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Saturday 8 March 2014

Another prototype L-shaped built-up area

I spent some time this afternoon building a second prototype L-shaped built-up area. This one is intended to be an industrial area and is supposed to look like a factory and warehouse ... hence the addition of a chimney stack.

(The 15mm-scale figure is included to give some idea of the size of the completed model.)






This prototype took me longer to make than my first attempt, but I am quite pleased with the end result.

When I placed the two prototypes together, it was easier to see how a built-up area could be depicted using a combination of these L-shaped models.





I think that I will need to build some more prototype models before I start building a significant number of L-shaped built-up areas, but I feel that I have now proved that the concept works.

22 comments:

  1. Good evening Bob,

    They look very nice indeed - I particularly like the way you have tackled the windows.

    I messed about with some similar ideas today and can certainly see the potential - especially when using a smaller grid.

    They will look a treat when painted and once you have the technique finalised it will be a simple matter to churn them out easily enough. I am considering drawing buildings using MS Paint and printing them on to sticky labels (in the same way as my block labels are prepared) and fixing these to the wooden former - it would save painting.

    All the best,

    DC

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  2. The added details, even without painting, just sets these profiles off nicely. This looks like the way to go all right. I don't reckon you need go much further with the design concept - it looks as though you've got it sussed right there.

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  3. Bob

    Very neat indeed. I used a similar method, also per the archduke's comment, of printing a mirrored image onto stiff paper, then cutting and folding and gluing. Sized for the hexes I used at the time, then glued down - my modules were historic and not free form. Buildings used were the cardboards from Heroics and Ros, plus some mock-ups from photos e.g. Stalingrad. There's a thought; let's see your Stalingrad. Come on, get cracking now.

    Regards

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  4. Umm, my bad. That should be per David Crook. Apologies.

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  5. David Crook,

    I decided to cut out the windows and doors as I hoped that it would improve the overall look of the models ... and it does.

    I can see no reason why labels printed in colour and stuck on wooden formers would not work just as well.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  6. Bob,
    Very impressive! This definitely looks like the way to go for BUAs on gridded playing surfaces.

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  7. Archduke Piccolo,

    I want to try building some prototype smaller buildings to see if the concept works as well with single storey buildings and houses.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  8. Arthur,

    I think that you are referring to David Crook's idea, which sounds very similar to your own design concept.

    Stalingrad ... now there's a thought!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  9. Arthur,

    That will teach me to read ALL the comments before writing my replies!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  10. Conrad Kinch,

    Thanks for the congratulations.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  11. Arthur1815,

    I think that I have almost cracked it ... but I have one or more prototypes to build before I am absolutely certain.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  12. Jim Duncan,

    I think that the cut outs for the doors and windows make the models appear to have a bit of depth ... and make a tremendous difference.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  13. Not much to add. One of my first thoughts was the cutout windows and doors add depth, like several of you said. The different "layers" of wood help, too. These are looking quite good. I'm sure the final versions, all painted up, will work very well, and look great in your games.
    Nice work!

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  14. Fitz-Badger,

    Thanks very much for your kind comments.

    There are a few more details that I want to add to the next prototypes that I hope will improve the general look of the models overall.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  15. Bob, I think they work really well, love the idea!
    Iam

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  16. Ian Dury,

    Thanks for your kind comment.

    I must admit that I am quite pleased with the way that they have turned out.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  17. Great piece of work Bob- it is moving along really nicely !The way to go indeed...

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  18. Tradgardmastare,

    Thanks for your kind comment.

    I still hope to 'improve' on the concept - including the possibility of developing some L-shaped woods - but I think that I have got the basics right.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  19. Very effective, Bob! Just got sent here from Peter's recent post at Grid-based Wargaming, and it's got the old brain mulling a few things over. Thanks to you both!

    Cheers,
    Aaron

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    Replies
    1. Prufrock (Aaron),

      I'm pleased that you have found the idea effective. It's an idea that I need to re-visit.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete

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