additional prep-time that restic requires.The basic troopers had been done for some time and even saw action in our 28mm games of Mech Attack, but I recently finished a set of 4 personalities and 3 gun drones.


Lots more pics, process, etc here: http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2016/10/03/maersk-tesla-corporate-platoon-complete/

For those interested, my work last year on the first set of basic troopers and my review of the figs can be seen here:
http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2015/01/08/sedition-wars-good-deal-for-patien/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/22 15:08:16


Post by: Eilif


The Sci-Fi Train is done!

I'm pretty stoked at how it turned out even though there were some significant examples of Murphy's Law along the way.


Lots more pics of every car and processes described here:
http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2016/11/21/sci-fi-train-finished/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/22 22:10:20


Post by: Llamahead


Brilliant impressive chunky look.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/22 22:56:35


Post by: Eilif


Thanks!
I was definitley going for an angular look. Kind of like the Ghosts of Mars train, though mine isn't as unified that one.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/23 07:03:40


Post by: evildrcheese


Almost totally unrecognisable from the original toy.

Amazing work a really fantastic piece.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/23 10:57:07


Post by: Ruglud


[sound of applause]

Truly impressive, an inspiring piece of work as always


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/11/23 19:59:52


Post by: Eilif


evildrcheese wrote:Almost totally unrecognisable from the original toy.

Amazing work a really fantastic piece.

EDC

That's great to hear. Since almost all my terrain is made from resale shop toys I'm always glad when the origins of the pieces are obsucred.

Of course it's also kind of neat when someone does a double take and confusedly says something like "wait, have I seen that before...".

Ruglud wrote:[sound of applause]

Truly impressive, an inspiring piece of work as always

Thanks, always trying to keep standards high!



Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/13 19:31:07


Post by: Eilif


Just finished up an in-depth review of Death Ray Designs Base Inserts/Toppers including beneifts and drawbacks of the different avaialble materials, and some hints for choosing the right size.

http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2016/12/13/csw-review-death-ray-designs-card-and-acrylic-base-inserts/#comments

Pretty cool product, especially if you're a cheapskate wargamer like me.







Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/28 07:20:38


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Hey is Base 10 styrene? Will model cement work on it?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/28 20:18:50


Post by: Eilif


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Hey is Base 10 styrene? Will model cement work on it?


It seems to be a different forumlation than GW style styrene, but it appears to be a form of styrene. I can't be completely sure but my MEK-based plastic glue (Plastruct Plastic weld) works on it. It also seems to take paint much better than softer plastics like polyethylene which can be a challenge.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/28 21:54:50


Post by: Alaricuk


Like the sci fi train,


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/28 22:56:17


Post by: The Brave


Amazing stuff here. I'm happy to see I'm not the only toy basher here.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/29 00:53:19


Post by: Eilif


Alaricuk wrote:Like the sci fi train,

Thanks!
Minor update on that. I found an electronics suitcase of some kind (probalby some kind of video equipment) at Goodwil with eggshell on each side.
For $5 and a bit more sheet foam I now have a hardcase for my Sci-fi Train!

The Brave wrote:Amazing stuff here. I'm happy to see I'm not the only toy basher here.

You most certainly are not.
Love your work by the way.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/29 16:01:56


Post by: Cleatus


Really like your work, Eilif. Lots of inspiring stuff here. Thank you for sharing!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2016/12/29 17:06:17


Post by: usernamesareannoying


eilif youre so cool.
i want to be like you when i grow up

thanks for the write up on the base insert/toppers.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/09 02:07:43


Post by: Eilif


So I've been a bit distracted of late, but I'm kicking it into overdrive as I prepare for my annual Mech Attack 28mm game at Adepticon. This year we're adding flying transport units to our game and I'm expanding my elevated sci-fi train line to 8 feet long with a second station and proper trestles.

First, last week I got together with my buddy and playtested the "Mech Attack" scenario that we'll be running at Adepticon.

https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/03/adepticon-prep-part-1-mech-attack-scenario-playtest/

The convention game will of course be in glorious 28mm, but our playtest was on the dinning table with our more manageable 10mm sci-fi forces.





Then last night as the second part of my Adepticon prep, I painted up this very compact church...

...that I had converted from this musical clock decoration.


Despite ripping out the light and sound elements and the power supply I was still able to make the clock work!



