Dunbrough and Gripenhem WIP log

The Cat & the stonework look WONDERFUL...I love the connecting, covered walkway. It's one of those modeling things that, like life, mind numbing, tedious tasks often end in glorious works. GREAT although boring TOIL!   

*incoherent drooling*

Seriously amazing stuff

This is probably the first board where I can see genuine urban streets that link together and look really natural. I really enjoy all the possibilities you're playing here with (archways, different levels, various entrances, etc.).
Having lived in Lisbon for most of my life this really reminds me of those random, narrow, winding streets.

Joao

Totaly awesome! Your foamcutting-skills are overwhelming, a pleasure to behold, as usual!

This is really incredible. I can't believe what you make from the foam.

Love this town. I expect it would be a real pain to try to game on the table, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to.

Doesn't your cat try to eat the foam bits?

Von Kurst wrote:

Love this town.  I expect it would be a real pain to try to game on the table, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to.

Doesn't your cat try to eat the foam bits?

He only tries to eat whatever piece is in my hand, while I'm working on it.

Excellent, I love the latest additions.

When you decide to add a staircase connecting the street levels after you've already built the connecting foundations, there is a lot of modifying to do. So yeah, I’m happy so far with the results, although there is a fair amount of filling and stuff to do. Also tested a new, lighter color scheme for the stone that I think is going to work. Gotta get out of the idea that all stone is grey!

BEAUTIFUL WORK as always!    
I can relate with the Grey Stone Fixation. All too often I'll get into a rut with color choices. Thinking in a different shade is sometimes harder than it would seem to be.  

Oh gosh, that archway... this town is going to look incredible when it's all finished!

Joao

Just a couple of quick pics, I carved up the top floor this morning. Now onto the top floor across the street.

You are surpassing my wildest expectations for your town. FANTASTIC WORK!   

Bloody hell!!! That third photo is insane! Love it!!! Love how you're really going ahead with the different levels and winding roads! I wish more boards did that.

The variety in shapes and styles on the facades makes Gripenhem really interesting and never a dull place.

I do wonder, however, if it's going to be tricky to access certain parts when you start doing the painting. Are these buildings all removable to allow you access?

Joao

All of the buildings foundations or lowest levels will be glued down, but the other levels are all held by magnets. I'll be doing all of the painting and detailing before glue, so I'll only have a couple of inches to work around at most when the time comes.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Also, if it isn't obvious, I'm trying to save a bit of time by reducing the number of materials used. Instead of doing foam, foamcore, balsa, and filler, I'm just doing foam. I'm trying to do the woodwork out of foam too. It may take longer to paint since I'll have to be more careful, but it'll save time not having to always to do custom cuts and waiting for glue to dry.

Ach, next you will be using the store bought shingles! Young people always in da rush.   

Lovely progress. Must make a street like that for Al-Haik.

Absolutly awesome, so many small alleys and holes to slip through, a burglars paradise!

Burglars' paradise! That's it!!

Nothing wrong with taking shortcuts - especially with a project as epic as this one!

As for being resourceful with materials, I know you had used foam for wood before and it worked very effectively.

Can you tell us which type of foam (if any) is easier to carve to make stone and/or wood? Blue or pink?

Joao

This is... madness. Surreal. Beautiful.   

Today's work was the second, third, and fourth floors on this one. My goal was to finish all of the carving, but repetitive stress means I can't even squeeze the glue bottle anymore.

It looks worth the pain...at least from my perspective. WONDERFUL WORK!   

Lovely.

I find that the amount of time I can work on a project has diminished substantially over the years. My hand cramps up sooner each time.

Von Kurst wrote:

Lovely.  

I find that the amount of time I can work on a project has diminished substantially over the years.  My hand cramps up sooner each time.

ugh. Yeah, I get this awful paint in my forearm. I usually don't feel it unless I try to squeeze the glue bottle. Just need to rest it I guess. I'm doing hobby in spurts right now anyhow, work a few days, hobby a bit. Work a few days, hobby a bit....

I used to have that and then started working out more regularly, including doing weights and loads of stretching on my arms, wrists and hands. And drinking milk after each workout too. Somehow the pain disappeared for good.

I hope you recover and get better soon.

Awesome stonework. And lovely tall architecture! I know I shouldn't be encouraging you here, but hey, can't really help it!

Joao