Crafting a Working Crane for D&D, 40k, AOS or Necromunda

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Quick point you might have noticed - I slightly mixed up the measurements for the base of the crane in a really obvious way. Instead of needing two 1/2" strips and 4 3/8" strips for the first bit you build (the base of the crane), you need four 1/2" strips and two 3/8" pieces. This is pretty obvious if you're watching the video, you need 4 of the wider strips to put on each side of the two thinner strips :)

[@bradcraig6676]

The chances of me ever building this crane are close to zero, but the wealth of outrageously clever ideas in this build will remain with me throughout my crafting journey. Thank you for everything you do.

[@NihilAkaZero]

Outstanding scratch build. My jaw really dropped seeing the final result. Well done, sir!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Pan! I'm pretty happy with the end result :)

[@TheSmokeBubbles]

my personal #1 in terrain crafting.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thank you! Always nice hearing things like that :)

[@DanielMyrvang]

Would love to see how you would craft a ballista or catapult. The catapult could even be using the same base or something. Both are ‘big stationary’ things.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Yknow I did think that, though it won't be for a while yet...

[@DanielMyrvang]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Don't spill all the beans in one go :P We're not going anywhere

[@Forinsyther25]

Looks like Daniel Radcliff and makes fully functioning machines out of practically nothing... I'm convinced this guy is just a straight up wizard now

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Haha, I think I'm more obsessive than magical :D

[@Raycheetah]

I dunno... I always thought he looked a little bit like Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates ("Psycho"), at least before he grew the beard. =^[.]~=

[@cheezunriceramen8995]

This is one of the best scratch builds I've ever seen. Absolutely superb. Well done.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks :) and welcome to the channel!

[@TheLoremistress]

The pot Padme was in is called a crucible. I see a scene with this holding up a giant shark and a proud adventurer posing for a portrait.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Love the shark idea 😅

[@patrickmasse7159]

You have the power to transform cardboard into iron. Using magnets to control the crane is very clever !

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Weirdest superpower ever 😅 Thanks, I'm pretty proud of that little solution!

[@inspirationforge4578]

AMAZING BUILD! - what a genius concept - that the crane is fully functional is just over the top - the bolts/nuts are a great detail - precision built with a subtle but basic paint scheme that looks great

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks! Yeah I'm still not sure I like the paint scheme, but I ran out of time :)

[@inspirationforge4578]

@@RPArchiveOfficial very cool you can see that - i am paint once and done kinda guy so I love the attention to detail in your painting

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Haha I appreciate it, I always feel like my painting is a weak point :)

[@scrapsathome]

This would be awesome for the boat crane in Skullport in Dungeon of the Mad Mage!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I love it when stuff just lines up like that...

[@spencermagleby9336]

I'm continually amazed at your craft and am amazed you don't have more subs! Thank you for sharing this with of art with us!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Spencer! Sharing the video with people is always appreciated if you want to help out with that sub count ;)

[@BellydancerMaliha]

This is just amazing. I love the look and functionality of this piece, not to mention how inexpensive the materials are!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Yeah, being able to make it out of card is probably the thing I'm most happy with :)

[@ProfessorCharlesPorterfield]

Amazing scale modeling! You are truly a craftsman! What a fantastic build. Something to be proud of. Thank you for sharing it with us! It did indeed give me happy memories of childhood builds with Erector Sets. Cheers!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thank you! And welcome to the channel :)

[@Karlmakesstuff]

Ok. THAT is a beautiful piece of miniature engineering right there :) Looks great too, thanks for the how-to!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thank you! :)

[@christophermurray9777]

This is pretty epic. Looks amazing and really adds to any dock or large smithy encounter. Well done.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Chris :)

[@sargeoutdoors]

I love all the adds you get for automotive shop engine hoists when you watch this vid..lol. awesome build this gave me so many ideas

[@Arkie80]

That was slick using the magnets to keep the arm from falling back down.

[@andytate5670]

they also had giant hamster wheels with Donkeys inside. I saw a still working one a few years ago. quite stunning. This is a fantastic build I would like this for a Dwarven mine/underground city ( I've been building this for ages don't ask!) but with some Dwarven bits on it, it would look cool.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Sounds awesome! And I can't believe I forgot they put donkeys in them. That makes it so much funnier...

