Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Pork's Planking Article

I posted this same article at the Warmachine PH blogsite.

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Decking for WARMACHINE Figs' Bases
by: Paul "Pork" Borja
Photos by John "Jumping Johnny" Borja and Joma Ramos

Overview
When you look at the different character classes in Warmachine, not all of them are encountered in open rural ground. Some classes are specifically limited by their environment and lifestyle and I thought that their bases should reflect this, especially for pirates who rarely stray away from their ships or the dock areas.

My folks at home never throw away spent matchsticks directly after using them – they let the pile grow in a jar before they throw it away. Although this is strange, it came to my benefit one day when a sudden thought entered my mind - what better way to use these matchsticks as basing material for my miniatures! After all, they are of the same scale as the miniatures already so there’s no more need to measure and cut them to the right length. Instead of letting these go to waste, might as well use them to make miniatures look more respectable!

Procedures
Step 1
Cut off the burnt edge with a sharp model knife, but not all the way. You may choose the irregularly shaped sticks because these add texture to the base and give instant weathering at the same time.








Starting with one corner of the base, cut one matchstick and set it on the entire end of the base across the slot. This first stick would be your guide for the rest of the flooring. It would be difficult later on if the pattern began to lay over the slot.








The matchsticks stick well to the base using your Super Glue.













Step 2
Cut the second matchstick halfway across the base, but past the slot to avoid difficulties. Then finish this second plank by carefully cutting the overhang to retain the base shape. Just trim the sides of the matchsticks for flashes using your scalpel or hobby knife for a good fit.



































Then simply follow through with the rest. But carefully make sure you follow an alternating pattern that is used in actual carpentry. It will add realism to your base.











Step 3
After attaching all the matchsticks to your miniature’s base, apply a gloss coat on it and let it dry. I use SEMCO Acrylic Gloss Coat for this step. The Acrylic Gloss Coat will protect the base and prevent too much ink from seeping in the wood. Too much ink would waterlog the matchstick making it brittle.







The Acrylic Gloss Coat is simply applied evenly using a brush. There is no need to thin the coat with water.











After which, carefully pick out alternating planks and paint it with a pure brown ink wash to achieve a dark stain, then simply let it dry.












Then dilute the brown ink wash to achieve a lighter stain before applying it to the rest of the base. Using the diluted ink wash would create a lighter shade and make the planking look like it was laid using different types of wood. Let it dry completely before you attach the base to the figure.





















Remove the metal slot plug of the model then pin it instead on the plank base.
















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Sample Figs on Plank Bases



Iron Kingdom Fig (Pistoleer)

Cryx Bane Knights

Inscribed by Interrogator-Chaplain Randel on 3:02 PM              

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