What are the best materials for building scale model scenery?

The best modeling supplies for scale models, and building scale model scenery include resin, foam, and plastic such as Plasticard. Resin is ideal for detailed structures and durable pieces, while foam can be used for large terrain formations like mountains or hills. Plastic sheets and rods can help with building structures like houses or ruins. It’s essential to choose materials that are easy to paint and glue, and which hold details well, especially for wargames and dioramas, where realism is important.

How do you paint resin scenery for scale models?

Painting resin terrain or compatible Warhammer Bits requires preparation: 

1. Remove supports or any other small remains of the molds used in its production. 
2. Clean the resin with soap and water to remove any mold-release agents. 
3. Apply an acrylic primer suited for the resin to ensure the paint adheres well. 
4. Use acrylic paints for best results, layering them to achieve a realistic finish. Dry brushing and washing techniques can help bring out textures, especially in ruins or rocky terrain. 
5. Varnish at the end for durability, particularly if the pieces will be handled often during wargaming.

What is the importance of realistic scenery in wargames?

Realistic scenery in wargames enhances immersion, making the gameplay experience more dynamic. It also provides tactical advantages, as players can use terrain to strategize their movements. They can simulate forests, urban environments, or battlefields, impacting game rules and outcomes. Furthermore, they add a great visual appeal to the game, attracting players and collectors alike. For dioramas, the more realistic, the more lifelike and engaging the final display becomes.

How can you create vegetation for scale model dioramas?

Creating vegetation for dioramas can be done using several types of basing materials like foam, flocking, and pre-made foliage from hobby stores. Foam can be cut into shapes and painted to resemble bushes or trees while flocking can represent grass or moss. Pre-made plastic or trees can be modified and painted to match your landscape. Using a combination of these materials adds variety and realism. Texturing and painting layers help achieve depth and natural colors for lifelike plant life.

What types of resin scenery are available for dioramas and wargames?

There are many types of resin scenery available for dioramas and wargames, including ruins, walls, vegetation, urban structures, and natural formations like rocks and cliffs. These pieces are often pre-cast with fine details and come unpainted, allowing hobbyists to customize them. Some kits also include scatter terrains like barrels, crates, and debris, perfect for urban or battlefield scenes. They are highly durable making them ideal for tabletop wargaming, where pieces may be moved or handled frequently.

How do you glue resin scenery for dioramas and models?

To glue them, it’s important to use a strong adhesive like cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) or epoxy resin glue. These glues provide a firm hold necessary for the weight and durability of the pieces. First, sand any areas where the pieces will join to ensure a better bond, then apply the adhesive sparingly to avoid excess glue spilling out. Hold the parts in place until they are set. For larger pieces, pins or additional supports may be required to ensure stability during assembly.

How does scale affect the choice of scenery for wargames?

Scale plays a crucial role in choosing terrain pieces for wargames. Most wargames use a specific scale, such as 28mm or 1:72, and so everything must match this to maintain visual consistency. If they are too large or too small, they can break immersion. For example, buildings, trees, and other elements need to be proportional to the miniatures on the battlefield. Choosing the right scale ensures that they look realistic and enhances both the gameplay and aesthetic appeal of the wargame.

What techniques are used to weather scenery for realistic dioramas?

Weathering involves using techniques like dry brushing, washing, and pigment powders to simulate wear, tear, and natural aging. Dry brushing lightens raised surfaces, making them look worn, while washes darken recesses for depth and shadowing. Pigment powders can be applied to mimic dirt, dust, or rust. Cracking paints or adding texture paste can give surfaces a cracked, old look. These techniques are essential for creating realism in dioramas, making buildings and other elements appear weathered by the elements or battle.

What is scatter terrain and how is it used in wargames?

Scatter terrain refers to small, movable objects like crates, barrels, rocks, and other debris that add detail to wargaming environments. Scatter terrain can be rearranged between games to keep the battlefield dynamic and interesting. These pieces also serve a tactical purpose, providing cover and obstacles for units. In dioramas, scattered terrain can be used to fill out scenes, adding extra layers of realism and helping to tell the story of the environment.