[@KCDarkRanger]

I love the build, and I might have to start making stuff like this when I get my own place again. I do have one note for you though, while you would intuit that Superglue is the strongest of the glues, good old Elmer's glue is actually far stronger, given that Superglue is extremely brittle. Tacky Glue or Elmer's glue soaks deeply into the card and forms a strong, slightly elastic bond. I've built dozens of architectural models for uni, and both me and all of my classmates can confirm that PVA models are stupidly durable. The card will rip before the glue fails, where as superglue often breaks at the seams. That said it is still amazing, keep doing what you are doing! 😉👍

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

You make a fair point with that for card. Though there is also the rigidity of the bond to bear in mind (can't remember why I used superglue on this build), sonetimes keeping the piece rock solid, if more brittle, is preferable :)

[@jacobhope6164]

Whoah! Brilliantly conceived, and beautifully executed!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Jacob!

[@thecraftingbrothers9448]

I love it! really love it! This is my favorite build so far... And No, I didn't notice the mixed up measurements.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Glad you like it! It's a pretty small and obvious mix up, shouldn't cause anyone any problems but I thought I'd mention it :)

[@edstewartjr4530]

Very, very creative... I am amazed at the details and the use of materials. Thanks for sharing!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Ed! :)

[@andreazaltron6850]

hands down the best crane model on yt probably you can use one tuna can for the hamster wheel. next week i will built it.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Possibly 😅 I was aiming to stick with the card theme though, and a tuna can will still have a distinct appearance when painted that I'd rather avoid...

[@andreazaltron6850]

@@RPArchiveOfficial im too lazy to built it from scratch xD i will add some details

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Fair enough!

[@wallung1876]

These bolts!!!! Amazing Idea.... oh my... all that new possibilities for details in the 40k terrain world

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I find it so useful for industrial stuff :)

[@lucse3994]

This is just amazing. Once again you produce extreme quality content. Thank you for this!!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Luc! :)

[@shenkyeirambo5601]

man did i love tin bitz as a colour back in the day. easily my favourite alongside enchanted blue and snot green

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Bleached bone and goblin green man...

[@bigkahuna75]

I don't know if anyone has pointed this out, but a bit of a tip with drilling: if you need to drill through something, having a sacrificial piece of wood on the bottom side of the hole that you can drill into will both prevent nearly all tear out and will give you a bit of feedback when you hit the dissimilar material. It's also much safer. Great content, by the way! Just discovered you and subscribed to your Patreon =)

[@Bocco83]

As always an amazing work! Outstanding! And I have to thank you a lot because you inspired me to invent my own modular tiles with their specific set of attachments and accessories!!! You're an amazing creator!!!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thank you! It's really nice hearing that :)

[@Mad_Matt_27]

Great Build Matt, well done. Each week i'm amazed on what you make with the simplest materials, this was well worth the wait. it'd be awesome to see a showcase video in a few months time of a whole table set up with everything you've built (similar to a war gaming board).

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks again Matt, I actually had a similar plan at some point...

[@Mad_Matt_27]

@@RPArchiveOfficial well they do say great minds think alike xD

[@andrzejfigaj2229]

Once again great job. Magnets used as locking mechanism is brilliant much simpler than pegs or latches. I especially like the versatility of that crane as you mention it fits to fantasy as well as Sci-Fi but you can also swap platform to cage, wrecking ball, mechanical grippers or simple hook.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks :) I do try to keep things as flexible as possible, I find It really helps me get the most out of the build

[@ayonmetar2301]

Ok, from this single video I gained a) an instruction for building a really neat piece of terrain, b) a great inspiration for an entire combat+puzzle section I am gonna throw into my next campaign and c) actual knowledge regarding medieval building techniques... god damn hamster wheel cranes were an actual thing... who would've thought. So yeah, thanks a bunch =D

[@kayura77]

For the record, I am *not* an old Warhammer player, but now that you say so, I too, refuse to call Tin Bits anything but Tin Bits. It's such a good name!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Isn't it? It gets better, it's spelled Tin Bitz 😅

[@kayura77]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Oh my stars and garters! 💫🌟 It couldn't have gotten better and then somehow it DID!

[@Mahonkimise]

Thanks a lot for these videos. As if I didn't have enough problems with storage space and lack of spare time. Now I have a huge urge to start crafting these things. But jokes aside these videos are awesome and I really hope more people will find your channel and get into the hobby. You have a really good way of presenting. Calm, fun and also I enjoy how you present the functionalities or just show off the end results for a while. Its a breath of fresh air in this hyperactive youtube world where apparently something has to happen every three seconds or people lose interest (hard to believe, but seems like it.) Anyway, too much babbling, terrific job on this and all other videos (I have been binging them lately) and I hope I will get into this hobby soon enough.

[@firestaffer69]

This is great, can’t wait to give it a go. One modification I would make is a small platform under the hand wheel. That way the person controlling that mechanism doesn’t have to get down and step back as the crane rotates.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

That's actually a very good design improvement...

