"Eldar Terrain Board - WIP" Topic

I just started working on a 2x2 terrain board for my 15mm Eldar Force (which doesn't exist yet, so you'll have to wait for that)
The main board will simply be a city ground with movable structures. The buildings won't be too large, but big enough to provide cover and objectives. But, I've been having a horrid time finding good art for Eldar buildings.

Does anyone know where I could find inspiration for the structures though?

And finally, here is a really rudimentary WIP. I am still missing a layer of Foamcore though(ran out, so gots to go and buy more, apparently three was the magic number of sheets), so once I get that in, I can glue it all down then spackle it for the engraving.

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Added a couple of 15mm Khurasan's for scale.
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I am using these bases from Micro Art Studios to inspire.
link

The basic steps in the construction are as follows, not sure if it'll work out as planned yet, but this is just he hope.

1. Cut the MDF and layout a basic design, work in layers of foamcore.
2. Cut out the Foamcore and stack and glue the various layers together, trim them up so all the edges flow together nicely.
3. Coat the entire structure in a thin layer of spackling, possibly two layers.
4. Sand the board smooth, do not get to the foamcore, you'll want a couple mm till you hit foamboard.
5. Etch the spackling with various eldar-ish patterns. To create further details, add split peas to be painted as gemstones.
6. Paint it all a nice bone tan color, highlight and wash as needed. Pick out the Gemstones with your chosen color.
7. Populate with buildings, I most likely won't go into the construction of the buildings though.

Later,
Glenn

Have you considered using small craft store flat backed gemstones rather than peas?

Yeah, I have. But then I'd have to buy them :D I may use those instead, I'll have to see if I can find what I want as I'd want them all the same color.

I would suggest that you use plaster soaked cloth, like doctors use for casts, in between layers of foamcore. It makes the transition so much smoother and will cut down on any chipping in the future. The stuff is cheap enough using AC Moores or Michaels coupons. Woodlands Scenics makes a good brand and it comes in one of their Scenics kits that has all kinds of stuff you can use in terrain making. I just finished a whole series of boards and the stuff was perfect for making hills and ravines. Good for rivers and roads, too.

Well, I finally did a bit more work on this today. I etched the board (I spackled it a long while back) and glued on the split peas (I couldn't find them in bulk in the right shape/color)

I might paint tonight, but I doubt it.

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Ok, so it's been a while, but I have been slowly plucking away at this.

So I base coated it.

Gave it a wash, which made it way to dark.

I then layered the tan back on (missing a pic)

Next, I sponged it with tan and white to build up some texture.

And I picked out the gems with green.

The final step will be to paint various eldar markings on it. I used an Eldar font type and a robocutter to cut out a bunch of designs that will be stenciled on.