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Welcome to the 18th round of the League of Extraordinary Riveters Terrain Competition.
"The Portal"

Welcome, one and all, to the 18th round of the League of Extraordinary Riveters Terrain contest.

For those who have not taken part before, this is a competition about terrain building (as you may have gathered from the title), but it is not strictly limited to pure terrain, dioramas that can be used as table top terrain are allowed (see rules below). To get a feel for how these competitions run and what to expect you may wish look at the previous rounds, linked below.

Each round has a “theme” or other defining attribute(s) that must in some way be applied to the your terrain project, to compete with other modellers for that most prestigious of prizes, membership into The League of Extraordinary Riveters [LoER].

The competition is open to everyone registered on Dakka Dakka, all are welcome to enter regardless of ability, etc.

The main aim of these competitions is to encourage gamers and model-makers alike to go that extra mile when building terrain that can be used for playing your preferred tabletop wargame (or similar pastime - for example, a board game playing piece would be acceptable). Those taking part can expect to receive ideas, inspiration, encouragement and feedback from each other, and at the end each of the participants is "rewarded" with a new piece of terrain for their own use (that's the thing you just built).

The winner of each round hosts the next round, and the cycle continues.
The theme, limitations, rules, judging and prizes are all the responsibility of the host, although he or she can get help from others for some of those things...

For those who are returning once again to compete a most sincere and heartfelt welcome back!

Past Competitions.

Contest #1 "Lids" (dsteingass)
Contest #2 "Cookie Package” (Viktor Von Doom)
Contest #3 "Fightin' Pit!" (MrMerlin)
Contest #4 "For the title of Master Shrubber" (Meade)
Contest #5 "Vehicles!" (Bruticus)
Contest #6 "We're Not Worthy!" (Meade)
Contest #7 "Fire at Will" ( hk1x1)
Contest #8 "All are welcome" (Camkierhi)
Contest #9 “Elementary" (Littletower)
Contest #10 "The Throne" (Camkierhi)
Contest #11 "On The Road" (Red Harvest)
Contest #12 "Wall me up, fence me in " (monkeytroll)
Contest #13 "What went wrong?" (OneManNoodles)
Contest #14 "Making something extraordinary from the ordinary" (Dr H)
Contest #15 "The Trapdoor" (inmygravenimage)
Contest #16 "Got Wood?" (Viktor von Domm
Contest #17 "The (re)cycle of Life" (Guildenstern)
... And now onwards to the current competition...

This round's theme is "The Portal".
I want you to interpret this in any way you see fit, but I will be impressed by any interesting, unusual and original interpretation thereof.


You can be in any scale or any system you like. Ideally, your first WIP photo should what you bits and pieces you are starting with, but I'm aware these things evolve organically. Also, it's about being innovative with what you have lying about or can scavenge - but using a kit part for a totally different purpose, or on a different scale, will also be rewarded.

I like to see how people build their models, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this. So please post as many WIP shots as you can. This can achieve more than just keeping me happy (and you want to do that anyway ): Regular posts in this thread will keep it in the public eye and will allow more people to find this contest. Also, if you post WIP shots, others can give you feedback and ideas before it's too late to change it (this will only help you as a participant and we all learn something new).

However, FINAL pictures should not be shown here. This is important for motivation, we are all our own worst critics, and seeing someone's brilliant work should not put us off but it can. I can't stop you posting in your own threads, but please not in here. PM me with the pictures / links instead when they are ready.

One last note on photographs. Please put as much effort into taking photos of your finished model as you have building it. Poorly lit, out-of-focus, blurred, and low resolution photos can harm your chances in any competition. Remember, If I can't see it in the photo, I can't judge it. Only you can hold the model in your hands and turn it around to see everything. Make sure everything you want me to see is in the photos. Thank you.

Rules:.
1: Talk about fight club the Competition. Tell everyone. Post it in your blogs. Add the banner to your signature.
HTML code for the banner.....
{url=http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/683041.page]{img]http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/11/8/429237_md-.jpg{/img]{/url]
change all the "{" to "["
It should look and work like this one:


2: Must be completed by the deadline. And when I say "must", I mean "about". There is a fair amount of leeway given in these contests but assume there will be no extensions and we'll cross any problems when it arises.
The Deadline is 11 weeks which makes it midnight BST 31st MAY
Which I believe is 19:00 EST or 16:00 PST!
But anything on that night though to midday will be accepted so that those of you living in the past can keep going until bed time.

3: Your piece should be scratch-built or heavily converted. Model kit parts can be used, especially if used in an unusual way, but you will get more points for something you sculpt yourself, so keep that in mind. Unconventional parts are highly recommended in addition to those you will be using as part of this competition.

4: Your model should be a piece of terrain or a diorama that can be used for gaming purposes. It cannot be a playable model in itself (a crashed tank must stay crashed), but removable models (people) are fine.