[@kristophermelin7160]

Fist time viewer (and now, subscriber!) Very inspirational build. I'll be looking both forward to - and backward at- your creative projects. Thank you much!

[@everlett1122]

I have a 3d printer and it does alot of this stuff for me but man oh man your skill makes me wana try my hand at crafting! Very impressive.

[@theDMsCraft]

Excellent project.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Scotty :)

[@josephk4349]

Great stuff as always! I have been using your videos to start making stuff myself. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Joseph! That's awesome to hear :)

[@alwayseatinpotatos]

Nice job ,to cut perfect circles use a band saw .clamp a board down to the table with a nail through the board facing up on the small table top band saw . drill a hole through the center of card board or wood what ever ur trying to cut into a circle ( obviously ull cut it square and slightly bigger than the circle u need to minimalize wasted material) adjust clamps / the jig u made to get the size circle u want by moving it closer or further away from the side of the band saw blade put the board, card board,plastic or what ever material ur using on the nail u put on ur jig u made for the band saw through the up against the edge of blade of the band saw then just spin that square board u mounted on ur jig the nail.becomes a stationary pivot point and it will cut u a perfect circle every time , these table top band saws are very inexpensive at ur local home depot ,lowes /lumber big chain tool and construction material stores . box nails , roof nails work great for this jig because they hav a decent size flat head but really depends on the thickness of what ur trying to cut for the lenght of the nail . Note if cutting plexy glass u wanna put duck tape on both sides of the plexy where ur gonna cut through with the bladedont be shy wrap it around the peice it peels of easy after , it it stops it from splintering or shattering plexy will require a finer blade like a blade that cuts metal for a band saw with teeth that r closer together to prevent splintering of the plexy. And ull hav to lightly file or sand the edge to de bur it after removing the left over duck tape .

[@zachchenoweth6622]

This would be a great opportunity to incorporate some 3D printed aspects into your builds. I should have some time over this summer to draft up some files and may make some .stl files with your general build in mind and send it to you over on patreon in case you want to offer it up for your patrons. Doing this, I can add wood texture, steel, and a replaceable wheel so it is more modular for other settings.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Sounds cool man! Only if you're doing it for yourself anyway though, don't put yourself out on my account :)

[@millenniumf1138]

For all those bolts and nuts, if you were to do this again, I'd recommend getting The Chopper from MicroMark. It's made my life so much easier for cutting small, repeating details like that from styrene stock, and it can also cut chipboard and cardstock just as easily.

[@Pintroll300]

A fantastic build! Also makes me think how you could use similar techniques to build metal bridges/gates that can be moved around and changed to alter the layout of a dungeon/terrain Imagine a vast cavern that can only be crossed by the party rotating several bridges to navigate between small outcrops of stone, or a canal crossing through a treacherous gorge, where the party has to escort a convoy of barges and open each set of canal locks So many brilliant ideas and inspiration just from this one build! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your channel :D

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man! Definitely some of that kind of thing in my plans...

[@ASUSfreak]

Very cool! I have similar setup, but for opening/closing castle gate/bridge... And I always wanted to create a harbour, so this crane will fit right in place! One day... Anyway, realy detailed! Greetings from Belgium

[@valynazvalkynaz5375]

This is amazing and also for the hydraulics you could get away with it in an elderscrolls-esque scene

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

True!

[@chrishartleroad5827]

Totally dig this. Congratulations on the job well done

[@grimdesaye6534]

Outstanding work well done Sir:)

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man :)

[@edparody8359]

Indeed, it was well done! A masterpiece!

[@SparkyandCo]

Very impressed with this! Amazing work.

[@maxpolaris99]

Looks awesome, hope the video is awesome. I'm trying to learn howto model mechanical movements so the title popped my eyes.

[@earthmanbrick]

Really great work, must have taken ages

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

It did take a while, but a fair amount of that was figuring out dimensions and measurements - I could probably build a second one in half the time!

[@earthmanbrick]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Well worth the struggle, man. Looks fantastic. Well done

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man :)

[@12pigeons-in-a-trench-coat]

Really epic build!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Dave!

[@ribbon_dye]

This looks amazing! The only thing I'd change would be the platform for adding stuff, since I'd prefer some rigidness there myself. But other than that the thing looks great, and this is -easily- the best thing I've seen in a long while. Seeing how its functional easily makes this way better than it has any right to be.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks! Yeah I deliberately designed the platform to be removable/modular anyway, so it's flexible for attaching all sorts :)

[@jaceks88]

I gotta make this for the junk yard fight in Outlaws of Alkenstar!!!