Should add a nice little bit of flavor to my city without taking up much space. Lots more pre-and-post paint pics and construction notes here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/08/adepticon-prep-part-2-a-compact-church/

Coming up I'll have posts about the Trestles, Train station and 'copters. I have to bash this all out in the next 6 days as I then leave for Colorado and am not coming back until Adepticon!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/09 04:24:30


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Nice job on the church, generally an underrepresented bit of terrain.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/09 06:15:46


Post by: evildrcheese


Cool church dude, well played.

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/10 15:49:34


Post by: Eilif


evildrcheese wrote:Cool church dude, well played.EDC


Thanks!
I've submitted the Trestle blog post to our editor so it should be up soon!

Kid_Kyoto wrote:Nice job on the church, generally an underrepresented bit of terrain.

Thanks.
I definitely agree about representation, Not sure what form it will take and it probably won't be 40k'esque, but I doubt that religions would be lacking from future plaenets colonized by mankind. I don't have any other religious buildings yet (maybe a future project should be temple and/or mosque and/or shrine, etc..) but I've at least got vaguely Catholic (or "high-church" Protestant) and Protestant looking structures in my collection now.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/10 18:04:02


Post by: Llamahead


Inspiring stuff Eilif seeing this meant I've picked up a house fro a charity shop to grim dark.....


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/10 23:00:13


Post by: Eilif


 Llamahead wrote:
Inspiring stuff Eilif seeing this meant I've picked up a house fro a charity shop to grim dark.....


Awesome!
What kind of house is it? I love hearing about other folks' projects.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/11 11:29:08


Post by: Llamahead


Plastic germanic style cottage. When I get around to it I'll bung it up on my Rawl Plug Shenanigans blog on here.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/11 12:15:26


Post by: Eilif


 Llamahead wrote:
Plastic germanic style cottage. When I get around to it I'll bung it up on my Rawl Plug Shenanigans blog on here.

Cool. Just sub'd to your blog.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/13 02:30:16


Post by: Eilif


A very practical update this time.
As followers of this thread will know, in the past I've built a train...
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2016/11/21/sci-fi-train-finished/



...and an elevated station.
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2014/09/02/terrain-triptych-part-3-elevated-train/



Today I give you the the trestles. Made 8 of these

One of these

..and one that is also a sci-fi power station converted from an emergency dispatcher toy, but you'll have to visit the blog post to see it!
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/10/adepticon-prep-part-3-ten-train-trestles/

The 4th prep post will be coming this week and is a grander and somewhat more industrial/freight themed version of the first train station.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/15 02:46:16


Post by: Eilif


And here's the big one!



This one is far more complete that the previous one, having the arched upper frame, Freight conveyer, lower decks and other parts that give it a much more substantial look.

Went a bit sci-fi/cyberpunk on this one also by adding some Mantic Battlezone panels.




Lots more pictures (pre and post paint) and construction notes here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/14/adepticon-prep-part-4-train-station/#comments
With a Train, two stations and 10 trestles, I've got a complete train line that will stretch across an 8 foot table, but you'll have to wait for my adepticon game coverage to see it in action.

Coming later this week is the 5th and last Adepticon Prep post. 4 Helicopters, two of which are a tribute to a local helicopter company.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/15 14:01:00


Post by: evildrcheese


That looks brilliant. Loving the use of the Mantic terrain panels to give it a futuristic look

Top job!

EDC


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/16 04:33:44


Post by: Eilif


Thanks EDC.
I'm not a huge fan of the Mantic terrain on it's own ( not bad just not amazing) but I've really fallen in love with it as a great source of bits and panels for improving other terrain pieces.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/17 15:55:36


Post by: Cleatus


Sweet work. Love the trestles.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/17 22:14:21


Post by: Eilif


And here we arrive at the last phase of my preparations for my 28mm Mech Attack game at Adepticon.

As I've mentioned before, this year's addition to the game is flying units. The Melk Defense Comand (Grey Team) will have access to a pair of troop transport helicopters and the Unified Colonies (Green Team) will be able to comandeer a pair of civilian heavy lifting helicopters.





I took the civie paint scheme from a local helicopter company, but to find out which one and see pics of the inspriation you'll have to visit the blog...
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/15/adepticon-prep-part-5-quadruple-copters/
... where you'll also find construction notes, in progress pictures, lots more finished pics, etc.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/30 17:51:28


Post by: Eilif


After all the prep, this year's 28mm Mech Attack battle finally happened last weekend at Adepticon. At the risk of defaulting to a much-overused term, it was Epic.

