GMM SHOWCASE: Building the Boat – Batten the Hatches
It took three days to cut all 500 strips of 10″ plastic stock into three pieces each, and carve the edges of all. Worth it!
Hello BoLS readers!
Recently on my Instagram page I have been running a series on past large displays for Adepticon – big monsters of miniature I have been doing over the years. They decorate my house well, but it feels good to dust them off and get them out there in the world again. Plus it is a good opportunity to go over points I never shared, and revisit the past. When making something so big under time pressure, it leaves a lasting imprint on a person. Can still hear the Alestorm and taste the Kraken rum late into a cold March night, plugging away on this beast. I want to share that with you, the love and experience of building something at the edge of one’s abilities. So sit back and enjoy – crack open the Kraken and pour a little out for my man Coleridge.
It took three days to cut all 500 strips of 10″ plastic stock into three pieces each, and carve the edges of all. Worth it! Sourcing 50 packs of that stuff at once was even harder.
Each unit would be sunk into the deck, and luckily foamboard is the exact same height as 25mm bases. Large sheets were cut to cover, and unit holes from that later. It was important to do this first so the side planks lined up correctly.
Progress made on unit placement, still unsure on a few things.
Once placement was finally decided, the bases were laid into the holes and all planking laid down over top. This would require each individual base to be sawed back out, but it meant the alternating planks would line up.
This image really shows the effect. Disappearing bases!
Through the whole process, had to keep in mind model placement as well. The units themselves (which I will cover later) are built with each model having a specific position. The bases being built and painted separately meant juggling building the cannons, bases, models and ship at once.
Coming along! Ready for some heavy duty work. Next time we will look at the unit building.
For more images and information on my services:
Website
Thanks, and until next time!
