Friday 6 March 2009

Modular Trenches

I've always liked the idea of guard armies massed in trenches awaiting an enemy attack. I searched for quite a while for trench systems online and they're either way too expensive or just not suitable for 40k. So, I started searching for tutorials on how to scratch build them and bummed out on that one as well.

So, I've decided to make my own. I'm looking to make initially four 2'x1' tiles that I can line up for make an 8' trench line. So far, all I've done is draw up some simple cross sections and sketched out a few layout ideas.



As a tip, if you're going to make your own terrain, especially stuff that models can move inside, I highly recommend taking a little time to plan it out and make sure you can actually fit models inside it, as building a model that you can't use is heartbreaking, trust me ............. I know.
As a side note, as a project, I'm going to try to film the process and do a video tutorial for youtube. In all honesty, this might get sidelined by family life, but I'll try my best.

6 comments:

Dark Apostle Drazilek said...

That looks like a pretty awesome idea, wouldn't mind in the future playing against you in that, you'll need it especially as your tanks will be turned into shrapnel... Haha.

Any ideas as to what you'll make it out of? The common favourite seems to be pink foam 'Space Saver' I think it's called at the new B&Q by me.

-Draz.

Akozz said...

great idea. I would love to see it done.

Col. Corbane said...

I'll do my best to keep you updated. i've got the basing material, so I'll start the bases this weekend.

On the material, I'll be using standard builders insulation foam. I can get two inch sheets of 8x4 for £11 and they deliver them for free. It's much cheaper than the blue or pink stuff although the grains are much larger, but in now for precision modelling, so it'll do.

the other Kevin said...

The builders foam should work very well. I made a trenchline line using scrap styrofoam (packing from a box). If you plan it out well, you can simply cut the foam down your main trench line. Cut out any additional fighting positions or off-shoots, place the pieces down with a the desired trench width, and then glue it to a base board of your choice. The upraised portion can then be added later. Add texture and paint.

The hard part for me would be making it modular. I'm looking forward to seeing your ideas on this.

Col. Corbane said...

That's the plan Kevin. Making it modular won't be hard, I'll just make a cardboard template to make sure all the short sides have the same profile.

Admiral Drax said...

Ooh boy - is this an exciting project or what?

I've discovered that - apparently - I love your stuff!

- Drax.