As you might know, I am heavily interested in playing, crafting and modeling anything that has to do with miniature table top wargames.
My favorite wargames are Warhammer 40k 8th edition, Necromunda, Shadow War Armageddon and Kill Team.
To optimize the immersion when you play these games, you can partake in "scenic crafting". Or Terraining.
You might know this artform best from people who collect miniature trains. Their layouts and displays are also works of Scenic crafting. But since wargaming is a beast of a different nature, there might be an overlap in the techniques, but the hobbies are very different. Train layouts are basically dioramas that will go untouched. Theyre intended to look at. Wargaming tables are meant to be played on. This means they need to be hardwearing. They are often transported, touched, handled roughly and set up in many different variations as the Scenery on top of the Terrain is often modular and will be moved around every time a game is played.
To quickly learn how to build wargaming terrain of your own, I would recommend subscribing to the following youtube channels. As these teachers are all about how to build your own terrain and scenery for wargames.
The Terrain Tutor
Mel Bose, is the Terrain Tutor. As a retired Medic from the British Royal Army, Mel is intrigued by replicating and gamifying warfare. Mel has a passion to share his knowledge and is really making a living of off teaching his scenic crafting skills to his following. Mel runs a multitude of succesful facebook groups about crafting scenery and terrain for wargames. His Youtube channel is the most popular in the space.
Mel is an honest man, who will bluntly talk about all the positives and negatives for certain brands and materials. He is impossible to corrupt. His opinion is his opinion. And only improving on the quality of a certain product can change his mind on a specific brand. Mel teaches you how to apply your skills and create and share your own builds.
He is very responsive and will help you with your questions during his Sunday Night live broadcasts and his behind the Scenes Live builds. He is also very eager to engage in his facebook groups. Check out the descriptions below the videos to find out where to find his FB groups. Throw the man a sub, and make him the first Terrain and Scenery builder in the history of wargaming to receive a Silver Play Button!
Lukes APS
Luke Fellows is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for terrain, scenery and painting wargaming models.
He owns his own line of Terraining and crafting materials as well as a succesful terrain building company that takes commissions and crafts wargaming scenery and terrain on assignment. Wether its resincast, foamcut or fine carpentry, Luke can service any customer on the planet. He stands for hardwearing and durable terrain that can stand the test of time and intense play. Lukes youtube Channel is all about in how to do as much with as little as possible.
Luke looks at affordable options for you to build your own wargaming tables. Luke can show you how to make a basic table for just 50 GBP. Thanks to Luke's money saving tips I have been able to create full wargaming tables of 8 by 6 feet for under 300 euros. And that includes both Scenery and terrain features. Luke's knowledge is applicable and relevant.
Just like the Terrain Tutor, Luke will regularly review products and brands. He will never promote or review something in a postive manner if the product or service isnt up to his high standards. Companies regularly pay him for product reviews, and you can trust Luke to tell you wether he thinks its complete shit or not. Much like the Terrain Tutor, Luke can not be swayed to give a flattering review, just because you paid him. Thats why Lukes content is so valuable. He keeps you from making costly mistakes, and makes sure you can build and craft without it costing you an arm and a leg.
Luke is a legend in the space, and he does not let any of that go to his head. He will literally chat with you for an hour on fb messenger if he feels he can help you with your crafting questions. Luke also runs a very good FB group where people can show off their paintwork, conversions or terrain and scenery projects. Check out his video's descriptions to find the link to his Facebook group.
Terranscapes
The Terranscapes channel on youtube isnt as much of an how to channel, as it is basically a professional Terrain and Scenery builder sharing insights into his work during and after projects. Mike from Terranscapes is the most sought-after builder of wargaming boards and scenery in the US. People from all over North ad South America seek out his services.
Terranscapes is a company that looks for absolute esthetic perfection in every build. His work is fit for gaming-stores, conventions and tradeshows. If Terranscapes builds something... it looks like it would in real life.
Mike exclusively uses the most elite of materials and techniques to bring their creations to life.
During their elaborate work overviews he gives you an insight into his trains of thought, and teaches you how to approach projects on a professional level.
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