5: Any scale, any setting and any gaming system are welcome. A nice mixture of fantasy, sci-fi, historical, or modern will make this contest all the more interesting. If you don't play a game, that's fine too; just make a display piece, but keep rule 4 in mind.

6: The women are right, size doesn't matter. You can make as small or as large a model as you want. Bear in mind the time-scale and don't bite off more than you can chew. We've all made that mistake!

7: Final Entry: Six or more photos of your final entry, showing top, front, both sides, back and all the important parts - not to be posted in this thread. PM me with links to your galleries, albums, etc. As I said above, please take the time to take the best photos that you can.
Together with your photos, I would like a statement of the items (a photo would be ideal) that you used. This is not a must, but would be helpful.

Feel free to include some fluff or an explanation of the model/setting to allow the rest of us to fully appreciate your work.

8: AMBITION: Push yourself. Try something new! Always wanted to use leds? Go for it! Fancied weathering powders? Here's your chance! I'll be looking at your galleries for previous work, entries etc. I want everyone to feel that their best has a fair shot at this.

9: Not so much a rule, but it wouldn't be the League of Extraordinary Riveters if there are no rivets. This also means similar small details are highly valued (rivets are the best example of this level of detailing).

10: Sprue. Find a use for the often discarded wonder material and bonus points will be yours.

11. It being easter at present, I will be amused by eggs making an appearance.

12. THE RULE OF COOL trumps all.

If you are unsure of anything just ask away.

Judging:
Modelling: 45 points total.
(10 points) Skill and Techniques - No mould lines, gaps or rough edges (that are not meant to be rough). Show that you know the difference between a hobby knife and a spatula.
(5 points) Originality - You could have built anything, what did you choose?
(10 points) Materials - Choice of Ordinary items (ease of use / ambition / originality). Scratch-building Vs. recycled materials parts.
(5 points) Little details - Rivets, eggs, and other small details that add realism to the piece.
(5 points) The wonder material - Use of Sprue in is own right not just as a hidden support structure. Good, new and original use of sprue.
(10 points) Design - How well was the idea translated to the model? Layout of the piece; artistically and for playability. Well thought out design for the setting. Does the build fit the theme?

Painting: 40 points total.
(10 points) Between the lines - Crisp and clean paintwork. No slips or brushstrokes. Good
(5 points) Simple but effective - Use of basic techniques (washes, dry-brushing, layering etc.) to a high level. coverage of both the basecoat and final layers.
(10 points) Skill and Techniques - Use of advanced painting techniques such as blending, shading, OSL, weathering, edge highlighting, freehand, etc... And their execution.
(5 points) Thinking outside the box - Use of unusual methods to produce good results. Including the use of printed materials, or unusual media (iridescent paint, etc.).
(10points ) Final product - How does the piece look overall in all its glory.

Bonuses: 15 points total.

(10 points) Coolness: Rule of Cool is always in effect.
(5 points) Ambition: How far have you pushed yourself as a modeller and painter? Is this your usual standard, or have you tried new techniques, processes - or just played it safe?

100 points total.

Yes, there is more emphasis on modelling than painting. And Ambition points are there becuase I want to reward folk who go the extra mile on this.

Prizes:
1st Prize.
Membership to the League of Extraordinary Riveters as top prize. You will be allowed to fly the League's banner and be recognised as a modeller devoted to Rivets.
Also a commission piece of terrain to your specification, made by me, of a medium size (CD sized base ish) or a mystery prize


People's choice: As voted for by your fellow Dakkanauts.
Warm feelings inside and the bragging rights that your peers love your work.


And...
Anyone who completes a model for this competition will receive a full, detailed critique of your piece, written by me. No, really! This will highlight the good points and the parts I feel need work. I will give advice as to how I would improve the model and suggestions for alternatives. This is purely my opinions and is part of how I judge the pieces. It can be posted in this thread for all to see and learn from, or by PM if you want to see it first.

Judges:
Me (inmygravenimage)

So, go to it people. Get extraordinarily building!

Final list of entrants:
Guildenstern
Camkierhi
Nevelon
TheEyeOfNight
Terrainwalker
Tek Thornison
Viktor Von Domm
KINGPIN54

Back when I started my blog nearly 3 years ago, one of the first projects I planned on doing was to build a webway portal for my Eldar army. Either just for looks, or as a counts-as skyshield landing pad. I had an old desk art light/lamp thing I was planning on using as the core, the rest would be carved insulation wraithbone.

I’ll try to get it done with you guys watching.

The webway is now open:

Attaboy!

24 March is 16 days away. I think you mean 24 May.

Good idea for the theme though. Open ended ones produce really nice results...

yup. Long day!

Well he said in time for Easter... the which is the 27th?

I'll let you guys know if I come up with something, I would like to participate but work starts back in high gear soon so I'm staying out for the moment.

i sign up...

my son oskar made me get us a box of tau start collecting... and these will need terrain...i ave no idea how a tau would see a portal...but that is part of the challenge^^...probably won´t have any rivets on tho...

cheers, vik

Yeah, my brain is fried. I do mean 24th may but we're starting over easter so egg motifs welcome


Automatically Appended Next Post:
@Vik great to have you aboard!

