Terrain Tutorial: Warjack Repair Shop

I have completed a six part video tutorial for how to make a Warjack Repair Shop for your Warmachine battlefield.  Though I suppose the regular armies of Khador and Cygnar have their own, advanced facilities for mechanics, I pictured a small row-house type garage where locals service 'jacks that are 'just passing through' their town.  Or, perhaps this is a simple little shop where the likes of Dirty Meg service shoestring machines like Mules and Mariners!  Here are some shots of the unpainted(except for priming) structure.  I will have the model painted up in the future and be sure to post that here.  Be sure to scroll down to the video tutorials...

Six Part Video Tutorial...

Market Terrain Bits

Most wargamers know that there's a lot of great terrain products, including small details(sandbags, barrels, crates, etc.), out on the market.  Although I am a consistent consumer of those items(love the Pegasus Hobbies pieces) myself, I sought to 'homebrew' a few bits myself to showcase some inexpensive alternatives.  Below are some pics of items I 'dressed up' for Warmachine boards, or you can visit my Youtube tutorial on these small items. If you are new to terrain-building, and looking for a simple project to "cut your teeth" on, here ya go...

The first item is my 'fruit basket".  The structure is basically an inverted cap to a spray bottle(such as cleaners, tanning spray lotions, etc.) with balsa bits on the outside.  I ringed these with cardboard to create the metal 'rims'.  I filled up the bottle cap with foam and placed my "fruit"(in this case, peppercorns) on top.  After painting, I had a nice fruit basket...

Second, I found some nice wooden crafts bits(Finial Dowel Cap) at a Michael's that were well suited to becoming "urns" or pottery for my market.  I painted them tan, washed them with a brown ink, and added a simple design.  I filled the urn with some bristles from a make-up brush(field grass would do as well)...

Finally, I've been looking for a while for wooden craft bits that resemble barrels.  Found 'em at Hobby Lobby.  These "mini pickle barrels" are to scale and just needed a little dressing up.  I tried to carve in the planks but that didn't work out too well- so I drew on the vertical planking lines with a paint marker(fine tip)...

So there you have it- I estimate that for under $7 dollars(including peppercorns!) you could have nine barrels, six urns and 3-4 fruit baskets- not bad!
For a video description of this project click on the video link below...


My next terrain project will be a Warjack Repair Shop!

Painting the Iron Kingdoms Bunker

I have finished painting up the simple bunker for my Warmachine battlefield.  You can see the video tutorial here on how I went about painting it.  It's a very functional piece and its size is designed to provide cover to a unit of 8-9 men as you can see in the still pics below.  Scroll to the bottom for an embedded video of the painting tutorial. 

 

Reporting for Duty: Cygnarian Long Gunners and Unit Attachment

They're not going to overpower your foe, but with their dual shots and impressive range they will, at a minimum, agitate the opponent.  These guys were more difficult to paint that some of the other WM minis that I've done so far but I am pretty happy with the final effect.  Plus, you can take these lads in a Highborn Syndicate Mercenary Army! 

The bases for my Cygnarians are what I call my "Ancient Ruins" effect.  I covered half the base with a standard sand(which became dirt) that was flocked with a Spring colored static grass.  The other half was spackle into which I carved the ancient bricks. 

You can check out some stills below or my Youtube "Figure Feature" on these guys...

Terrain Tutorial Warmachine Bunker

lI have uploaded another five part video tutorial project to my Youtube Channel.  This time the subject is the construction of a simple bunker for your Warmachines battlefields.  Below you can see a couple of "work in progress" shots of the terrain piece, but be sure to check out the Youtube vids for a more detailed explanation of construction...

Youtube video tutorial...

Painting the Iron Kingdoms House

Terrain-building has really become a fun part of the overall pleasure of the Warmachine hobby for me of late.   I have finished painting my Iron Kingdoms House which you can see below.  You can visit my Youtube Channel for a five part tutorial on painting up the house(or see the embedded videos below)

As a final add-on I made different signs that can be attached to the house(Cygnarian and Khadorian respectively).

If you're curious about my low budget approach to painting the structure, check out the videos below...

Warmachine Terrain Project: " 'Jack Trap"

As a guy who loves terrain-building almost as much as painting Warmachine minis, my eye is always scanning for new scenery ideas.  While browsing the beautiful image of Beast 09(Khador Heavy Warjack) on page 79 of the Forces of Warmachine: Khador book, I noticed a nice terrain element as part of the artist's rendering: I have dubbed it a " 'jack trap ".    I have modeled it as a separate piece, but you could easily integrate the concept into larger trenchworks(such as shown in the latest New Quarter mag).  Now I don't think this would be an impediment to a heavy warjack, but to a light warjack or Man-o-War it would likely present a serious obstacle...

