Make a Sci-Fi Fortress from Junk

In this video I turn a lifeless piece of polystyrene - a piece of trash, really - into a bunker that can be used in any sci-fi RPG you may wish to play or a tabletop wargame like Warhammer 40k.
But this video is really a story about me learning to embrace failure and look at failure as an opportunity to learn.

[@michaeldonato3821]

I think it looks really great man! Terrain is really fun to do when you're feeling demotivated with the hobby. Its not as high-stakes as model painting. Your mistakes usually make some great "creative choices" with each piece a lot more than mini painting even though some mistakes with my mini assembly and painting have turned into interesting ideas later on in the process. My recommendation for everyone is to let the mistakes happen if its not too catastrophic lol. You never know what that mistake can turn into. Also when it comes to terrain making I use a mixture of Mod Podge and cheap black acrylic paint almost like a primer. After the plaster step cover the entire piece with that stuff and then you are free to paint it normally. It works wonders and sometimes I put some sand in the mixture to create more texture.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Good feedback and tips. Thanks for watching

[@ApocGuy]

Nicely done. With few more greeblies it would look awesome. Although I'm more of a diorama builder than wargames terrain one, I find it useful if I try to make dedicated builds, not just "this is generic building that can be used for every role". Once you know it's purpose, you can add details (piping, fans, cooling fins and towers, antennas, blast doors, signs and warning stripes, ladders or hatch for exterior/interior transition, few search lights, maybe mounted heavy weapon), which will make building even better looking 😉😁.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Thanks! I think you’re right about adding details. Probably a good challenge for the next build

[@richardbradley2335]

Midwinter covered polystyrene in paint/flour ! wood glue/craft paint mix...Makes it go rock hard.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Nice tip! Will have to try that with another build

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

Well considering what you started out with, I'd say the end result is fantastic - Well Done.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Cheers!

[@MisterMeaner3000]

We've all been there brother. That piece of styrene would have been such a waste. Awesome shape.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

I thought so too!

[@arekishi6364]

It honestly looks great with that Tatooine vibe. As a beginner too when it comes to terrain, I find your experience with building that fortress quite enlightening.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Thank you so much. That means a lot. What stuff are you working on?

[@cerisekappes580]

Really cool video about the building journey 😊😊😊

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cerisekappes580]

@@Lo-Fi_Gaming_ most definitely! ☺️

[@gairkarohncatarn4527]

having your wash a bit too watery is fine, using multiple layers of wash isn't a bad thing, especially if you've got a spray bottle. Adding a little bit of soap to your washes also breaks the surface tension and lets it get into the crevices a little better.

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Good tip. I have some isopropyl alcohol, which I could have mixed in for the sandy bits in hindsight

[@robot7759]

Looks alright to me. Perhaps you might want to consider setting your expectations a bit lower? "Perfection" is the ruin of creativity? One way or the other, there's always a result, which is always a win in itself 😊

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Absolutely, it turned out better than I expected so I’m happy with the result

[@WraithMace]

Sweet video sir just subbed :)

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

Thanks!

[@mauroandorno8481]

good effort , is visible you are a beghinner in those kind of stuff , but work and pratice make the person perfect .... go haed and dont stop , soon you will see great enprouvments , especially when you get used to the various chemical reactions with different materials

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

For sure - as I said in the video it was my second piece ever so the intent is to practice and improve!

[@mauroandorno8481]

@@Lo-Fi_Gaming_ if you need some help , contact me , i dont publish videos of terrain making or miniatures in general , but i play collection , build , convert , kit bash stuff since 30 y , i can give you plenty of tricks with materials . cheers 😉, lol i did this ploystirene fortress at least 30 times , and every time i got a polystirene piece in my hands , i have to force myself to not make another, some of them are really beautifull

[@mauroandorno8481]

@@Lo-Fi_Gaming_ lol welcome to hell , doing this kind of stuff is like a drug :) sorry for my poor english i am italian

[@Lo-Fi_Gaming_]

@@mauroandorno8481 yep. very keen to do another build now!