[@piratepiratesman4310]

I used maybe a dollar and a half in pennies ( US ) as base weights for my modular wall set.

[@dirtroadsandwoodstoves]

Beautiful. 👍

[@HoogheVinck]

This is an amazing build. A simple concept and yet such a complex look and feel. I will definitely build one (or two '^^) for my Moria/Khazad-Dûm gaming board. Many thanks for this thorough tutorial!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man, happy to help!

[@bicskeiz]

Im not sure of using medieval tech in sci-fi setting, but the work is amazing (and it would fit seamless in a steampunk game)! The same structure made of balsa wood wood be awesome in fantasy skirmish games (like Frostgrave or Mordheim).

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Yeah honestly if I were to make one for sci fi seriously I'd make some morel edits - an engine to start with :)

[@lilyshambles5644]

Wow, just wow. You mate are just incredible. I am just starting out in 1/12th scale and your vids popped up. Just in awe of your talent. Any help how to convert your scale to 1/12th would be much much appreciated. Ta love

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

For the most part, x4 or x5 the measurements and bigger magnets should get you close - this scale is about 28-30mm, which I think is something like 1:56...or something 😄

[@ravencraft3074]

this is brilliant

[@will_reilly]

That's incredible! You've definitely inspired me to try this and other builds. Thanks for all the effort you go to. You definitely have another patreon member 👍 on a side note I have the same hobbyzone modules as you and love how you have your tablet above you WIP box. How did you manage that if you don't mind me asking. Great work again!!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thank you for the Patreon support man! it's much appreciated :) Sorry I took a while to answer this one, my phone has broken so I'm having to check in more periodically - I use a windows surface which has a kickstand at the back, I basically stick that out at a 90 degree angle and slot it between two pieces :)

[@will_reilly]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Ah perfect. I have a surface as well so will try that out. And you're welcome for the Patreon, you've more than earned it for sure. Keep up the good work.

[@tiny-grimes]

26:13 oh wow look at mr moneybags over here jk! Great build Matt!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Haha, so wealthy! What will I do with my mountain of pennies? 😅

[@robot7759]

Somehow I don't think medieval cranes had magnets 😊 The locking mechanisms are pretty much the easiest part of the build, saving a *bleep*load of magnets. Nice build, I'd just approach it somewhat differently, that's all. 👍

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

They represent mechanisms on a smaller scale and avoid things being either fiddly or too overscaled, which I think is a worse problem :)

[@robot7759]

@@RPArchiveOfficial It's just a catch and a lever system which easily can be build to scale?

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

But in my view, would be more fiddly in gameplay than magnets :)

[@robot7759]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Sorry, in essence it's the same, just a slightly different mechanism. Please feel free to use your preferred method, it's all good. Just saying a mechanical solution would be just as simple and effective.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Oh you could absolutely do it, this is just my personal preference :)

[@giancarloduncan2104]

We call it freedom fries board.

[@90brooksy]

Yes, that paint is TinBitz. Should never have changed.

[@nanettesage1112]

I find it interesting that you do things in Inches rather than the metric system.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

It's easier for various reasons, primarily that it halves consecutively better than metric at small scales. 1/8 of a cm is a nightmare :)

[@nanettesage1112]

@@RPArchiveOfficial Ah, very smart.

[@MarushiaDark316]

Now THAT'S cool! :)

[@alwayseatinpotatos]

I posted on how to make a small jig to cut smaller circles using a small table top band saw previously..To cut really big circles u might just want to quickly build a square table top surface with thin ply wood maybe with trim boards around the edges so you can clamp these together from the under side of table of the band saw .when putting these surfaces up against each other then drill holes in that table top jig u just made with a screw so that screw is removable to move to different wholes to cut different diameter circles and now that screw is ur stationary pivot point now. u can even label the wholes on the table top with a pencil so u know what size circles you will b cutting in the future . last but not least put 4 legs out of some scrap wood for ur jig affix them to the jig so the band saw table & jig sit at the same height and cut circles all day long .. hav a great day..:) there are a few different ways to make these jigs

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

The main problem with this for most people is requiring a band saw :) interesting though!

[@TheThunderinghammer]

I believe you are referring to a Crucible, when you say "Forge Bucket"

[@reakirk7624]

I'm guessing (since you put a still of this near the beginning of the video, I'm just 5 minutes in btw) that the open wheel was to put a miniature in to represent slave labor, or just a job someone gets paid to do.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Pretty much :) though I believe donkeys were also used...