I always like to start my terrain projects with a simple sketch to frame my approach- I suggest this for all terrain builders(and as you can see, you don't have to be a great artist to take this approach!)...

Below is the unpainted(and untextured) terrain piece "in the works".  The earthen mound is simple blue insulation foam(from a leftover piece from my Iron Kingdoms house construction).  The log spikes are actual tree branches that I scavenged from my back yard(about 1/2" in diameter, giver or take) and sharpened with a utility knife.  I didn't want to use wooden dowels because I wanted it to look like crudely cut timber, so actual branches was a nice fit...

The metal pieces were made from the following: steel collars=styrene sheet(from For Sale sign), chain links=jewelry craft chains, rivets=modelling putty.  I did add some weight to the bottom of the mound to offset all the wood/chain weight on the one side of the structure to keep it from tipping(I just emplanted an old magnet strip in the bottom of the foam).  Finally, the base was textured with a sand and kitty litter mix before painting.  I though about painting the log spikes, but in the end I liked the natural look of the branches. 

Below you can watch a Youtube video where I describe this project...

Reporting for Duty: Dirty Meg and Mule

I finally finished painting up Dirty Meg(Mercenary Solo/Jack Marshall) and a Mule(Mercenary Heavy Warjack).

To me Dirty Meg is a great bargain.  For two points you get not just a mechanic, but a merc Jack Marhsall that can bring friends to the party such as a Mule, Mariner, Nomad or any number of merc 'jacks!  I love the look of the Mule as well as its solid stats.  With a nice ranged attack, brutal melee attack and some nifty special abilities(not to mention solid armor), it's a solid choice.  For more information visit the Battle College entries for Dirty Meg and Mule. 

You can see how I painted them up in the Youtube vid below(best viewed in HD)...

Horgenhold Artillery Corps Figures!

I don't plan on typically using this blog to recirculate news from Privateer Press but the new figures shown on their site today are too awesome, I need to spread the word! ...
(click on picture for a bigger/clearer image)

The picture is from the Privateer Press website and here is their description...

"The clan lords of Rhul viewed the advent of artillery among the human nations of the Iron Kingdoms with amusement. The Rhulic Moot has traditionally taken a dim view of mercenary operations, but in recent years the profits certain clan lords have gained is difficult to dismiss. Certain provisions were made to allow Rhulic mercenaries abroad to equip themselves with siege cannons and other weapons of war. Their powerful mortars are extremely destructive and can be fired indirectly, giving the Rhulic army an intimidating ability to control the battlefield."

Wow, can't wait to field that in Rhulic Mercs army!  Plus, you have to love the female dwarf as the main gunner- women dwarves seem to get so little attention in fantasy worlds!   Check out the helmet on the dwarf on the left...very nice!  As always, the Privateer Press sculptors 'get' what games want, and create minis many of us can't wait to get our hands on!

Terrain Tutorial: Warmachine Crates

There's many great crates out there for use in miniature wargames.  Pegasus Hobbies makes affordable resin sets, many wargames terrain companies make nice casts, and on eBay you'll find some neat custom pieces.  Of course, you'll spot many fine examples in the Privateer Press source material as well(Mark II Rulebook, No Quarter Mag., etc.).  I wanted to create something original that still fits the Iron Kingdoms style.  Visit my three part Youtube video tutorial to see how to make crates for Warmachine...



Project Brief
Materials Needed: Small Piece of Thin Balsa Wood, Two Part Modeling Putty, "For Sale" Plastic Sign, 3/4" x 3/4" Wooden Craft Cubes, White Glue
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Terrain Tutorial: Iron Kingdoms House

Today I compiled a four part video tutorial on how to make an Iron Kingdoms style house.  The inspiration was an article in an old No Quarter as well as visuals in the Mark II rulebook.  I hope you find it helpful or inspiring...








If anyone has any further questions feel free to comment.  I will be positing videos and pictures of the painted project in the future.

Khador Week...

In honor of the Forces of Warmachine: Khador book coming out, I have dubbed this "Khador Week". Privateer Press delivers a great supplement again, and I celebrate by making some Khador minis.  See me launch "Khador Week" on Youtube...