The addition of Flying units and the new elevated Train terrain elements were very well recieved and really added to the drama of the game.

All 6 player spots were filled and everyone had a great time.


Full AAR, and tons of pics at the blog:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/03/30/aar-mech-attack-at-adepticon-2017/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/30 22:33:07


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Truly great table thanks for sharing!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/31 12:24:39


Post by: Eilif


Thanks KKyoto,
It was alot of fun to run.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/31 17:15:53


Post by: Cleatus


That's a sweet looking table!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/03/31 18:38:41


Post by: Eilif


 Cleatus wrote:
That's a sweet looking table!


Thanks!

I love my city but the fact that there are no sidewalks or foundations for my buildings has begun to bother me. I just got back from Menards where I bought a box of adhesive floor tiles. Look for an update in a week or so.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/04/02 22:32:36


Post by: Eilif


Imperial Knights invade Mech Attack City!
I just put up a gallery of a masive 40k Knight battle that "Wardens of The Maelstrom" played at Adepticon using my Mech Attack City layout.

I've got my issues with GW, but you can't begrudge them the impressiveness of these models, especially when they are as well-painted as the Wardens have done.


Lots more pics here...
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/04/02/40k-knights-in-mech-attack-city/
....as well as shots of some 40k games that were played on the same terrain.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/04/04 15:04:49


Post by: whalemusic360


Table was super fun to play the Knight Fight on (the 4 blue knights are mine). Thanks for providing such a unique place to do so that was perfect for it.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/04/04 16:50:13


Post by: Eilif


 whalemusic360 wrote:
Table was super fun to play the Knight Fight on (the 4 blue knights are mine). Thanks for providing such a unique place to do so that was perfect for it.


Very glad you enjoyed it, and your knights were fantastic looking.

One of your members I and were discussing the possibility of his using my terrain for an official Knight battle event next year, so we'll see what comes of it. Could be cool if it works out.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/08/25 14:52:41


Post by: dsteingass


This is some EPIC stuff! I especially love the Rock Crusher and Train!!! Absolutely amazing!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/09/02 05:01:19


Post by: Eilif


 dsteingass wrote:
This is some EPIC stuff! I especially love the Rock Crusher and Train!!! Absolutely amazing!

Thanks for the kind words.
I've been neglecting my hobbying recently but I've got a HUGE terrain commision that I'll be showing in stages. The base components are 12 boxes of Pegasus Gothic Terrain that will make 5 buildings and 50 sprues of Mantic Deadzone terrain that I've got no idea what I'll do with yet.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/09/10 01:03:06


Post by: Eilif


Have been neglecting hobby in favor of music again, but I did have time to make a couple of vehicles for a friend of a friend in exchange for some squats.
He wanted some security vehicles that could be used in a variety of settings from Fallout to sci-fi. I found a few suitable 1/43 vehicles and coordinated the color scheme to some trooper figs he had.
Full explaination and some in-progress pics here: https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/09/05/commission-work-2-post-apoc-security-vehicles/





I'm going to start making terrain and vehicles for $ so if there's something in this thread that interests you perhaps I can make you something similar in exchange for monetary compensation.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/10/11 23:19:17


Post by: Eilif


Cheap Tanks for Konflikt '47!

Knocked out a few TimMee M48's recently.  They were originally just testbeds for camo schemes, but they looked good enough and the scale looked close enough that I decided to finish them off quickly with contrastting wheels/tracks and a quick drybrush. Most folks associate these with classic 1/32 toy soldiers but the dimensions are pretty darn close to 1/56.

Clearly a bit futuristic to see an early 50's M48 in WWW2, but technology makes jumps in most wierd war settings and I could always proxy it as an M26 or M47.  At the very least they'll be nice painted proxies for whatever a tank a given player wants to try out.

Full rambling review and more comparisons and pics here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/10/11/cheap-tanks-for-weird-wars/
I also show a couple of resale shop toy tanks I found that haven't been modded or painted yet.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/10/13 23:34:25


Post by: Eilif


Did a bit more work on my British Infantry.


Also took the opportunity do offer a bit of a review and comparison between the metal and plastic Bolt Action miniatures. Full review here: https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/10/13/review-konflikt-47-british-infantry-nearly-done/



I've since dipped them so it shouldn't be long before I put up a finished post.



Have a nice day!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/03 15:04:36


Post by: Eilif


Recently picked up this bucket of toy soldiers.


The figs, which are actually quite good sci-fi or near-future soldiers, are about 40mm sole to eyeline but my main interest is in the accessories which have alot of usefullness for 28mm wargaming.