In as always.

For all our non-English natives, remember that Portal can also mean "Doorway" or "Opening"- a whirlpool or sinkhole could be a 'portal' into the underworld, a door or window could be a 'portal' into a building or house- heck, even an Eyeball could be a 'portal' into the soul!

Then again, I like the "Mystical swirling vortex" version myself.



Time to see what I can do with my 3d printer, now that recycled materials aren't required. Count me in!

Yeah, doesn't have to involve a high tech gun and wormhole time/space travel things, basically any doorway. I'm sure I can do something for this, even if it's as simple as the hatch to a vault or something. Still hesitant to let fly my hat for the ring, however.

Count me in again!! Will post as soon as have preliminary thoughts

Count me in. I'll post a pic in the next day or two.

Would a teleportation system be a viable idea for this theme? I am thinking about multiple similar pieces, on different positions on the table to enable a "hunt the rabbit scenario"...?

What do your think peeps?

Cheers, vik

Sounds good, they would all be portals.

Indeed...

Camkierhi wrote:In as always.

Wouldn't be LoER without you!

Anvildude wrote:For all our non-English natives, remember that Portal can also mean "Doorway" or "Opening"- a whirlpool or sinkhole could be a 'portal' into the underworld, a door or window could be a 'portal' into a building or house- heck, even an Eyeball could be a 'portal' into the soul!

Then again, I like the "Mystical swirling vortex" version myself.



Time to see what I can do with my 3d printer, now that recycled materials aren't required. Count me in!

Absolutely. Any version, variation, or interpretation of doorway, opening, point of departure..

GrimDork wrote:Yeah, doesn't have to involve a high tech gun and wormhole time/space travel things, basically any doorway. I'm sure I can do something for this, even if it's as simple as the hatch to a vault or something. Still hesitant to let fly my hat for the ring, however.

Do it! DO IT NOW!

KINGPIN54 wrote:Count me in again!! Will post as soon as have preliminary thoughts

Huzzah! Your last effort got me thinking about this very idea

gabezgull wrote:Count me in. I'll post a pic in the next day or two.

Good lad!

Viktor von Domm wrote:Would a teleportation system be a viable idea for this theme? I am thinking about multiple similar pieces, on different positions on the table to enable a "hunt the rabbit scenario"...?

What do your think peeps?

Cheers, vik

Yup, totally viable.

Keep em coming folks, I'll update the list shortly!

I like your idea vik, ive had an idea almost silar to that where you have objective markers as portals, when you within range of say no1-5 you have to roll a dice to see where you end up and when i. Range of say marker no.6 you can choose. I say go for it!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
As for my idea, i will be using sprue to create a whirlwind style vortex.

exactly like that was my idea too... depending on how many similar objects i can come up a D6 would be coupled with that idea!

i yesterday watched a youtube vid called trash terrain...it showed how you make a portal from hot glue and foam board... nice and very convincing...





maybe that can help you in your work

cheers, vik

Thats a cool idea too, gonna try use a cone shaped object to melt strips around it then remove tthe cone.

Snap, I need a couple of those hotglue portals. I love hotglue. The little stringy bits that accrue while you use it are insanely frustrating but you can do so many neat things with it! Just watch out leaving your stuff in abnormally hot rooms or some things may disengage

Vault door huh... Thinking about it.

Sheesh and here I was worried you'd be busy with that new baby, Graven

I am tentatively entering (barring other life emergencies) - been hankering to do something with the portal theme in Malifaux, but have to see!

I heartily approve of rule 10.

Nice theme too.

I doubt I'll have time to make something myself, but I'll be about to spout rubbish or advice.

Good luck everyone.

As promised. I roll the dice on this one. Sign me up! Though you won't see much till after Adepticon ( After April 4th ). No worries. if Git can paint an army in a month I can do a portal in 3 weeks.. ( snaps finger )

I'm going to give this a go. I always lurk these threads and I finally caught one early enough to have a fair shake at it.

It will be my first bit of terrain in a long time, so I'm by no means an expert. I'll try not to disappoint.

I've got a whole bunch of junk in my room, and after a quick supply run this weekend I'll try get a photo of my gathered goodies!

Feck it. Vault entrance set into the side of a rough hillock/outcropping. No promises but I'll try.

 GrimDork wrote:
Feck it. Vault entrance set into the side of a rough hillock/outcropping. No promises but I'll try.

Giant cog Fallout style?

Maybe. I may do something a little different just to be... different... but I may not. How thick in inches do you reckon a fallout vault cog seal would be? Half inch? Whole inch? Whole inch is nearly 5-6 feet thick in scale so maybe start with a piece of foam core for a more reasonable thickness to the door?

Good man! Go crazy! And Solar_lion, damn good to cya sir!

all i can say is.... Im gonna rock , well portal this thing!!