Wednesday 19 February 2020

There's something in the woodshed!

Whilst wanting to keep a visible presence on the infoweb, and in a bid to keep the momentum going with the Schloss Itter build, I was looking around for a suitable post as proof of life.  I was conscious that I didn't want to overplay the W.I.P. card as although terrain building is taking the majority of my 'Castle Time' to have a similar post so shortly after the last, might diminish the impact.

Fortunately James has, once again, has come to my rescue.  His visits during the week, bring much needed inspiration and a have presented us with a good opportunity for a chat and some planning time.  One of the greatest joys of working with James is that he seemingly doesn't recognise any barrier to completing a task as a problem, simply a challenge that hasn't yet been solved.  This is such a positive outlook on life and of genuine inspiration to me. 
As we start to see the boards move from fields of colourless foam to recognisable terrain features we are keen to add as much depth as possible.  Any available space is now considered fair game and one such area, located below the bridge, was screaming out for some attention.  I had inadvertently suggested some form of deserted lumber camp might be suitable, a pile of logs, signs of industry, that sort of thing.  In no time at all, James had thrown together some design and ideas based on photographic evidence and presented me with another stunning creation.
The shack, almost identical to the source material, came based on an large MDF disc that allows us to drop it onto similarly placed disks in the terrain.  This means that it sits flush with the ground and allows a modicum of versatility in our set up.  James had latched on to the idea that this was a working lumber camp and his delightful piece came with a fearsome looking saw bench and piles of recently sawn timber - absolutely superb!  
In many ways the piece required very little in the way of painting, but I just couldn't help myself.  Trying to match the colours and textures of the source material, I was looking to create a worn feel, complete with ivy and a log pile.  As for the saw bench, we had joked about the idea of it having done some serious damage and so the remnants of an unfortunate wretch lie in the sawdust and gore.  
This proved to be yet another wonderful diversion at a time when diversions are the last thing I need!  That said, the joy of the project has been its ability to constantly surprise, whether that be by generosity of others or simply in stretching our own imaginations and creative abilities.  As I write this, I do have the small matter of fifty SS troops to complete and so it is back to the paint table for me, at least until the next diversion comes along! 


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54 comments:

  1. Nice looking shack and great attention to a details as usual!

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  2. Oh my god, what happened? Intriguing, splendid and perfect work Master...

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    1. Perhaps a little dark, but great fun to do. Thank you Phil.

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  3. This is absolutely fabulous Michael. I love the fact that when you've finished with these little creations they far exceed my own imagination (and abilities!). With this level of progress we might just meet the Salute deadline! :)
    Btw, I enjoy the WIP posts - I'm sure many others do too, keep 'em coming!!

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    1. Thank you James. Every so often I allow myself a little thought that we might actually make it on time and then along comes another diversion. :)
      Loved working on this little gem James, a really great piece.

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  4. Nice shack, great to see how this project comes together. So yes please more WIPs.

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    1. Thank you Peter, will see what I can do with some more WIPs on the return to school.

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  5. Fantastic looking addition Michael, between James crafting and your painting has really brought it to life. Now get on with those SS, don't make me break out the Holo Whip ! LOL

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    1. Thank you so much Dave, James definitely created another splendid piece here. Now dusting off the brushes to avoid a thrashing! :D

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  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuoKNZjr8_U

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  7. Welcome back Mr Awdry, great work.

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  8. Lol. I saw the blade without any protectve guard and was thinking "H&S would have a word or two to say About that" and then the pic appeared with the blood on it. Made me laugh :-)

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    1. It was one of those silly childish ideas that I just could shift, glad to have brought a smile to your face Paul.

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  9. As always that is brilliant. Keep it up!

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    1. Thank you so much Mike, will certainly try. ;)

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  10. Fantastic, if a little disturbing

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    1. Thank you Martin, just couldn't resist a bit of dark humour.

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  11. Very creative and well done Micheal!

    Christopher

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  12. What a wonderful piece of terrain and very apt for the region I'd guess.
    Half-term must have been a godsend to yourself, but I reckon tyou;re having little to no rest whilst there is work to do on the project ! (50 SS - phew).

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    1. Thank you Joe, really pleased to have made it to the half term break and managing to get a few more pieces done. So much more to do though.

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  13. Wonderful addition to your table! A little gory maybe, but fitting ;-)

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    1. Thank you Nick, might have gone a bit over the top with the gore.

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  14. Excellent work (both creating/crafting that woodshop and painting it)! A bit gruesome though - looks like someone didn't pay attention to safety instructions.

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    1. Thank you. I imagine the H & S Executive might want a word.

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  15. OH&S need to get out there quick! Great piece Michael.
    Frank

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    1. Thank you so much Frank, someone will need to answer a few questions when they turn up.

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  16. Lovely bit of terrain ,delightfully painted!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thank you so much Iain, it was a delightful piece to work on.

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  17. Wow you really brought that MDF kit to life!

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    1. Thank you, James is now right on top of his game with the construction and design.

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  18. Brilliant little model Michael! Love the details 😃

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    1. Thank you so much Ivor, I really enjoy the distractions.

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  19. Amazing scratch built terrain, Michael. Nice start on the SS guys too.

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    1. Thank you Dean, plenty more to keep me busy though.

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  20. You don't appear to have a pulp/horror project but this will come in handy when you do. A very nice vignette.

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    1. Thank you, pulp/horror very much on a slow burn, but good shout.

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  21. Charming little cabin and it can be used in lots of other gaming situations too!

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  22. End results look very convincing. Well done Michael!

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  23. A stunning piece, the circle saw on itself alone is amazing.
    James definitely has the right mindset for a project like this.

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