Lots more pics and full review of the whole set here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/11/01/cheap-28mm-suitable-terrain-from-the-corps-elite/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/18 19:49:38


Post by: Eilif


I made 8 destroyed mech markers recently.
Having Wrecked mech markers/parts is something my friend and I have been talking about doing ever since we started running 28mm "Mech Attack" conevention games 6 or so years ago.

We used a basic foil and sand mold method to cast parts of our mechs in plaster and I spent some extra time carving them to more recognizeable shapes and adding a bit of detail that the simple foil molds couldn't capture. A few gears and plastic bits to suggest where limbs were broken off and a quick paintjob and they were ready for the table.

Full write-up and lots of pics here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/11/16/more-destroyed-mecha/

A few examples that Battletech and Macross/Robotech fans might recognize.






Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/22 17:56:07


Post by: Eilif


Finally finished up painting the 20 or so figures from the Mice and Mystics boardgame. Nice figs even before considering that they came from a board game.

Full gallery here...
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/11/21/of-mice-mystics-and-speed-painting/
... a few examples below. I rebased them on plastic bases with Death Ray Designs card base toppers and painted them with my usual fast dipping process. Rather pleased with the results.

3 of the 6 heros.


A bit of conversion work on the 6 rats too courtesy of a bag of random skaven bits picked up locally.






Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/23 03:04:51


Post by: kestral


Great stuff - I'm particularly jealous of your train!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/23 21:32:04


Post by: Eilif


 kestral wrote:
Great stuff - I'm particularly jealous of your train!


Thanks!

I'm actually thinking of making another, but more contenmporary for modern/zombie/post-Apoc settings. Last week I found a more realistic toy diesel engine that scales up pretty well for o-scale/28mm. Add a couple of heavily weathered cars and I'd be in business.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2017/11/29 00:58:03


Post by: Eilif


Cleared the desk/deck of a variety of little projects that have been half finished for far too long. A Camper, Rhinomen, 2 CAV's, 10mm and 28mm Cargo Pods and a WreckAge Biker.

Full post here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2017/11/27/rhinomen-an-f-150-and-other-assorted-projects/

A few teasers







Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/02/26 22:12:16


Post by: complex57


Nice work.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/03/01 17:13:20


Post by: Eilif


 complex57 wrote:
Nice work.


Thanks,
Glad you enjoyed it.

I've been giving model railroading my hobby attention but Adepticon is comign up and I've got 3 large spaceships that I have to build in 3 weeks so get ready for some big updates!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/03/01 18:23:54


Post by: whalemusic360


Are you going to have any tables set up this year?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/03/08 15:44:53


Post by: Eilif


 whalemusic360 wrote:
Are you going to have any tables set up this year?


I'm going to be running Mech Attack on Saturday Morning. However my terrain will also be used to provide one of the tables in the Necromunda tournament, and possibly also for the Walking Dead event as well. I love seeing my terrain in-use, so I'm looking forward to seeing how others make use of it.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/03/18 20:40:31


Post by: Eilif


Going a bit nuts last-minute building the three spaceships that will be the focus of my Adepticon Mech Attack scenario.
Here's the start of one being built from a Star Wars toy.



Here's a second one whose starting point was a "Power Rangers Mission response Vehicle", but has alot of other toy chunks grafted on.


Full details, pics and my rambling explanations are here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/03/18/last-minute-adepticon-prep-3-spacecraft-for-28mm-mech-attack/

And a reminder that if you're going to Adepticon and need something to do on Saturday Morning, I've still got 2 spots left for "Mech Attack, Shootout at Valestetch Spaceport"! I guarantee big mech models on a big table with awesome terrain!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/04/25 00:22:32


Post by: Eilif


Finally got the battle report up for our Adepticon Mech Attack game.
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/04/24/adepticon-2018-showdown-at-valstetech-airfield/

It ended up being a very good game with a result that was in contention right up until the very last turn.


Of course it was also my yearly chance to put together a massive 8x8 layout with my whole sci-fi city. I've phased out the last of my contemporary 1-story warehouses and now almost everything is 2 stories or taller.


No surprise that the 3 objective spacecraft were the stars of the show.

I'll have a separate post for each spaceship in the next few weeks with lots of detail shots.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/04/25 03:15:58


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Your table gets better every year, kudos!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/04/25 06:10:39


Post by: Barzam


Well, hello there, Pyramidas. He certainly does make a good cargo hauler.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/04/25 18:57:25


Post by: Eilif


Kid_Kyoto wrote:Your table gets better every year, kudos!