Cryx v. Khador Battle Report(17pt skirmish)

Check out my latest video battle report where GDog's Cryx dismantle my poor Khadorians...

Warmachine Terrain Project: Water Tower

In the steam-powered Iron Kingdoms, water and coal provide the fuel for war.  I set out to make a simple water tower terrain piece for my WM games.  There are many great tutorials out on the internet for making water tower terrain such as the great one at Terrainthralls.  That being said, I wanted to make a couple of modifications to the stuff I've already seen to create a simple little project using easily acquired materials.

Step 1: Snack Can Slicing
For the first step you'll need a cardboard snack can that you can cut in half(I used a Slim Jim's can- short Pringles cans, etc. would do the trick too). I used a small x-acto saw but there are many ways you could cut it...

Step 2: Creating the Water Tank

Creating the tank was very easy.  Just use small craft sticks(coffee stirrers) and cut them to size.  Make sure you use the half of the container with the solid, metal bottom.  Then use white glue to apply them to create the wooden structure of the water tank.  Later I will add styrene(cheap $1 "for sale" sign plastic is perfect) rims around the 'barrel'(see later pictures below). 

Step 3: Crafting the Roof
For the roof of the water tank I cut out a disc of styrene(yard sign).  Make the sure the disk is wider than your tank because when you "dome" the roof into a cone shape, you're going to lose some width.  Cut a slit from the edge to the center...

To create the dome shape overlap the disc a bit where you made the incision and secure with super glue(or white glue if you pin it).  After that is firm you can cut plastic strips that will run from the perimeter to the center.  I finished off the piece with a simple thumb tack on the top and 'rivets' cut from styrene with a leather whole punch.

 

Step 4: Placing the Water Pipe

For my water pipe, to give it that 'alternate universe" Iron Kingdoms feel, I decided to have the water pipe come from the bottom of the tank rather than from the front like a classic water tower.  My pipe, as you can tell, is a simple 'bendy straw'.  I cut a small hole into the tin bottom with a utility knife(you could use a drill mind you)...

Step 5: Building the Base and Putting It All Together

The base is a simple frame using balsa wood and craft sticks- you create any simple structure you like.  Now typically the 'stilts' of water towers are higher, but I wanted a short, stunted look- as my water pipe protrudes from the bottom of my tank...

In case you are wondering, the water pipe just threads between the frame pieces.   I used super glue to affix the roof to the water tank and white glue to attach the wooden frame to the tank.  

Step 6: Added Bits and Details

Now for the fun of making this look like something.  Cut strips of styrene to add metal frame reinforcing rings around the tank.  Add some rivets to complete these rims.  

 

For some detailing of the base and pipe I did a couple of little things.  First, I cut rectangles of styrene and creased them, applying them as reinforcements on the joints in the wooden frame...adding rivets to complete the 'rickety' look.  The pipe was modified by inserted a smaller plastic straw from a juice box(At the time I actually asked one of sons to drink one so I could have the straw).  I inserted the smaller straw into the other one and used modeling putty to create a flexible bladder where the two join.  Finally, I strung(glue on) some cheap jewelry chain to the bottom of the can, added a metal(soldering wire) hook to the end of the pipe- creating a rest for the pipe so it wouldn't hang down freely when not in use.  A small piece of sprue made a spigget for the end of the pipe..

At this point you could attach the whole thing to a terrain base and texture and flock it but there are two areas of thought on this.  First, an 'unbased' terrain piece can fit any terrain or ground cover on your battlefield.  If you flock a base(with spring grass, snow, etc.), then it could look out of place on some types of terrain.  The other philosophy is that a terrain piece always looks more 'finished' with a nicely decorated base.  You'll have to decide.

And here is the finished, painted piece...

 

For a quick video tour of this project go to the video below...

Small Warmachine Terrain Projects: Oil Drums and Coal Bin

As promised, I am posting some more small terrain project ideas for your Warmachine battlefield.  Let's get this clear first, I love much of the professionally made terrain bits out there by companies like Pegasus Hobbies(great barrels, crates, etc.).  It's not my goal to reinvent the wheel but to conceive of novel terrain 'bits and pieces' that fit the Iron Kingdoms setting. 

First, my "Khador Oil Drums"...
I thought to myself, do all oil containers have to look like the classic WWII(and beyond) oil drum?  Who's to say the nature of containers isn't a little different in the Iron Kingdoms?  I saw some "Candle Cup" wooden bits at Michael's and envisioned something different...

