Lest we forget.

Sci-Fi Hangers How-To (Part 1)

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, Hobos and Tramps, Bug-eyed mosquitos and bow-legged Ants.

So I finally have some workspace to start up my scenery building again.  For my first project, its something easy that anyone can do in a couple of evenings.

On to the Sci-Fi Hangers:
The hangers are styrofoam packing inserts that I found somewhere.  Usually a piece of trash will have the right look for terrain if you look at it the right way.

First, measure the base boards for the hangers.  I use 1/8th MDF for all my bases since its light, doesn't warp as much when wet with glue, and you can cut it with a utility knife. (See "Making Terrain" for more.)  Place the building on top of the base and measure 1 1/2 inches from each side.  This gets you the proper dimensions for the base.  Figure 1/2" that will be cut off and an inch for the models to stand on.  Once you have the measurements, you can cut the base out.

All your base belong to us!

The base may look a little ragged at this point.  This is will be straightened out in the next step.  Take your utility knife and start to cut or shave the edges down to a 45 degree angle (it doesn't have to be exact).  You'll know you're doing it right when the edge comes to a crisp point.  SAFETY POINT: Always cut away from you!


Still a little rough but almost there.

 Now that you have the shape you want, sand it down with a medium grit sandpaper (100 grit is fine) to get the rough edges off.  This will also round the corners so it won't be too square.  I usually round all my bases except for the ones used for city terrain.  The square bases automatically become curbs.  The round base blends better into the battleboard.  The slope also makes it easier for models to stand on without falling over.


The finished base.

Now that the base is smoothed down, place the building on top to check for fit.  You can make any adjustments in trimming if needed.


Yep, it fits.

In the next session, I'll show you how to detail the hangers and attach them to the bases.  Believe it or not, they're construction is already half way done.  I'm actually building two of them at the same time.



New AdSense thingy added

So added the monetizing thing to the blog.  Lets see if its worth it or if just makes the blog annoying.

'Ard Boyz, not quite.

So after preparing for the 'Ard Boyz tourney, getting everything built and most painted, I was unable to attend.  My Grandmother of 92 years passed away.  Some things are more important.

There's always next year.

Tip of the Month: Finding the center of a circle

There comes a time when building scenery that you will run into something that is round, whether its a dome, a sphere, etc.  By itself, it does not pose any problems.  But what if you need to find the center of a item you didn't make yourself.  This little tip will help you solve that problem.  And yes, there is some math involved.

First, choose two points on the perimeter of the circle and draw a line between them.  You'll need to find the center of this line so choose two points at a distance that is easyily divided by two.

Second, draw a line at a right angle to the center of the first line using a square.  This new line passes through the center of the circle.

Third, repeat step 1 with another two points on the circle.

Lastly, repeat step 2 to creat a second line that passes through the center of the circle.  The point at which they intersect is the center of the circle.   See the figure below.

You can use this for drilling, painting, attaching it to a base, and many other things.
TTFN

'Ard Boyz is go!

So after calling around, the store closest to me (which I was told was not participating in the tournament) is hosting the 'Ard Boyz. If you are heading down to Game Empire in Pasadena, CA, I hope to see you on the other side of the deployement zone.

Looks like I'll be able to play after all.

I'm still painting my Emperor's Children and I doubt that I will complete all of them in two weeks. 

But this is what I'll be taking:

HQ (395)
Veneficus Voluptarius:  Sorcerer Lord (100)
--Mark of Slaanesh (5), Lash of Submission (20),
--Terminator Armor (15);
140 ptsDagoth, The Dreaming God:  Daemon Prince (110)
--Mark of Slaanesh (5), Sorcerer, Wings (20),
--Lash of Submission (20);
155 pts‘Custos a Latenter’:  Greater Daemon (100)
100 pts

ELITES (560)
Squad Custodis Ferratus:  5 Terminators (150)
--Icon of Slaanesh (15), Reaper Autocannon (25);
190 ptsSquad Ferratus Latenter:  6 Terminators (180)
--Icon of Slaanesh (15), Pair of Lightning Claws (50)
--Terminator Champion (10), Pair of Lightning Claws (10);
265 ptsTrucido Amens:  Dreadnought (90)
--Plasma Cannon (15);
105 pts

TROOPS (1071)
Squad Strages:  6 Noise Marines (120)
--4 Sonic Blasters (20), Blast Master (40), Personal Icon (5),
--Aspiring Champion (15), Sonic Blaster (5), Doom Siren (15),
--Rhino (35);
255 ptsSquad Nasicae:  6 Noise Marines (120)
--4 Sonic Blasters (20), Blast Master (40), Personal Icon (5),
--Aspiring Champion (15), Sonic Blaster (5), Doom Siren (15),
--Rhino (35);
255 ptsSquad Improbitas:  6 Noise Marines (120)
--5 Sonic Blasters (25), Personal Icon (5),
--Aspiring Champion (15), Sonic Blaster (5), Doom Siren (15),
--Rhino (35);
220 ptsSquad Luxuria:  6 Noise Marines (120)
--5 Sonic Blasters (25), Personal Icon (5),
--Aspiring Champion (15), Sonic Blaster (5), Doom Siren (15);
185 pts6 Daemonettes (78)6 Daemonettes (78)

HEAVY SUPPORT (470)
Scelestus:  Defiler
--Battle Cannon, Heavy Flamer, Reaper Autocannon;
150 ptsSquad Decoquo:  5 Chaos Havocs (75)
--4 Meltaguns (40), 1 Bolter,
--Rhino (35) with Combi-Melta (10)
160 ptsIra:  Vindicator (125)
--Daemonic Possession (20), Havoc Launcher (15);
160 pts

If I don't win, at least I'll have some fun.

'Ard Boyz, what?

So I finally have time and an army (or two) to actually participate in the 'Ard Boyz tournament.  But I'm not sure if I will be able to.  And not because of me.

Living in Los Angeles, you would think there would be at least five independant stores that I could go to.  Out of the five stores I know, three are on the list.  Of those on the list, one is a store I didn't know existed, another (a very large and popular store) is not hosting it (they're not sure why they were listed), and the other has the wrong day listed. 

So do I attempt to go or do I sit out another one?