Thanks Kyoto!
That's definitely the goal.

Barzam wrote:Well, hello there, Pyramidas. He certainly does make a good cargo hauler.

Thanks!
I think he makes a better cargo ship than he ever did a mech, though Power Ranger fans may disagree.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/05 14:45:12


Post by: Eilif


Big one for you today.
Here's the finished cargo lifter based on a SW "Republic Attack Shuttle".

The toy itself is OOP and ridiculously expensive now but I found a used example for much less.
It's actually well scaled for 28/30mm once you fix the cockpit area.

I managed to retain the opening to so the cargo area is accessbile and I cut away the intervening walls so the cargo ramp leads from the front of the ship all the way into the cargo area.

I think it'd be perfect for Legion, but it was great as an objective at the Mech Attack game I ran at Adepticon.
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/04/24/adepticon-2018-showdown-at-valstetech-airfield/

Lots more pictures and details here.
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/05/31/tutorial-spaceship-1-smugglers-cargo-lifter/

If anyone's interested, this will probaby be up for sale soon. I'm in a bit of a downsizing mood right now.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/05 21:14:20


Post by: Meer_Cat


What a terrific table! And I love the cargo lifter- great adaptation of a found item!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/06 00:22:58


Post by: Eilif


Thanks for the kind words Meer_Cat. Glad you liked it!

"Found" items from resale are the basis for almost everything I build. Two more coming this week...


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/11 12:05:09


Post by: Eilif


Here's the second if of my Trio of 28mm Space Ships.

Probably my favorite of the batch, this hard working "Cargo Lighter" invovled the most toybashing of the three.


The roof is largely cobbled together from sections of X-wing and Millenium falcon toys, but I think it works well.


Also has a nice number of places where miniatures can stand around the midsection.


And of course there's an accessible interior.


Lots more pics and such here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/06/04/tutorial-spacecraft-2-medium-cargo-lighter/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/11 18:22:15


Post by: monkeytroll


Great blog! Some really impressive terrain pieces there, and that cargo lighter is very nice.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/12 03:47:15


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Those ships are really choice, very inspiring.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/14 22:07:28


Post by: Eilif


monkeytroll wrote:Great blog! Some really impressive terrain pieces there, and that cargo lighter is very nice.


Kid_Kyoto wrote:Those ships are really choice, very inspiring.


Thanks guys!
Glad you liked them. I've wanted to try my hand at toybashing some 28mm spacecraft for years and it feels great to finally have done it.

The third and biggest one is coming soon and then I've got a couple of posts about doing some of 'bashing of Deadzone terrain sprues to improve them a bit.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/24 21:43:11


Post by: Eilif


This is the big one folks!
My Ventauran Assault Craft. Made primarily from parts of a very large Power Rangers "Pyramidas".
For some reason the pictures didn't turn out quite as good, but they get the point across.


The engines were a particular challenge, but lots of X-wing parts cut appart and reassembled, filled the spaces nicely.


Bridge. There are a few nooks like this and the flat top mean that there's lots of space to place miniatures if this is used as a static piece of terrain.


And like the others, this has a nice large cargo bay.
This one, however opens completely in the front and is big enough to drive vehicles inside!


Lots more pics and my ramblings here:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2018/06/22/tutorial-spacecraft-3-ventauran-assault-craft/


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/06/29 07:11:45


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Fantastic ship, can you show the cargo hold with a tank?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2018/07/05 20:07:31


Post by: Eilif


 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
Fantastic ship, can you show the cargo hold with a tank?

Thanks!
I would normally have snapped a pic for you, but I sold all 3 ships a week ago.
I liked them, but when I looked at how often they'd actually make it to the table vs how much I want a custom bass guitar that would get gigged far more often, it was an easy decision.

IIRC, it was big enough to roll a rhino into if you didn't have alot of antennae an such, but a smidge too short for a Russ.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2021/07/15 14:01:10


Post by: Grumpy Gnome


So much to love in this thread! I am particularly fond of the train. Great work!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2021/07/15 15:09:38


Post by: Eilif


 Grumpy Gnome wrote:
So much to love in this thread! I am particularly fond of the train. Great work!

Thanks so much. It was a blast to build.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/03/15 20:07:40


Post by: Eilif


Finally getting back into building.

