I was recently working on a 3D model of a French-like town scene in 1/144 and not knowing French architecture at all I took a break to work on something easier... A desert. Here's what I came up with after a few attempts:




What do you think? I know features are tough to make out because it's a picture of a 3D model. It's about 10.15cm square.

I think these might be better pictures, being from shapeways:

yep looks like the layout for a desert to me. Kinda flat, a little rise and dip, now just add some material and call it good.

Doing 1/144 you should be able to pack this full of fun stuff!

Good luck!

I would hope so! But it being a 3D model, I'm leaving it bare. Who ever is using it can deck it out with whatever they want. Time to get back to working on that French street I guess. I plan to purchase one for myself and maybe put a Sherman or an early Pz IV on it.

What material would this be made of, and what would something like this cost?

Just a thought ... how about adjoining sections with matching sides but with slightly changing relief? One could then tie together modules in order to expand the overall base size to their specific needs.

—mike

I was actually thinking about just that last night. With the desert scenes it would be a bit more difficult, for me, as the edges of each new section would need to align exactly and the contours as well, at least for a few millimeters. All though frankly, the villages could also be difficult for the same reason.. But that is something I am thinking of, at least for the village scenes.

Speaking of villages ... I'd be very interested in a large cobblestone street section. I believe this could be very useful to others as well.

Is that a possibility; what are the size limitations?

—mike

In 1/144 it might be possible. I tried to model it before but it was too complex for the street I did. I modeled the street with a curve I the center, like an actual street, but couldn't imprint the cobblestone drawing down onto it. I'll be trying it again in a different program, though. Cobblestones would be an embossed detail or the ruts between them an engraved detail. Either way, the minimum size for those details is 0.1mm high or deep.

Well, not really, Michael as far as adjoining sections... any good diorama guy could carve the contours or use something like I did to make my hills and make them fit. Also, what about 3-d designing a long strip of terrain and then offer it in sections? A person could order section A, B and C or section B and C or section C and D or BCD... get the drift?

Are you pulling these on a vacuform or how are you manufacturing them?

Just brainstorming with you!

The material is pretty rigid and hard from my experience... Not too conducive to carving. It can be sanded but not too easily cut. I could do the long strip. And I actually have no part in the manufacturing process. Only the design part. I upload to a company's website and they make everything with 3D printing.

Could always do the reverse, a make it as a mold and people can use what material they want.

I could also do that as a material option is casting wax.