Tactical Command
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Thinking about modular buildings
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20886		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  berzerkmonkey [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Thinking about modular buildings
I've been thinking about how to do some modular buildings. My criteria were as follows:
1) The buildings would have to be cast in panels, reducing the overall amount of casting material (and cost)
2) The panels would be one-sided, therefore requiring a one-sided mold (Keeping cost down)
3) The buildings would be somewhat modular, in that you would have options (limited) as to how you could assemble the buildings (square, rectangle)

This is my first attempt.
Image
Image

Basically, the each panel butts up against the last at a ninety-degree angle. The side pillars and overhangs are constructed as to compliment the other panel pillars and overhangs.

The size of the model above is 90 mm wide by 40mm tall. I'm going to base any buildings off of the current Epic ruins, so they will fit in with what people already own. (Though there may be exceptions.)

As of right now, the building has no roof. I'm still undecided if I want to do the roof or not. Producing a roof will add to the cost and limit you to the shape of the building. On the other hand, it is aesthetically pleasing to have a matching roof. I was thinking that the owner could just cut plastic card or card to fit the roof outline. Any thoughts on the project? Let me know what you giuys think, and if there is interest in something like this.
Author:  Angel_of_Caliban [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
One sided walls make me a Sad Panda....

Specter Ghost started/is making some walls/terrain stuff with Otter assistance. Maybe the three of you should have a chat about the future of 6mm terrain?? Eh?

I think maybe making them awesome 2 sides walls with little pillars to make the corners would be the best and versatile idea? eh?

Oh...btw Your First go looks sexy... ;)

Edit: Link ----->http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20145
Author:  Apocolocyntosis [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Looks good, 1 sided with filled in windows is fine by me, but tastes vary :) It would be nice to have the option to make 2+ story buildings (eg a section without buttresses).
Author:  Angel_of_Caliban [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Apocolocyntosis wrote:
Looks good, 1 sided with filled in windows is fine by me, but tastes vary :) It would be nice to have the option to make 2+ story buildings (eg a section without buttresses).

I was thinking have 2 sided for ruins possibility but if the buildings are nice then I guess 1 sided. But I would love to see some nice large and muilti story buildings!

I knew there was another TacCommer who started working on buildings too! Maybe a 4 way chat is needed eh?

Link --->http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=16867
Author:  Jodrell [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
I would buy a bucketful regardless, but here's +1 to Apoc's comment about making them "stackable". I'm guessing you could also do shorter panels that were 30mm or 45mm in length. Also, if the panels worked so you could create "interior" corners, that would be handy, because then you could create buildings like this:

Code:
         +---+
         |   |
+--------+   +---+
|                |
+--------+   +---+
         |   |
         +---+


As for roofs, it would be very simple to make your own using a textured plasticard. So I wouldn't worry.
Author:  berzerkmonkey [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Jodrell wrote:
I would buy a bucketful regardless, but here's +1 to Apoc's comment about making them "stackable". I'm guessing you could also do shorter panels that were 30mm or 45mm in length. Also, if the panels worked so you could create "interior" corners, that would be handy, because then you could create buildings like this:

Code:
         +---+
         |   |
+--------+   +---+
|                |
+--------+   +---+
         |   |
         +---+


As for roofs, it would be very simple to make your own using a textured plasticard. So I wouldn't worry.

Stackable is certainly a consideration, and I am thinking about that. I was also working with interior corners, but getting a working design is very difficult at this scale. Again, I'm still playing around - we'll see what works out.
Author:  Spectrar Ghost [ Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Look at the design of the GW stuff if you can. They have a good design a la interior corners, even if they aren't designed to have more than two sides (a third side means the floor tiles don't fit properly).
Author:  berzerkmonkey [ Fri Jun 17, 2011 2:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Well, I have a design down for walls that can be positioned, but I don't like the corner pillars as much. It's hard to be artsy when you have to make them multi-tasking. :( By the way, I'm still not sold on two-sided walls. There really isn't anything I can add at that scale that would make an appreciable difference.

Two parts - one entry, one wall. Each is approx. 63mm, bringing a square building to around 70mm on a side, keeping it in line with the FW resin buildings.
Image
They fit together
Image
And stack
Image
And stack...
Image
And can be configured with outside corners
Image
Closeup of outside corner join
Image
Author:  epic [ Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Very cool Madmonkey ;)

Think most people would would just buy the sections and make there own roofs, I like the look of the buildings and the eagles make it stand out,

Regards epic
Author:  Apocolocyntosis [ Fri Jun 17, 2011 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
2 sided walls also require 2 part molds, which is otherwise unnecessary. Personally i would also prefer to buy a set of 1 of each section and cast them myself, would you consider making them available on that basis?
Author:  Blip [ Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Hi BM - Got to say looks like a great concept and a nice looking model - good luck with the production.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but can i just make a small bit of CC ?

The proportion of your gothic arches is a little off. In traditional Gothic architecture a proportion of 4:1 (height to width) is usually a minimum - often 6:1 or more. Likewise at absolute minimum half of that height would be vertical, usually more like 2/3 to 3/4. In medieval buildings (i believe) there was no hard and fast rules of proportion (unlike classical architecture) and even when codified in the 19th C architects would break it as much as abide by the rules, but your curved arch from the base just doesn't quite work for me.

Personally I'd centre a width about 2/3 of your window as shown (thereby increasing the borders) and run this up vertically till it bisects the arch forming a slight angle. This may then make the circular window look a little heavy which could also be shrunk a little to continue to match the width. Just my humble opinion.

Obviously this is 40k Gothic so you may not be too worried about medieval France ! :-) In fact, i just dug out my Epic40k era ruins and noticed that some of the windows in those (the sides with the formal door) are similar to yours, and it never bugged me till now ! :-)
Author:  berzerkmonkey [ Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Blip wrote:
Obviously this is 40k Gothic so you may not be too worried about medieval France ! :-) In fact, i just dug out my Epic40k era ruins and noticed that some of the windows in those (the sides with the formal door) are similar to yours, and it never bugged me till now ! :-)

And where do you think I got my inspiration from...? ;)

I do appreciate the constructive criticism, but to be honest, I'm not too worried about it. These are intended to be "filler" buildings, being as there is a distinct lack of good buildings for Epic. But I will keep your comments in mind if I move on to more complicated/detailed stuff.

And don't worry about criticism - if it's constructive, I can't really complain, right? :)
Author:  Matt A [ Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Looking great, I would definitely be interested in these!
Author:  CAL001 [ Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
Monkey,

Love the work so far mate, I have always looked for variety in my buildings. Could you do some bevelling on the corners to give them more chracter? Maybe even add some detail on the bevel or add a gargoyle or something to them. Just ome thoughts to aid your thought process.

Cheers
Aaron
Author:  Blip [ Sat Jun 18, 2011 11:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about modular buildings
BM - No worries. They still look great !
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