[@axemurderer010]

jeez dude this looks real lol

[@trikepilot101]

PVA (aka "White") glue is actually stronger than super glue for paper, card and wood.

[@neeuqnozama1]

Any thoughts on how to adapt to a magnet free version? I have very stupid cats...

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Hmm, maybe using more skewers as pegs you can slot in to hold it in place? The magnets are the best way to keep that mechanism hidden though, if you did do this the pegs would be sticking out unfortunately...

[@neeuqnozama1]

Thanks for the reply! I should probably make some of your castle tiles before getting ahead of myself with a crane. Super awesome build!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Haha, definitely, I love the crane but I must say the castle tiles get more use 😅

[@pabloalvarez7134]

Amazon work men 😮😮😮

[@templar1701]

All of the things you build look so cool but I have no idea where to start. I’m not crafty enough to be able to make them look so good.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Hey I'm happy to help you get started :) I can highly recommend black magic craft as a KZbin channel to learn the basics, he has a solid core of tutorial videos that are good for beginners skills. Just ask me if you have any questions!

[@jonathanbatten6122]

Tin Bitz!!

[@tonymaher9433]

The molten metal is moved and poured into a crucible

[@Mikilangelo]

I just wish measures were in mm... :)

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

There's a conversion chart linked in the description :)

[@Mikilangelo]

@@RPArchiveOfficial I totally missed that, too excited looking at the materials! :D Fantastic build, by the way !

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man!

[@JohnDlugosz]

Looking at the stack of unit blocks used as a base, it looked funny /wrong/ all of a sudden. In real life, the courses would be staggered, like with building Lego. You would never stack the blocks with the seams all lined up in a plane. I think your building system should account for that.

[@PumaVoid]

wow only one dislike? good job!

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks man :)

[@harlandmountain7998]

Impressive as hell, and way past my skill (or patience) level.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Thanks Harland :) it's really not so hard though. But it does take a while 😅

[@Ladyoftheroundtable]

but my setting doesn't have that amount of metal

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Make it with balsa wood :) you might need to change some lengths and use a solid beam rather than 3 strips glued together, but it should work fine.

[@Ladyoftheroundtable]

@@RPArchiveOfficial lol, honestly I was just being a jack ass.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I figured.. What I said stands though :)

[@sydeninsomniac7832]

Love this build I think I am going to make one adjustment though. I love your modular dock side pallets kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZSan6ePbq90o7csi=Jzbm0XCUrA4IaFv2 so I am going to make the bottom piece of the lifting cage 2 1/2in squared instead of 2in so that the modular pallet can fit nicely on it.

[@1bonebreaker1]

would be nice if you also converted to metric... you know the measuring unit 96% of the world uses...

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

There's a conversion chart linked in the description. I use imperial because it divides in half at small dimensions easier. My country uses metric. Well, in theory. We're stubborn.

[@DungeonsNCrafts-tv6bv]

step 1: get a hot glue gun step 2: just deadass make one using what u have no hate, but for these kinds of construction videos, idk how to search but like I'm looking for cool "mechanics" that u can use or new ways to use them, like magnets, or hot glue as see through materials or crystals, or LEDs or camp fires using LED tea lights. Any idea where to find more ideas like those? or like black lights on maps with hidden secrets.

[@theQiwiMan]

I just watched the excellent Absolute History 5 part series on castle building, so I recognized the hamster wheels immediately! Well done, this is awesome! For anyone interested, it's an excellent watch: /watch?v=SURsW7BpCNc&t=1s

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I may just check that out. Seems right up my alley...

[@theQiwiMan]

@@RPArchiveOfficial It's extremely well done, anyone interested in medieval history and fantasy would find it enthralling, especially us Tabletop Crafters! :-)

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I'll take a look :)

[@Brettbren]

*Your Patreon page NO LONGER shows downloads, sadly.*

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

It does? Nothing has changed... I explain this in a few videos, not sure if I mentioned it here but you need to scroll to the bottom, click see more posts, then you can filter by downloads at the top :)

[@oreettroll]

Watching you cut all that chipboard without a metal straightedge gives me serious anxiety.

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

I used a metal ruler? Ordered do you mean for right angles? I checked those before cutting :)

[@peterkoolen8046]

Nice buld i like

[@MahkyVmedia1]

I love your projects! Why do YOU have to be in the videos making faces at the camera? Your projects are amazing your faces are annoying

[@RPArchiveOfficial]

Personal taste I guess! I've had tons of good comments about those moments, and literally only this one (well two, but they're both from you) saying you don't like it... I'd say that's a pretty good ratio! Can't please everyone unfortunately :)