Turning a Paw Patrol flyer ("Super PAWs, 2-in-1 Transforming Mighty Pups Jet Command Center ") into a Spacecraft. This is a dual-scale project. The timeline is short as I'd like to have it ready for Adepticon for a 28mm Mech Attack wargame but after that I'd like it to be suitable for my son to play with varied action figures. I'm shooting for a generic look that will be workable in a variety of settings and scales. Leaning toward slightly cleaner BattleTech/Halo aesthetic with 2 swappable cockpits. A bridge for 1:56 miniatures and cockpit for a 1:18 pilot or two.

You can see lots pictures of the toy as-received with miniatures for scale here:
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/930/689888.page#11316919
Scroll down 3 more posts for pics with 40k tanks

My example came without the cockpit section so I'm building a new blunt nose. Already shortened the front by about a half inch and done a bit of shaping on the front. As usual, not much measuring going on. Just a lot of cutting (Dremel 543 wheel is your friend), shaping and gluing.

The blue bathtub is the cockpit section base. I'll probably use this as the starting point for the 1:18 cockpit and build something else for the 1:56 scale bridge.It It's been trimmed back so it will slide right into the opening from the cargo bay.

Pretty excited about this project. It's been a few years since I built any large spacecraft models (You can see 3 of them here: https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/?s=Spacecraft ) and this is only my second time doing custom vehicles for 1:18. It's also one of the biggest vehicles I've attempted.

[Thumb - IMG_20220313_174424192.jpg]
[Thumb - IMG_20220313_174434570.jpg]
[Thumb - IMG_20220313_174440536.jpg]


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/03/15 20:25:41


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Looking forward to this!

I need to work on my Batman drop ship!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/03/18 21:52:45


Post by: Eilif


Progress being made.

I'm going to do a very detailed post about the construction and I'll link it here when I do.

In the meantime here's what it's looking like.

[Thumb - IMG_20220317_180801511.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/03/21 02:15:31


Post by: Eilif


Basecoated black and then white.
Left the interior a bit darker.

[Thumb - IMG_20220320_184235411.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/03/22 11:46:21


Post by: Eilif


Made a blog post with a more complete description and lists of bits used.
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2022/03/paw-patrol-jet-becomes-sci-fi-spacecraft-part-1-construction-begins/

Painting continues....


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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/07 17:20:37


Post by: Eilif


Still haven't quite finished up the spaceraft, but I finally got the post up about our Mech Attack convention game at Adepticon. After 3 years off, it felt fantastic to be putting on event games again. 8 players, a full signup list and there was about as many folks on a waiting list!

https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2022/04/aar-mech-attack-battle-at-adepticon-2022/




The real joy is that my son was old enough to help for the first time and he seems to have been bitten by the wargames bug. He just finished putting together a crew of figures from Stargrave sprues and once they're painted, a game of planet 28 might be in order. Will post more about that in the future.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/07 18:39:58


Post by: Momotaro


Inspiring stuff, Eilif!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/08 12:34:45


Post by: Eilif


 Momotaro wrote:
Inspiring stuff, Eilif!

Thanks!
I'm in communication with TMX to see if they can give us enough space to run the game there in June.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/09 18:52:54


Post by: Eilif


My son is assembling his first sci fi warband (pics later) so I've jumped in too with my first figures in a couple years. I'm building an as yet unnamed anthropomorphic Sci-Fi crew. Also serves as chance to paint up all the various futuristic animal-people figures that I've collected over quite a few years.
Row 1
Rambo Rabbit, 1980s Metal Magic with Hassle-free saw
-Turtle Guy from North Star. Originally for Rogue Stars
-Lion Guy, same as above. With Chaos SM power sword
-Rhinocerix, Super Villain -Reaper 50262 Chronoscope
Row 2
-Skraw, the last Armadillion Reaper 50292,
-Maelstrom's Edge Contractor with Stargrave Crew raccoon head.
-Monterey Jack Cowboy Mouseling. Reaper (discontinued?) With Heasslefree Grymn machine pistols.
-Unknown sci-fi dog. (EDIT: I have been informed that he is a minor character and part of 1980s TMNT line by dark Horse)

If anyone can tell me the origin/name of the dog and the names of the North Star figs I'd appreciate it. It's nice to be working with minis again though I'd forgotten what a pain it is to remove cast-on bases. Removing a mouseling tail from it's base is no cakewalk

I'm going to base these up on a set of Micro Art bases that I got in an Adepticon Swag bag some years back. At least two of these guys were similar freebies and at least half of the others were bargain bin finds. Gotta love free and cheap!

