The generic one takes care of itself(ish).
The themed on the other hand, requires a bit more forethought.
The one question I've been focusing on is; 'What armies are going to fight here?'
It is an Imperial World. Couple that with the armies I collect/intend to collect, and you have a starting point.
So far we have the Space Marines Land Speeder. I also have some Sisters themed terrain in the works.
In terms of 'generic theme,' these both don't necessarily fit.
These are both situational; Space marines may, or may not be present.
So what will?
Imperial focres of some variety no doubt. More than likely the planetary defence force.
For all intents and purposes the Imperial Guard.
So I tried to make something bassed around the material they would employ, without being to flash.
I decided to start with a fortified gun emplacement.
First step was to Create the base.
This was just some cork tile stapled to some hardboard and cut to shape using a jewellers saw.
Then it was time to play around with some fortifications.
I didn't want to buy another Aegis defence line, also I didn't want anything drastically detailed like the modifications I'd made to mine.
I wanted something that looked like it could be mass produced quickly, and put up in a hurry.
Something prefabricated and modular (that word again!).
Some wall pieces from the cities of death sprue and some high density foam/ Styrofoam/ insulation foam.
That'll do!
Next I wanted something to add a bit of variety and bite.
I thought I'd take something that time forgot out of my bitz box.
I wasn't too happy with these as they were.
They obviously are not made to stand alone, and together they look...well...
Odd?
A bit too uniform, but at the same time, not symmetrical enough (they sort of 'bend' in the middle).
Good old third edition terrain ¬_¬.
A quick google search gave me this...
So, I set to work modifying mine to better reflect reality.
As the pictures show, I just cut off the offending bits, drilled a hole in the middle, stuck a kebab skewer through and cut it to size.
I think it looks much better.
I could have attached a girder instead, but this was simpler,cheaper and just as effective.
Here's a mock up of the wall sections and the tank traps, with the gun I'm using.
The next step was to attach the fortifications to the board and add some basic details to the base.
+ bonus action shot.
I just used a knife and a screw driver to dig out some small blast craters.
A fortification in a war zone is bound to attract fire.
The green rings around the ridge are just green stuff to represent the displaced earth.
When I base it later these will be left open so I can augment them with filler and other materials to make them more pronounced.
Can't have a completely flat board now can we? :P
That is all I managed on that day.
I picked up the project again a day later and set about pepping the base with some more details so it was ready for texturing later on.
And a close up.
This is the same as the Land Speeder in terms of materials used;
Filler, bits of small and large slate.
I had to put filler on the walls to stop them from melting when I undercoat it (if I use spray...I'm undecided).
It needs sanding down to even it out, and then I can put the first layer of sand on the base.I also want to flesh out the entrenched gun. I don't think it looks Imperial enough.
Needs some tech gubbins and iconography.
Anyways.
As usual, all feedback welcome.
Hit me up here, on the B&C of @DarKHaZZl3 on twitter.
Thank you for continuing to read!
Peace!
-DH-