 

All these odd-shaped wooden bits needed was a lid and a little bit of detailing to become Khadorian oil drums(I bought a bag of wooden circular shapes on the cheap- the small rounds were perfect lids for my drums)...

Using the simple glue drop method(as the rivets had to be small), I envisioned lids securely fastened on top of the drums...

I painted up the drums with a gunmetal color and a little rust effect.  To make the rivets a little more distinct I decided to highlight them with  a copper paint.  The variation in the foreground is a variation of the concept- a seal "wooden" barrel using strips of paper as metal framework.  You can also see(barely visible), on the right I painted the word "oil" in Khadorian in an off-white background.  +4 cover for the Trencher Chaingun Crew!...

For my second little project I decided to make a "coal bin".  I mean, in a world of steam-driven machinery, surely there must be ample reserves of coal on hand!  I mainly used the same materials that you can see in my tutorial on fence-making.  I built an "x"-structured frame for the bin with matchsticks to begin(on a foamcore base). I added small pieces of wood to these frames(as shown in the second pic) to create an even edge upon which to attack end caps of "metal".

 The main planks of the coal bin are the craft sticks/coffee stirrers cut to fit the frame.  Just use some white glue and drop them in...

The end caps to the coal bin represent sheet metal and are made from plasticard(actually inexpensive "For Sale" sign plastic).  The rivets were made from modeling putty, but you could use the leather punch or glue drop method if you prefer...

I textured the base using sand and used cork bits as my coal load(use model railroad coal or whatever you like).  I actually filled the bed with some spackle(filler) and just placed the "coal" on top- so I didn't need as much cork material in the end.  I did a quickie paint job and my coal bin was ready to provide cover...

I also thought it would make a great scenario objective- maybe the warjacks need to resupply on coal during combat or they shut down by a certain turn- just an idea.

Whimsical Terrain Project: Paper Mache House

You know you love building terrain when not only can you spot junk in a craft, toy or grocery store and see miniature battlefield components, but when your six year-old son spots something and says "Daddy, couldn't you use that for train"(he means "terrain").  The other day I was at Michael's(craft/art store) to pick up some paint brushes and my son spotted one of these...

The label underneath this says "Paper Mache House"- but all I saw was a Cygnarian house!  Now as you can see from the next picture, it is really a box....

...but the scale was perfect for Warmachine.  I love building structures from styrofoam and foamcore, but here was the basic structure of a house- ready to go.  Before getting down to business I set out some parameters for the project....

1. I wouldn't alter the basic structure with serious exterior additions.

2. I would only embellish the structure with small add-ons(rivets, tiling, etc.)

3.I had to disguise the gap between the two pieces of the structure, while...

4. ...leaving the structure in two pieces so that it could still function as a camouflaged container.

First I made the roof look more separated from the structure by using cardboard rectangles(cut from a cereal box) for tiling...

Then I decided to do some metal frames from plasticard.  Now the plasticard I chose was the from the cheapest source imaginable- a cut up $1 "for sale" sign from a discount store.  The upper horizontal frame was placed strategically to disguise the gap where the two paper mache components connect.  With the same plastic source I punched out rivets using a rotary hole punch(such as the ones used for leather-working). The rivets around the chimney are a bit different as they are cut from modeling putty.  The wooden horizontal frames and door are all "etched in" with an x-acto knife- the paper mache can be detailed quite easily.

And below you see the final, painted house.  It's less that perfect, but it's a fun, QUICK project.  I probably got carried away with the rivets, but sometimes fantasy gaming is about getting carried away!

I noticed that the space above the windows was a little too "spacious".  Perhaps I should have made this a two story house, but the location of the separation made this tricky.  One could cut down the bottom a piece an inch or two if they wanted to( but with parameter #1, I wanted to see what I could do with the intact structure.  As a partial remedy, I added the sign(to fill this void) as a finishing touch.  It bears a frothing flagon of beer and the word "ale" in both Cygnarian and Rhulic(as the dwarven merc patrons would surely flock at reading it!).

 Now what I really like about this little terrain piece is that it's more than a terrain piece- it is still a box.  This last photo shows that I can hide away a bunch of gaming accessories inside(a faction deck, templates, tokens, dice and a measuring tape).  I could easily have placed more inside but I wanted you to get a clearer view.

So that's about it.  Head to Michael's, pick up your Cygnarian house/tavern, and get to work.  Oh, did I mention the house only cost $2?

It's not the prettiest terrain project in history but it was a fun one.  

You can view a video description of this project below...