[Thumb - IMG_20220408_213028588.jpg]


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/10 11:07:51


Post by: Eilif


Some progress made building the Spaceship bridge.
Mostly Mantic ” Starship Terrain” pieces. Seat is from a 1/43 die cast toy car with GW and Denizen bits

Also installed two half size, non flickering, LED tea lights. One in the bridge and one in the hold. I included a pic of the one I put in the roof of the hold.

[Thumb - IMG_20220409_145147217.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/25 00:50:02


Post by: Eilif


Finally got a chance to work on the Bridge, Control area and Pilots. A little more paint to go, but it's shaping up nicely I think.

[Thumb - IMG_20220424_193627963.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/25 00:52:50


Post by: Eilif


Also working on the separate swappable cockpit for 1:18 action figures.

[Thumb - IMG_20220424_193428048.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/25 08:31:56


Post by: IGtR=


Great use of the mantic terrain bits - which I must confess I have on order and may be trying to use to similar effect in the near-future!

Thanks for sharing


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/25 10:31:08


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


You're definitely on a roll!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/25 19:58:25


Post by: Eilif


IGtR= wrote:Great use of the mantic terrain bits - which I must confess I have on order and may be trying to use to similar effect in the near-future!

Thanks for sharing

Thanks, I was going all over Adepticon looking for appropriate computers and such for the bridge. The Mantic Starship Scenery kit was the best I found. I happily bought it and when they heard what I was doing, the Mantic guys gave me have me almost an entire additional set worth of seconds and some doors too!

Kid_Kyoto wrote:You're definitely on a roll!

Thanks!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/29 18:07:59


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


That bridge is inspiring. I’m feeling the need to kitbash an inferior bridge n its honor.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/04/29 18:54:54


Post by: Eilif


 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
That bridge is inspiring. I’m feeling the need to kitbash an inferior bridge n its honor.


Thanks! It's really a pretty easy mashup. Almost all Mantic parts except for the pilots and seating (from a 1:43 car and figure bits). The floor piece most of the computers are attached to and the pilots seat rests on is a gun rack face down...

I'll do a blog outling the construction at some point. Really hoping to be able to finish it all up this weekend. Other projects are beckoning!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/05/02 21:35:24


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


Where did you get the 1:43 car models or bits?


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/05/02 22:17:59


Post by: Eilif


 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
Where did you get the 1:43 car models or bits?

I think it was just a 1/43 car from a resale shop or maybe Menards.

Are you looking for 1/43 cars? I'm about to purge my collection.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/05/02 22:57:28


Post by: BobtheInquisitor


If they are plastic, and you are willing to part with them for cheap enough I won’t feel too bad over a failed kitbashing, I am. I want to make some Mad Mad/Tech-Com cars with Final Faction bits.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/05/03 01:18:20


Post by: Eilif


 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
If they are plastic, and you are willing to part with them for cheap enough I won’t feel too bad over a failed kitbashing, I am. I want to make some Mad Mad/Tech-Com cars with Final Faction bits.

Will be in touch.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/07/09 00:08:11


Post by: Eilif


Finally finished the ship. I'll have a monster blog post about it up in a while, but until then here's a few pics to whet your appetite.

[Thumb - IMG_20220707_205940329.jpg]
[Thumb - IMG_20220707_204554963.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/07/11 16:18:20


Post by: Eilif


Final post with tons of pictures is up:
https://www.chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/2022/07/paw-patrol-spacecraft-part-2-completed/
Very happy with the final results. Never built a dual scale ship before, but this will certainly not be the last time.

A few teasers to encourage viewing of the full post...







Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/09/08 17:41:15


Post by: mrgrigson


 Eilif wrote:

...

If anyone can tell me the origin/name of the dog and the names of the North Star figs I'd appreciate it. It's nice to be working with minis again though I'd forgotten what a pain it is to remove cast-on bases. Removing a mouseling tail from it's base is no cakewalk



Late to the party and haven't seen an answer in thread. The dog is from Dark Horse, for their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line. Love your stuff!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/09/08 20:26:55


Post by: Eilif


mrgrigson wrote:
 Eilif wrote:

...

If anyone can tell me the origin/name of the dog and the names of the North Star figs I'd appreciate it. It's nice to be working with minis again though I'd forgotten what a pain it is to remove cast-on bases. Removing a mouseling tail from it's base is no cakewalk



Late to the party and haven't seen an answer in thread. The dog is from Dark Horse, for their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line. Love your stuff!

Thanks for the kind words and the figure ID!

Do you by any chance know the name of the character? That it's from TMNT makes it even cooler.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/09/09 17:22:43


Post by: mrgrigson


 Eilif wrote:


Do you by any chance know the name of the character? That it's from TMNT makes it even cooler.


It was created for the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness" RPG as one of the illustrations Eastman and Laird did for the main rulebook. It's listed on page 36 as "Wire Hair Terrier" in an illustration of "An example of various dogs."


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2022/09/09 17:50:42


Post by: Eilif


mrgrigson wrote:
 Eilif wrote:


Do you by any chance know the name of the character? That it's from TMNT makes it even cooler.


It was created for the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness" RPG as one of the illustrations Eastman and Laird did for the main rulebook. It's listed on page 36 as "Wire Hair Terrier" in an illustration of "An example of various dogs."


Wow, what a wonderfully obscure figure. I really appreciate the research you put into this.

I've standardized somewhat these days as I've been playing larger games, but mixed, obscure bargain figure warbands were my bread and butter when we started Chicago Skirmish Wargames back around 2010. That warband is very much a return to form in that it includes two figures that date to the 1980's, 5 different brands and half the figures have at least some minor conversion work.

I did finally get them based and primed, but almost no other progress yet.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/05/01 17:22:18


Post by: Eilif


Toy bashing last night. Cobbling together a Fallout New Vegas style army truck for Konflikt 47 from a 1956 box truck and a Duce and a Half. Gonna hit it with OD green tomorrow.

Made it from the two 1/48 Menards vehicles below it that were only 5 bucks each and are both currently on the Menards Website in the Die Cast section:
https://www.menards.com/main/grocery-home/menards-collectibles/train-stuff-from-menards/train-stuff/c-13318.htm?queryType=allItems&Spec_ShopByType_facet=HO+Die-Cast&Spec_ShopByType_facet=O+Die-Cast





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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/06/01 17:27:08


Post by: Eilif


A bit of a change of pace here. I bought a Necron Army at a resale shop (best wargaming resale find ever!!!).
Half is painted and most of that is broken or fallen apart as except for one box of wrapped items, everything else was just dumped in a big plastic bag.

Going to try and get at least 1000 points of it (not counting the Monolith) ready for inclusion in a Grimdark Future Grinder event I'm running at TMX on Sunday.

Here's the painted stuff. Most is in need of TLC.

[Thumb - IMG_20230530_184717316_HDR.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/06/01 20:03:15


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Great find, good luck with them!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/15 15:38:15


Post by: Eilif


Still plugging away at the Necron Army. Got nearly every Warrior (and they were almost all broken) repaired. I'll post pics as they come together.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/15 15:44:56


Post by: Eilif


In the meantime I recently bought 50+ pounds of Robotix toys off Craigslist and I've been working on some terrain for a friend.

First two pics showing Robotix parts assembled (some cutting required) with bingo chips, pathology specimen case lids, Leftover game tokens, and various other bits.

Last pic shows complete after few layers of spray paint and a single drybrush. Very good chance I'll be building similar versions for myself. Really happy with the results here and it was an extremely fast project.

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[Thumb - IMG_20230913_194335579.jpg]
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Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/15 23:44:19


Post by: Meer_Cat


That is so cool- what a great find!

Coming in halves like that, and having 50+ freakin' pounds of material, you could do an entire moon base of pressurized habs and connecting tunnels. The mind boggles!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/16 06:47:40


Post by: Kid_Kyoto


Dang that looks amazing!


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/16 19:45:34


Post by: Eilif


Meer_Cat wrote:That is so cool- what a great find!

Coming in halves like that, and having 50+ freakin' pounds of material, you could do an entire moon base of pressurized habs and connecting tunnels. The mind boggles!


Kid_Kyoto wrote:Dang that looks amazing!

Thanks folks!
It's a fun system to work with. Normally the half cylinders and wheel end pieces are relatively limited in each set, but the lot I bought had a ton of both.

The bulk of the lot is less useful connecting pieces, but I'm planning to have a ton of fun using the useful pieces before I sell off the leftovers.


Eilif's Toybashig Hut (9/22 "Robotix" compared to 40k terrain) @ 2023/09/21 10:50:31


Post by: Eilif


Robotix cylinder vs large and small 40k storage tank.

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